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Science News for July 26, 2009


Researchers rapidly turn bacteria into biotech factories

A team of researchers has developed a new cell programming method called MAGE, which enables rapid refinement of bacterial genomes. By editing multiple genes in parallel, the researchers transformed E. coli cells into efficient factories that produce a desired compound in just three days.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2009

Common allergy drug reduces obesity and diabetes in mice

Researchers discovered that a common allergy medication can reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice by stabilizing mast cells. A separate study found regulatory T cells play a crucial role in controlling inflammation in fat tissue, suggesting a new connection between immune function and metabolic conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 26, 2009
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Surgery remans an option for advanced lung cancer

A major study published in The Lancet found that surgery after chemotherapy and radiation can prolong survival without progression of the lung cancer, but does not improve overall survival compared to conventional treatment alone. Patients who underwent a section of the lung removal saw a major benefit from surgery.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 26, 2009

New predictions for sea level rise

Researchers at University of Bristol predict sea level rise will be between 7-82 cm by end of century, similar to IPCC projections. The new model uses fossil coral data and temperature records from ice-core measurements to achieve accurate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 26, 2009

Hydrocarbons in the deep Earth?

Researchers found ethane and heavier hydrocarbons can be synthesized in the deep Earth, suggesting a new possible source of oil and gas. The discovery suggests that saturated hydrocarbons exist deeper in the Earth without requiring organic matter.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 26, 2009

Chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, with or without surgery, are options for patients with stage IIIA (N2) non-small-cell lung cancer

A new trial shows that chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, either with or without surgery, are viable options for patients with stage IIIA (N2) non-small-cell lung cancer. The treatment improved overall survival and progression-free survival rates compared to standard concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy alone.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 26, 2009
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Humans lend a hand to critically endangered waterbird

The study found that traditional farming practices by local communities create open habitats suitable for the birds. Conservation efforts may rely on these partnerships to save the species from extinction.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateJul 26, 2009

An 'eye catching' vision discovery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new type of light-sensitive cell in the retina of fish, which challenges current knowledge about retinal function and image vision. This discovery reveals that horizontal cells, previously thought to be only responsive to neighboring nerve cells, can also sense light.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2009