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Science News Archive October 2009 - Page 13


Page 13 of 27

EPA fellow studies effect of mercury in toads

Christine Bergeron, a Virginia Tech doctoral student, receives an EPA fellowship to study the impact of mercury on American toads' reproductive success. The research reveals that female toads transfer mercury to their eggs, affecting offspring viability and potentially long-term population health.

Herbal tonic for radiotherapy

A study published in International Journal of Low Radiation found that extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves can protect human white blood cells from gamma radiation-induced apoptosis. The results suggest that the antioxidant compounds in Ginkgo biloba extract can neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Low Radiation·DateOct 19, 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

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

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.

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