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Science News for December 23, 2009


Genomic toggle switches divide autoimmune diseases into distinct clusters, Stanford study shows

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that pairs of autoimmune diseases are linked in clinical practice and can be attributed to specific genetic variations known as SNPs. The researchers identified 15 key SNPs that predispose individuals to multiple autoimmune diseases, while also protecting them against others.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 23, 2009

Glacier melt adds ancient edibles to marine buffet

Researchers from four universities and the U.S. Forest Service found that glaciers along the Gulf of Alaska are a significant source of organic carbon, with up to 4,000-year-old material being flushed out with glacier melt. This ancient carbon is enriching stream and near-shore marine ecosystems.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

John Flynn elected as AAAS Fellow

John Flynn, Frick Curator of Fossil Mammals and Professor at the American Museum of Natural History, has been awarded the distinction of Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Dr. Flynn's research focuses on vertebrate paleontology, especially carnivore evolution and faunal succession in South America.

Stars engage in vampirism to look young, hot

Astronomers found two types of blue stragglers that defy aging: those rejuvenated by cosmic collisions and those formed by vampirism. The latter is thought to be caused by a smaller star siphoning hydrogen from its companion, while the former occurs in nearly head-on collisions where stars merge, mixing their nuclear fuel.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

Researchers find new patterns in H1N1 deaths

Brazilian researchers have identified three distinct lung damage patterns and found that underlying medical conditions significantly contribute to fatal outcomes. The study highlights the importance of monitoring patients with pre-existing conditions, as they are at a higher risk of developing severe H1N1 infections.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 23, 2009

Pollution linked to hospitalizations for pneumonia in older adults

Research found that long-term exposure to traffic pollution independently increased the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia among older individuals. Long-term exposures to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) were each associated with a more than doubled risk of hospitalization from pneumonia.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 23, 2009

Anti-inflammatory drugs (coxibs) interfere with aspirin's clotting ability -- Ben-Gurion U.

A new study at Ben-Gurion University reveals that taking coxib medications like Celebrex with aspirin increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers found that coxibs interfere with aspirin's effectiveness in preventing blood clots, potentially offsetting its protective benefits.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2009

Genetic study reveals the origins of cavity-causing bacteria

A genetic study has identified the origins of cavity-causing bacteria Bifidobacterium dentium Bd1, revealing its genetic adaptations for oral survival. The study found that the genome sequence of this bacterium has evolved through only a few horizontal gene acquisition events, highlighting the narrow boundary between beneficial and pat...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 23, 2009

Sleeping off childhood?

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that delayed sleep onset and reduced sleep time are associated with increased pubertal development, suggesting an earlier transition to adolescence. The research highlights the need for parents and educators to prioritize healthy sleep habits in pre-pubescent children.

Scientists create world's first molecular transistor

Researchers from Yale University and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology created the first transistor made from a single molecule by manipulating the energy states of a benzene molecule through gold contacts. They successfully controlled the current passing through the molecule using voltage manipulation.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2009

Air pollution linked to hospitalizations for pneumonia in seniors

Research by McMaster University scientist Mark Loeb found that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter increases the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in adults aged 65 and older. Exposure to air pollution may compromise lung immune defenses, making individuals more susceptible to pneumonia.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 23, 2009