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Science News Archive February 2009 - Page 18


Page 18 of 24

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 9, 2009

Research suggests mice without AT1A protein have a significantly prolonged lifespan. This is attributed to reduced cellular oxidation, contributing to aging. Additionally, studies investigate the role of MT1-MMP in regulating hematopoietic progenitor cells' release from bone marrow.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 9, 2009

Novel economical blood test for hepatitis C

A novel blood test for hepatitis C virus has been developed by researchers at Bonn University and the Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine. The test is significantly cheaper than existing commercial tests, while maintaining equal sensitivity, and can be used to monitor blood banks in poorer countries.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2009

The Hsp90-Antifungal Combo, please: Compromising fungi in the immunocompromised

Researchers at Whitehead Institute found that combining an antifungal agent with Hsp90 inhibition is effective against multiple types of resistant fungal infections. The treatment could lead to development of novel therapies for patients with compromised immune systems, who suffer high mortality rates from these infections.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2009

Biologists find gene network that gave rise to first tooth

Researchers have found a common genetic circuit controlling the formation of teeth in both jaws and throats of vertebrates. This discovery suggests that a core set of genes governs tooth development, regardless of location, and may also be involved in other patterned structures like hair and feathers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 9, 2009

Autism Consortium members publish in PNAS: Mechanism, treatment for Rett syndrome -- top cause autism girls

The Autism Consortium has published a groundbreaking study defining the mechanism behind Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder primarily affecting girls and a leading cause of autism. The research discovered that targeting the IGF1 signaling axis could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating or reversing Rett Syndrome.

SourceAutism Consortium·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2009

Study suggests possible treatment for neurological disorder Rett syndrome

Scientists at Whitehead Institute and MIT's Picower Institute have successfully treated a mouse model of Rett syndrome with daily injections of an active fragment of IGF-1, significantly reducing movement and respiratory irregularities. The treatment promotes nerve cell maturation and increases brain levels of IGF-1.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2009

A Zen discovery: Unrusted iron in ocean

A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges the long-held assumption about oceanic iron cycles. They found that organic compounds can capture some iron spewed by hydrothermal vents, enabling it to be carried away in seawater and reaching the surface, where it can nourish marine life more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 8, 2009

Revolutionary microchip uses 30 times less power

Scientists have created a microchip that uses 30 times less electricity while running seven times faster than today's technology, thanks to probabilistic logic. This technology has significant implications for the IT industry's carbon footprint, potentially reducing energy consumption in devices such as cell phones and medical implants.

Scientists deconstruct cell division

Researchers have identified two proteins, dynein and Nudel, as crucial for regulating the assembly of the spindle matrix during mitosis. This finding broadens our understanding of how cells control critical events during division. Understanding spindle assembly is essential to comprehend cell fate choices and development.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 8, 2009

That gut feeling may actually reflect a reliable memory

A new Northwestern University study uses brain-reading technology to show that people can be more accurate in recognizing familiar images when distracted or guessing than when paying full attention. The research suggests that implicit recognition may play a significant role in everyday decision-making and problem-solving.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 8, 2009

Long-sought protein structure may help reveal how 'gene switch' works

Researchers at NIST and Brookhaven National Laboratory have defined the structure of a metabolic switch found inside most types of bacteria, revealing how a key protein regulates genes involved in bacterial survival. The discovery could lead to new methods for preventing tuberculosis and other pathogenic diseases.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 6, 2009

Cracking a controversial solid state mystery

Scientists at the University of Nottingham and the University of California, Berkeley have provided evidence for a new kind of sudden transition between liquid and solid glass. This transformation occurs when molecules are viewed in both space and time, guiding towards methods for producing stronger and longer-lasting glass.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2009

Losing weight can cure obstructive sleep apnea in overweight patients

A new study shows that losing weight is the most effective way to reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms and associated disorders. The study found that weight loss of more than 20 pounds resulted in markedly lower OSA symptoms and improvements in co-morbidities such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2009

Wireless drug control

Researchers highlight potential security concerns for remote intelligent drug delivery systems, which could compromise patient safety. The team proposes implementing robust security mechanisms to mitigate hacking risks.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateFeb 6, 2009