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Science News for August 26, 2009


Getting wired: How the brain does it

Researchers at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute have discovered a key signaling pathway involved in brain connectivity. The study found that inhibiting the interaction between Calcineurin and NFAT resulted in more dendritic branches and synapses, suggesting a potent role for CaN in regulating neural connections.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 26, 2009

Star-birth myth 'busted'

A team of international researchers has challenged the long-held idea that the ratio of massive stars to lighter ones in star-forming regions remains consistent. They found that this ratio, known as the initial mass function, varies significantly between different galaxies, with some forming more low-mass stars than expected.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalAstrophysics·DateAug 26, 2009

Water scarcity started 15 years ago

A new analysis of 30 years of on-ground and satellite observations reveals the onset of water scarcity in southeast Australia around 1993-1996. This finding underscores the importance of good water information for water resource planning and highlights the impact of climate change on the country's current water resources.

Scientists get first close look at stimulated brain

Researchers at Harvard Medical School used two-photon microscopy to track calcium levels in neurons during electrical stimulation, revealing a scattered and widely distributed set of neurons switch on. The findings contradict a long-standing hypothesis and suggest that axons are being stimulated rather than cell bodies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateAug 26, 2009

Do the media lead entrepreneurs astray?

A new study published in Human Ecology found that media propaganda during the late nineteenth century Colorado silver rush misled entrepreneurs by exaggerating ore concentrations, leading to over-risking their investments. The researchers used central place foraging models to investigate optimal foraging strategies and compared actual ...

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateAug 26, 2009

Study shines light on night-time alertness

Research suggests that red light can impact alertness at night via pathways other than the circadian system, contradicting previous assumptions about blue light's dominance. The study found that moderate levels of red light increase alertness in individuals, making it a viable alternative to blue light for improving nighttime alertness.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateAug 26, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers have identified new targets for treating breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting Brk protein expression. Additionally, a study on Wnk1 revealed its critical role in angiogenesis and heart development. Furthermore, drug abuse has been found to worsen HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders through dopamine signaling.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateAug 26, 2009

D2 lymphadenectomy improves the long-term survival for patients with node-negative gastric cancer

A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that a large number of dissected lymph nodes in D2 dissection improves long-term survival and reduces recurrence rate for patients with node-negative gastric cancer. The number of resected lymph nodes is a key prognostic indicator, and increasing it leads to better survival o...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateAug 26, 2009

LLNL research reveals how blast waves may cause human brain injury even without direct head impacts

Researchers at LLNL used hydrodynamic simulations to show that nonlethal blasts can induce skull flexure and generate damaging loads in the brain. The study suggests that armor systems designed for impacts may not be optimal for blast wave protection, highlighting the need for improved helmet design.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 26, 2009

New molecular markers for tumor aggressiveness in biliary tract cancer

Researchers identified LNγ2, LNβ3, and active MMP7 as molecular markers for tumor aggressiveness in biliary tract cancer. The study found that these markers were associated with tumor progression, depth of invasion, and advanced stage. Down-regulation of MMP7 expression resulted in a significant decrease in cancer cell invasion.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateAug 26, 2009

How to increase colonoscopy attendance?

A Chinese study establishes a multifaceted barrier-focused intervention program to increase colonoscopy attendance among nonadherent high-risk populations for colorectal cancer screening. The program significantly increased attendance rates, especially among those with objective barriers.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateAug 26, 2009

'Hedgehog' pathway may hold key to anti-cancer therapy

Scientists have discovered a way to block the growth of human colon cancer cells by targeting the Hedgehog-GLI pathway, preventing tumor growth and metastasis. This breakthrough could provide a new method for treating incurable forms of colon cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 26, 2009

Return of business to New Orleans post-Katrina

A study analyzing business return to New Orleans post-Katrina found that businesses reopening cited damage to physical locations and financing as primary concerns, while those remaining closed ranked levee protection as top concern. The study used repeated telephone surveys of businesses from December 2005 to October 2007.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2009

Employee's loyalty to workplace damaged by unfair treatment

A recent study published in Journal of Management Studies found that employees who experience perceived injustices at work are more likely to suffer from psychological well-being damage and extreme emotional exhaustion. This can lead to decreased job commitment, increased turnover rates, and a general depletion in employee morale.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateAug 26, 2009

Strictly ballroom analysis

Researchers developed a neural network system to classify music genres, such as cha-cha-cha, jive, and tango, with varying degrees of success. The approach combines the strengths of two existing methods and uses a neural network to analyze beat and tempo, outperforming other classification techniques.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Information and Database Systems·DateAug 26, 2009

New ultrasensitive electronic sensor array speeds up DNA detection

Scientists developed a novel electronic sensor array to rapidly detect DNA for disease diagnosis and biological research, with ultrasensitive detection capabilities and cost-effectiveness. The Nanogap Sensor Array technology has the potential to speed up efforts in detecting debilitating diseases such as cancer and infectious viruses.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2009