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Science News Archive June 2009 - Page 20


Page 20 of 26

What about the boys?

A new study published in Springer's journal Gender Issues highlights the significant problems faced by American boys, including lower literacy levels, higher drop-out rates, and increased rates of mental health issues. The research suggests that policy makers have largely neglected these issues, focusing instead on those affecting girls.

SourceSpringer·JournalGender Issues·DateJun 8, 2009

NIH invests $46 million in regional consortium for emerging infectious disease research

The Northeast Biodefense Center, a regional collaboration of major centers, will conduct interdisciplinary research on diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to address emerging infectious diseases. The center has made significant contributions to global health, including the development of diagnostics for SARS and pandemic influenza.

Gene therapy for hemophilia A mice

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have successfully provided long-term expression of Factor VIII in hemophilia A mice using a new gene therapy approach, marking a promising step toward human clinical trials.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 8, 2009

Is this the beginning of the end of plant breeding?

Researchers in France and Austria have created a strain of plant called MiMe, which produces genetically identical pollen and eggs through mitosis instead of meiosis. This breakthrough has the potential to simplify the creation of stable new mutant crops, paving the way for more efficient crop improvement and propagation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 8, 2009

More than just the tailpipe

Researchers create framework to calculate environmental cost of travel, including power plants, train station upkeep and airport runway construction. A half-full Boston light railway is found to be as environmentally friendly as a midsize aircraft at 38% occupancy.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 8, 2009

Enzyme necessary for DNA synthesis can also erase DNA

Researchers at Uppsala University have identified a new enzyme necessary for DNA synthesis that can also erase DNA from bacterial chromosomes. By studying Salmonella mutants, they found that this enzyme plays a crucial role in spontaneous gene deletions, which can lead to the reduction of DNA content.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2009

New cleaning protocol for future 'search for life' missions

Scientists at the University of Leeds and NASA have developed a new cleaning protocol to ensure that Earth-based microorganisms don't contaminate Mars samples. The protocol was tested on various sampling devices, including rover scoops and glacial ice core drills, and found to effectively remove detectable organic biosignatures.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAstrobiology·DateJun 8, 2009

Stopping diabetes damage with vitamin C

Researchers found that a combination of insulin and vitamin C stopped blood vessel damage caused by Type 1 diabetes in patients with poor glucose control. The therapy's effectiveness was proven in humans for the first time, offering hope for diabetic patients to avoid complications.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 8, 2009

An estimated 4 percent of older US men have dry eye disease

A study estimates that approximately 1.68 million US men over 50 years old suffer from dry eye disease, which increases with age and is associated with high blood pressure and certain medications. The prevalence of the condition rises significantly among older men, particularly those aged 75 and above.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJun 8, 2009

Enigmatic sea urchin structure catalogued

A comprehensive investigation into sea urchins' axial complex has shown that various internal organs are structurally linked. The study uses high-resolution imaging to analyze specimens from multiple orders, providing a re-evaluation of published studies spanning two centuries.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateJun 8, 2009

Cardiac rehabilitation saves lives

A large Brandeis University-led study found that cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces mortality rates among older adult patients with heart disease. The study showed a 19% lower risk of death for those attending more than 24 sessions, and the benefits were most pronounced in extreme elderly patients.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 8, 2009

UT Southwestern research reveals how cells tell time

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used the fungus Neurospora to study the biochemistry and genetics of body clocks. They found that a protein called FRQ marks time by a sequence of changes in its chemical structure, which controls many biological processes including cell division, hormonal release, and sleep/wake cycles.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2009