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Science News for October 18, 2009


What's the clonality status and allelotype of focal nodular hyperplasia?

Researchers analyzed 12 focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) lesions and found polyclonal nature with no loss of heterozygosity in most cases, contrasting with 40% monoclonality in altered hepatocytes. This study provides an approach for differential diagnosis and may lead to further understanding of early human hepatocarcinogenesis.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 18, 2009

Metals could forge new cancer drug

A new class of compounds containing Ruthenium and Osmium has been found to be highly effective in killing ovarian and colon cancer cells, even those resistant to Cisplatin. The discovery is a significant step forward in the field of medicinal chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateOct 18, 2009

What caused implantable venous access device failure in cancer patients?

A study found increasing age, male gender, open-ended catheter, and hematogenous malignancy as significant risk factors for TIVAD failure. Close-ended catheters had lower thrombosis rates, while solid malignancies had lower infection rates compared to hematogenous malignancies.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 18, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Exercise can aid recovery after brain radiation

Researchers found that exercise after whole-brain radiation treatment improved erasable memory in mice, comparable to humans' experience. Exercise also reduced depressive-like behaviors in irradiated mice, suggesting a protective effect against memory loss and depression.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateOct 18, 2009

Migraine sufferers more prone to hangover headache

Researchers found that rats with migraine-like headaches reacted to alcohol-induced pain, whereas those without migraines did not. The study suggests dehydration or impurities in alcohol are not responsible for hangovers.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateOct 18, 2009

Time in a bottle: Scientists watch evolution unfold

A Michigan State University experiment has watched the emergence of natural selection over 40,000 generations, providing insights into genome evolution and adaptation. The study's findings have implications for biotechnology and cancer research, revealing complex relationships between genetic mutations and environmental pressures.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2009
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Performance reviews are raising council standards, say researchers

A study by Cardiff University researchers found that performance reviews under the Audit Commission's Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) led to improved council standards. Poorly performing councils were more likely to see a change in political leadership and management, resulting in better outcomes.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 18, 2009

Geologists point to outer space as source of the Earth's mineral riches

A new study suggests that some minerals beneath the Earth's surface could be of extraterrestrial origin. Researchers propose that a 'rain' of comets and meteorites may have deposited precious metals such as platinum and rhodium in the rock portion of the Earth, challenging internal geological processes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 18, 2009

A major step in making better stem cells from adult tissue

Scripps Research scientists have made a breakthrough in creating stem cells from adult human tissue using three small drug-like chemicals. The new technique is 200 times more efficient and twice as fast than conventional methods, solving two major challenges in the development of stem-cell-based medicine.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 18, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Major advance in organic solar cells

A new synthetic method creates longer polymer chains, increasing current density in plastic solar cells. The reduced reaction time cuts production time by nearly 50%, making it easier to optimize chemical structure and reduce manufacturing costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 18, 2009

Small mechanical forces have big impact on embryonic stem cells

Embryonic stem cells exhibit sensitivity to localized cyclic forces due to their softness, affecting gene expression and differentiation. The study suggests that applying controlled mechanical forces could be a new method for directing cell behavior, with implications for therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 18, 2009

Fine-tuning treatments for depression

Researchers have found elevated levels of gamma-synuclein in depressed animals and humans, highlighting its role in regulating neurotransmitters. The study may provide new therapeutic targets for treating depression, which currently has limited effective treatments.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateOct 18, 2009
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Fracture zones endanger tombs in Valley of Kings

Researchers used photography and detailed geological mapping to identify 30 tombs on fracture traces, which can lead to flooding and damage. The team plans to use this information to stop flooding by diverting water away from tombs.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 18, 2009

APP -- Good, bad or both?

Research at Georgetown University Medical Center found that APP plays a critical role in brain development, connection of synapses, and dendritic spine development. Overproducing APP can lead to Abeta plaques and cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of maintaining balance in APP protein expression.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateOct 18, 2009

New chromosomal abnormality identified in leukemia associated with Down syndrome

Researchers have discovered a new chromosomal abnormality in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is particularly common in children with Down syndrome. The finding has led to the development of new diagnostic tests and potential treatments, including an experimental medication targeting one of the altered genes.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 18, 2009