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Science News for June 29, 2009


Composites for energy

Recent studies suggest tidal stream devices could supply up to 5% of the UK's electricity needs, offering a solution with minimal environmental impacts. Collaborative projects are developing more fatigue-resistant materials and improved design techniques for wind turbine blades and solar energy converters.

Gene expression findings a step toward better classification and treatment of juvenile arthritis

Scientists have identified gene expression patterns in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) that can help predict their disease outcome and guide treatment. These findings could lead to more precise classification of JIA subtypes and the development of individually tailored treatments.

Super-sleepers could help super-sizers!

A team of scientists has discovered that burrowing frogs can survive for years without food or water by changing their cell metabolism to maximize energy efficiency. This radical adaptation could have significant medical applications, particularly in treating energy-related disorders like obesity.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 29, 2009

First step to converting solar energy using 'artificial leaf'

Scientists at Leiden University have successfully developed an artificial leaf that can convert sunlight into fuel and clean energy. The breakthrough, which is the first step in creating an artificial photosynthesis system, involves modifying chlorophyll molecules to resemble the efficient light antennae of bacteria.

SourceLeiden University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2009

GUMC study may help explain 'awakenings' that occur with popular sleep-aid Ambien

A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers suggests that zolpidem, a powerful sedative, activates brain circuits when neural activity is silenced. This 'activation' occurs due to changes in inhibitory neurons responsible for stopping neural activity, allowing excitatory neurons to re-awaken.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2009

Water should be a human right

The World Health Organization estimates that 2.8 billion people will face water stress or scarcity by 2025. Access to clean water can reduce global disease burden and is essential for health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 29, 2009

Gene map aims to combat blood flukes

Researchers created a genetic linkage map for S. mansoni, a blood fluke infecting 90 million people in Africa and the New World. The map will facilitate high-resolution population genetic studies and improve understanding of transmission patterns.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 29, 2009

Penn State researchers receive $1.2 million MURI grant

Researchers at Penn State's Center for Network-Centric Cognition and Information Fusion are working on a $1.2 million MURI grant to develop unified research on network-based hard/soft information fusion. The team will use data from various sources, including cell phones and social media sites, to improve data fusion capabilities.

Risk of cancer

Researchers identified a novel mechanism linking a common single-base variant in chromosome 8 to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This variant is carried by nearly all African populations and contributes significantly to the disease at a population level, yet its impact on individual susceptibility is minimal.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 29, 2009

Black gay men may be at increased HIV risk

Black gay men are more likely to have tightly interconnected sexual networks, increasing the rapid spread of HIV. Social barriers and racism contribute to these networks, perpetuating health disparities among Black gay men.

SourceSpringer·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateJun 29, 2009

Birds with a nose for a difference

Researchers found that most pairs of black-legged kittiwakes avoid inbreeding more often than chance, suggesting they can detect relatives in large populations. Inbred pairs produced fewer hatching eggs and chicks with lower survival rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJun 29, 2009

UNC scientists tackle viral mysteries

Researchers discover that a secondary viral infection can trigger the reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), leading to uncontrolled cell growth and potentially developing into cancer. Activation of specific toll-like receptors allows the virus to replicate, spreading throughout the body.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2009

Debate on administration of magnesium sulfate to pregnant women to prevent cerebral palsy in preterm infants

Researchers found evidence that magnesium sulfate administration significantly reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in children at risk. However, a roundtable discussion highlighted the need for further clarification on its use due to conflicting results from well-designed trials and observational studies.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 29, 2009

Study could help target new pancreatitis treatments

Researchers have discovered that deleting specific genes can significantly reduce toxic calcium release in pancreatic cells, which can trigger pancreatitis. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective treatments for the disease, particularly those related to excessive drinking.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2009

Scripps research scientists find key culprits in lupus

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified three proteins called Toll-like receptors as necessary for the autodestruction that occurs in autoimmune diseases like lupus. The study suggests that these TLRs may be good targets for therapy, potentially leading to new treatments for lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2009

Dino tooth sheds new light on ancient riddle

A new study by the University of Leicester has found evidence that duck-billed dinosaurs, such as Hadrosaurs, had a unique way of eating. The researchers used microscopic analysis of scratches on dinosaur teeth to understand their feeding mechanisms and place them in ancient ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2009

GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy June issue study highlights

A study published in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy examined polyp detection rates at screening colonoscopy and identified factors contributing to variability. Procedure time was found to be significantly associated with polyp detection rates across all models, indicating the need for quality standards for colonoscopy performance.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 29, 2009