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Science News for June 15, 2009


Is the sky the limit for wind power?

A new study identifies New York and eastern U.S. cities as prime locations for exploiting high-altitude winds, which contain enough energy to meet world demand 100 times over. The regions match population centers and have high wind power densities, but fluctuating wind strength poses a challenge for large-scale exploitation.

Calcium -- the secret to honeybees' memory

Researchers have discovered that calcium modulation affects long-term memory specifically while leaving learning and short-term memory intact. The study found that increased calcium levels during learning led to stronger responses to olfactory stimuli associated with food, indicating improved memory performance.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 15, 2009

Show and prove

Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine has received a $650,000 NIH grant to test the effectiveness of a personalized, visual diabetic foot education strategy. The program aims to improve health literacy and empower patients to make better decisions about their foot care.

Hungry cells

Scientists have identified a new approach to detect and treat Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a rare inherited cancer syndrome, by exploiting tumors' weak spot in glucose metabolism. They found that targeting mTOR pathway with rapamycin can stop tumor growth, offering new treatment options.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2009

Gating the tides in yeast

Researchers have gained insight into the regulation of aquaporins in yeast cells, revealing a previously mysterious region that acts as a gate controlling water flow. This discovery may lead to the development of inhibitors for human aquaporins, which could slow down cancer tumor growth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2009

Scientists discover magnetic superatoms

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered a stable cluster of atoms that can mimic different elements of the periodic table, exhibiting strong magnetic properties. The discovery has potential applications in creating faster computers, larger memory storage, and molecular electronic devices.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2009

What limits the size of birds?

Research by Sievert Rohwer and colleagues reveals that maximum body size in birds is constrained by the molt process. As bird size increases, feathers wear out before they can be replaced, requiring alternative strategies to maintain aerodynamic support. This fundamental relationship ultimately limits the size of flying birds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2009

Gene evolution process discovered

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a key mechanism governing gene evolution, revealing that protein REST controls gene expression by binding to specific genetic sequences. This process has been shown to play a leading role in the evolution of intelligence in mammals, particularly in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJun 15, 2009

Stress puts double whammy on reproductive system, fertility

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have found a critical piece in the puzzle about how stress causes sexual dysfunction and infertility. Stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids like cortisol, inhibit the body's main sex hormone GnRH, while also increasing another hormone GnIH, which directly inhibits GnRH.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers investigated calcium supplementation's effect on obese patients' weight loss, found no benefits. Red yeast rice capsules improved LDL cholesterol levels in statin-intolerant patients without muscle pain side effects. Colonoscopy-related adverse events were low but increased with age and specific comorbid conditions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 15, 2009

As college drinking problems rise, new studies identify effective prevention strategies

Researchers found that brief motivational interviews and one-on-one counseling programs significantly reduced heavy drinking and improved behavior among high-risk students. Community-based initiatives, such as increased police patrols and online alcohol policies, also showed promise in reducing off-campus incidents involving students.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJun 15, 2009

New issue of Reproductive Health Matters on task shifting

The new issue of Reproductive Health Matters highlights the need for comprehensive efforts to strengthen public health systems and create a well-trained workforce. Mid-level providers are willing to take on increased workloads, raising questions about quality of care and financial remuneration.

SourceElsevier·JournalReproductive Health Matters·DateJun 15, 2009

U of Alberta study discovers how proteins help repair DNA

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered how proteins recognize and repair damaged DNA. The proteins bend the DNA double helix to amplify damage recognition, enabling the next protein to cut out the damaged section. This process can be used to develop new cancer treatments and disease prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2009

Therapeutic delivery of a gene to dysfunctional nerves

Researchers have developed a gene delivery approach to target therapeutic genes to nerves in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), a region affected in various sensory neuronopathies. This method, using helper-dependent adenoviruses, was found to be more efficient at delivering genes to DRG nerves compared to nontargeted versions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2009

Colleges, communities combat off-campus student drinking

A new study suggests that college-community cooperation programs can help reduce heavy episodic drinking, with a Western Washington University program showing a decline in student binge drinking. The findings highlight the importance of collaboration between colleges and their surrounding neighborhoods to combat problem drinking.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJun 15, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: June 15, 2009

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a system to target therapeutic genes to nerves in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), showing dramatic efficiency in gene delivery compared to nontargeted adenoviruses. In mice lacking the Hexb gene, administration of DRG-targeted helper-dependent adenoviruses carrying the Hexb gene ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2009

Distributed security

Researchers suggest a new paradigm for coping with cybercrime by shifting focus from punishment to deterrence and prevention. Individuals must recognize their own front-line defense against cybercrime and work together to build and maintain defenses.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Intercultural Information Management·DateJun 15, 2009

GARP makes the difference

Scientists have identified a molecular factor called GARP that plays an essential role in regulatory T cell function. By artificially inserting GARP into transplants, researchers were able to convert immune-reactive T cells into regulatory T cells, which inhibit organ rejection.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateJun 15, 2009

Sleep apnea occurring during REM sleep is significantly associated with type 2 diabetes

A study of 1,008 patients with obstructive sleep apnea found a significant association between REM-related OSA and type 2 diabetes, with adjusted odds ratios up to 2.8 times higher in middle-aged participants. The researchers suggest that REM-related OSA may be an early marker for type 2 diabetes, especially in women and younger patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJun 15, 2009

Dangerous college drinking: Prevention is possible, studies suggest

A series of studies published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that college prevention programs can effectively reduce heavy episodic drinking and other alcohol-related problems. The programs included counseling for individual students, neighborhood-based initiatives, and community engagement efforts.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJun 15, 2009

MIT: Peeling stickers may lead to stretchable electronics

A team of MIT researchers has developed a new approach to designing stretchable electronics by studying the delamination of stickers, which can lead to damage in twisted materials. By controlling the strength of adhesion and elastic properties, they can create devices that allow wires to move with the material without breaking.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2009

Novel discovery in dendritic cell signalling pathways pave the way for new therapeutic targets

Scientists have discovered a novel signaling pathway in dendritic cells that can be activated by bacterial fragments, leading to the activation of NFAT and triggering an immune response. This discovery has identified potential new therapeutic targets for diseases such as sepsis and chronic heart failure.

Young adults not drinking enough milk

A study found that young adults decreased their calcium and dairy product intake as they entered their twenties, which can lead to a higher risk of osteoporosis. The researchers suggest that interventions targeting families and adolescents should encourage milk consumption at meals and promote healthy eating habits.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 15, 2009