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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 85


Page 85 of 277

Green tea component may help preserve stored platelets, tissues

Researchers found that green tea component EGCG can prolong the preservation of stored blood platelets by up to six days via anti-apoptosis properties. Additionally, EGCG was shown to preserve skin tissues by controlling cell division and preventing oxidation, allowing for the storage of skin grafts up to seven weeks.

Understanding the implications of prenatal testing for Down syndrome

The introduction of new prenatal tests for Down syndrome has led to a steady decrease in births of babies with the condition since their introduction. Experts argue that existing tests may not be providing accurate information, leading to difficult conversations between physicians and expectant parents. To address this, researchers are...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateSep 14, 2009

Iraq troops' PTSD rate as high as 35 percent, says Management Insights study

A new study by Management Insights suggests that Iraq veterans may be experiencing a PTSD rate of up to 35%, doubling the expected rate due to delayed onset and subsequent deployments. The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences calls for increased mental health resources to care for returning troops.

Texas A&M researcher shows possible link between 1918 El Niño and flu pandemic

A study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society suggests that the 1918 El Niño may have contributed to the severity of the flu pandemic. The research indicates that the El Niño was one of the strongest of the 20th century, and its impact on global weather patterns could have exacerbated the spread of the disease.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateSep 14, 2009

How stem cells make skin

Researchers identified two proteins, C/EBPα and β, that control the transition from stem cell to skin cell development in mice. Mice lacking these proteins had defective skin formation and died shortly after birth. The study sheds light on the mechanisms involved in skin cancer and other epithelial cancers.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 13, 2009

Water quality in orbit

The University of Utah has developed a two-minute water quality monitoring method that uses a handheld color sensor to detect iodine or silver levels in drinking water. The system is designed to be simple, low-cost and safe for use on the International Space Station.

When nano may not be nano

A new study by an international team of researchers argues that the current definition of nanoparticles is not specific enough to determine their potential impact on human health and the environment. The study suggests that only particles smaller than 30 nanometers should be scrutinized for their unique properties.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 13, 2009

High-res view of zinc transport protein

A new structure of the zinc transporter protein has been revealed, showing how it senses and regulates zinc levels in cells. The discovery suggests an auto-regulatory mechanism for zinc transport and may lead to the development of treatments for diseases like seizure disorders or diabetes.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 13, 2009

Evolution still scientifically stable

Researchers discovered molecular evidence supporting Darwin's theory of evolution, finding that complex machines evolved through a process of combination and modification of existing proteins. The study provides a blueprint for understanding the evolution of cellular machinery, contradicting Intelligent Design explanations.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2009

Migrating birds chill to fatten up

Researchers found that smaller migrating blackcaps lose body temperature at night during stopovers to save energy, while heavier birds drop their metabolic rates less. This helps the birds accumulate more fuel and shorten their refueling stops.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 11, 2009