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Science News for October 16, 2009


Which is promising as therapeutic targets in patients with biliary tract cancer? EGFR or HER2?

A study of 124 patients with advanced biliary tract cancer found EGFR overexpression in 39.3% of tumors, while HER2 overexpression and gene amplification were present in only 5% of cases. This suggests that targeting EGFR may be a promising therapeutic approach for BTC, while routine testing and targeting of HER2 is not recommended.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 16, 2009

Science study: Teacher participation in Columbia program improves student achievement in science

The study found that students taught by participating teachers passed Regents science exams at a rate 10.1 percentage points higher than non-participating teachers' students. The program provides hands-on laboratory experience and funds for science supplies, encouraging teachers to implement more interactive exercises in their classrooms.

Scientists demonstrate link between genetic defect and brain changes in schizophrenia

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered a genetic lesion associated with schizophrenia disrupts brain development, altering neuron numbers and GABAergic cell placement. This finding supports the neurodevelopmental hypothesis, offering new avenues for understanding the disease's molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2009

New concept may enhance Earth-Mars communication

Researchers propose a solution to the crucial problem of ensuring reliable radio communication between Mars and Earth during solar alignments. A pair of communication relay satellites in B-orbits equipped with electric ion propulsion can 'hover' over points leading and trailing Mars' orbit, providing full-time communications.

TraDIS technique tackles typhoid

Researchers used a novel high-throughput analysis technique to study every gene in Salmonella Typhi, revealing that only 356 genes are necessary for its survival. The TraDIS method has the potential to accelerate the discovery of new targets for treatment and improve our understanding of bacterial disease.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 16, 2009

Cassini helps redraw shape of solar system

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University present a new view of the region of the sun's influence, suggesting that the heliosphere may not have a comet-like shape. The Cassini spacecraft's images reveal that particle pressure and magnetic field energy density control the shape of the heliosphere.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2009

Blue highways

Researchers led by Williams College Professor Anne Skinner investigate the lifestyle of humans living near the Nile tributaries during the Middle Stone Age. The study focuses on water resources concentrated near riverbanks during seasonal dry periods, and the site may have been a refuge during climate stress.

NIH launches second phase of patient reported outcomes initiative

The National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to further develop and test the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), a tool that assesses pain, fatigue, and other aspects of quality of life in a standardized manner. The second phase of PROMIS aims to strengthen assessment of patient-reported outcomes ...