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Science News Archive July 2010 - Page 13


Page 13 of 23

The secret to sniffing out a safe supper

Scientists have discovered a key role for the GC-D necklace subsystem in mice's ability to detect safe food based on social scent. This breakthrough adds to evidence that smell is comprised of multiple parts with specialized functions, highlighting a complex communication process between animals through breathing.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 15, 2010

Fossil find puts a face on early primates

A recent discovery of a 29-million-year-old fossil catarrhine provides new insights into the facial anatomy of the ancestral stock of apes and Old World monkeys. The Saadanius skull supports the hypothesis that the last common ancestor had a baboon-like, long snout, similar to that of modern true apes and monkeys.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2010

5 awarded ASTRO research grants

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected five physicians as recipients of two grants, the Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and the Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award. The awards support junior physician faculty and residents/fellows in radiation oncology research.

Jargon-busting software bridges the knowledge gap

Researchers have developed a tool that uses artificial intelligence to provide additional information on complex terms, bridging the semantic gap and improving communication. The approach has been successfully tested in an English composition class, where students could access explanations of teacher-used terminology.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Information and Database Systems·DateJul 14, 2010

What happens to your genes when you smoke a cigarette?

A groundbreaking study published in BMC Medical Genomics found significant changes in gene expression due to cigarette smoke exposure. The research, involving 1,240 individuals, identified over 323 unique genes whose expression levels were correlated with smoking behavior, revealing a sobering link between smoking and gene expression.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Genomics·DateJul 14, 2010

New role for the JNK protein

A recent study reveals that the JNK protein controls the cell cycle by regulating key drivers of cell growth. The findings suggest that hyperactive JNK activity may contribute to genomic instability and promote tumor growth.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 14, 2010

Cow's milk does a baby good

A new study from Tel Aviv University suggests that mothers who feed their babies cow's milk in the first 15 days of life may be protecting them from developing an allergy to cow's milk protein later in life. The study found that babies who were fed cow milk protein early, in the form of infant formula, were almost completely protected ...

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 14, 2010

Insulin signaling key to caste development in bees

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered that the insulin signaling pathway is crucial for caste development in honeybees. By manipulating this pathway, scientists can determine whether a larva will become a worker or queen bee. This study provides valuable insights into human biology and aging, as well as the importance...

SourceArizona State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 14, 2010

Nanotubes pass acid test

Rice researchers have found a breakthrough solvent for carbon nanotubes, untangling long tubes and clearing the way for scalable methods to create strong, lightweight materials. The discovery brings the creation of a highly conductive quantum nanowire closer.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 14, 2010

Researchers study relationship of oral cancers and periodontal disease

A recent study suggests that Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) infection may contribute to the chronicity of inflammatory disorders leading to oral cancers. The research found that P.g. induces expression of immune-regulating receptors B7-H1 and B7-DC in squamous cell carcinoma cells, facilitating immune evasion.

After 40 years, NIH-supported researchers identify possible new treatment for severe vasculitis

A new treatment strategy using rituximab has shown comparable benefits to the current standard of care in reducing disease activity and inducing remission for patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis. Early results also suggest improved outcomes for patients with relapsing disease, making this a major treatment advance.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 14, 2010

Cashew seed extract an effective anti-diabetic

A new study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research journal reveals that cashew seed extract can improve the body's response to insulin, potentially treating diabetes. The investigation found that only cashew seed extract significantly stimulated blood sugar absorption by muscle cells.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJul 14, 2010

Scientists' work improves odds of finding diamonds

Researchers have made a breakthrough in finding diamonds, discovering that kimberlites owe their origin to hot mantle plumes rising from the core-mantle boundary. This new understanding will help geologists concentrate their search for diamond-bearing rocks within ancient cratons, increasing the odds of finding precious gems.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2010