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Science News for July 8, 2010


Origins of multicellularity: All in the family

A global collaboration found that Volvox and Chlamydomonas algae share a common list of protein parts, suggesting limited innovation in the transition to multicellularity. Key discoveries include increased ECM proteins, cyclin D proteins, and novel gene functions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2010

Gene knockout makes female mice masculine

Researchers created FucM mouse mutants to investigate the role of the fucose mutarotase enzyme in sexual preference. The study found that female mice with the gene knockout displayed drastically reduced sexual receptivity and altered brain development, leading to masculine-like behavior.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genetics·DateJul 8, 2010

A fateful pause

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found a gene that regulates transcriptional elongation, enabling the body to rapidly produce mature red blood cells. This discovery may have implications for treating severe anemia and leukemia by understanding how the body can quickly switch on production of red cells.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 2010

President of India to inaugurate ICM 2010

The President of India will inaugurate the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) 2010 in Hyderabad, awarding Fields Medal and other prestigious prizes. The ICM is a periodic event bringing together 3000 mathematicians from around the world, marking a significant recognition of India's growing role in mathematics.

SourceICM2010·DateJul 8, 2010

Magnets trump metallics

Researchers at Rice University discovered that strong magnetic fields can transform highly conductive carbon nanotubes into semiconductors. By applying a magnetic field, a band gap opens up and the material becomes an insulator.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2010

NIH-led scientists find antibodies that prevent most HIV strains from infecting human cells

Researchers have found two human antibodies, VRC01 and VRC02, that can neutralize over 90% of known HIV strains. These antibodies could be used to design improved HIV vaccines or developed as a therapy for HIV infection. The discovery was made using a novel molecular device that targets specific cells making antibodies against HIV.

Scientists reprogram triple-negative breast cancer cells to respond to tamoxifen

Researchers have successfully induced epigenetic reprogramming in human and mouse breast cancer cells, making them more susceptible to tamoxifen treatment. This targeted epigenetic therapy has shown promising results in reversing the growth and invasive properties of triple-negative breast cancer cells.

SourceSamuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2010

New research shows why some communities embrace environmental conservation and others don't

New research from the University of New Hampshire found that rural areas with high unemployment rates are less likely to support environmental regulations. In contrast, areas with population growth and amenity-driven changes are more likely to favor conservation efforts. The study also reveals classic patterns in views on conservation,...

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalRural Sociology·DateJul 8, 2010

Instant testing for sore throats wins CIMIT prize

A Cornell University PhD candidate has won the top prize in the 2010 CIMIT Prize in Primary Healthcare competition for his project on DNA nanobarcodes. His technology offers a one-step quick point-of-care test for diagnosing pathogens responsible for pharyngitis, allowing timely and accurate triage of sore throats.

SourceCIMIT·DateJul 8, 2010

A chemical to make brain cells grow

Researchers discovered a chemical that promotes brain cell growth, potentially leading to new treatments for Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases. The substance protects newborn neurons from dying off, giving them better odds of becoming functional cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 2010

JILA team finds new parallel between cold gases and 'hot' superconductors

JILA team finds similar behavior in ultracold atomic gases and high-temperature superconductors, supporting the idea that studying superfluidity in atomic gases can help understand complicated superconductors. The discovery lends support to the concept of a 'pseudo-gap region' where atom pairing occurs above critical temperature.

A healthy mind makes a healthy body in teens

A new study published in Applied Research in Quality of Life found that positive emotions and life satisfaction are strong predictors of physical health in teenagers. Researchers analyzed data from 401 students aged 12-14 and found that subjective well-being was a significant unique predictor of physical health outcomes.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateJul 8, 2010

Antibody may help treat and prevent influenza outbreaks

Researchers have discovered a monoclonal antibody that is effective against multiple strains of influenza, including Avian H5N1, seasonal H1N1, and the 2009 Swine H1N1 influenza. The antibody targets a conserved region of the viral coat protein, providing broad-spectrum protection against various flu strains.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 8, 2010

Endoscopic ultrasound evaluation is associated with improved outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients

A new study finds that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is associated with improved outcomes in patients with localized pancreatic cancer. EUS evaluation was found to improve overall survival, possibly due to earlier cancer detection and more selective surgery. The study analyzed a large population-based cancer registry and demonstrated the...

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJul 8, 2010

Ferns and fog on the forest floor

Researchers found that ferns in the northern end of the redwood forest ecosystem are better equipped to absorb fog water than those in the southern region. This has important implications for the structure of plant communities and how ecosystems function during drought periods. The study suggests that native ferns may be able to acclim...

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJul 8, 2010