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Science News for November 18, 2010


Planet from another galaxy discovered

Astronomers have discovered a planet from another galaxy orbiting a star that has entered our Milky Way, providing the first confirmed detection of an extragalactic exoplanet. The planet, HIP 13044 b, was detected using high-resolution spectrograph FEROS attached to the MPG/ESO telescope at ESO's La Silla Observatory.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateNov 18, 2010

Redrawing our borders

A Northwestern University team analyzed Wheres's George? data to identify areas of high connectivity, finding that some borders split states, while others align with cultural segmentation. The study reveals the strength of local travel over long-distance relationships.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2010

For macaques, male bonding is a political move

Research finds that unrelated male macaques in the wild form close relationships with select males, resembling human friendship. These bonds are linked to future social dominance and successful mating, suggesting a role of politics in shaping male social dynamics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 18, 2010

UTHealth discoveries shed more light on deadly thoracic aortic disease

Researchers at UTHealth have identified a fifth gene defect associated with thoracic aortic disease, as well as 47 DNA regions linked to the condition. The findings offer new insights into the role of smooth muscle cells in contracting the aorta and provide potential avenues for blocking or reversing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 18, 2010

Could Facebook trigger asthma?

Researchers report a case of an 18-year-old man experiencing asthma attacks triggered by logging into Facebook. The doctors suggest hyperventilation due to seeing his girlfriend's profile may have caused these episodes. They propose considering social networks as a potential trigger for exacerbations in depressed asthmatic individuals.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 18, 2010

Organ procurement air transportation displays poor safety record

A new report reveals sub-standard transportation practices for donor organs led to fatal air crashes and emphasizes the need for improved safety measures. The study suggests implementing measures like quality aircraft, two-pilot crews, and aviation safety consultants to improve safety in organ procurement travel.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateNov 18, 2010

Taking a break from osteoporosis drugs can protect bones

A recent study found that bone density remained stable for three years in patients who took a drug holiday from bisphosphonates, a popular class of osteoporosis drugs. The researchers recommend taking drug holidays after four to five years, but the study suggests that this duration may be longer, potentially up to three years.

SAGE to publish Psychology of Women Quarterly

Psychology of Women Quarterly (PWQ) is a feminist journal publishing qualitative and quantitative research on women and psychology. The journal will be published by SAGE in its 35th anniversary year, with a focus on disseminating important scholarship.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateNov 18, 2010

Rare mutations linked with catastrophic aortic aneurysms

Researchers identify 47 copy-number variant regions associated with sporadic and familial aortic aneurysms (TAAD), highlighting disrupted smooth muscle function as key mechanism. The findings have significant implications for other adult-onset cardiovascular disorders, suggesting potential targets for screening and prevention.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 18, 2010

Process leading to protein diversity in cells important for proper neuron firing

A novel form of splicing in the cytoplasm of nerve cells dictates a special form of a potassium channel protein in the outer membrane, essential for coordinating electrical firing of nerve cells. This discovery highlights the importance of introns in regulating protein diversity and has implications for brain diseases such as epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2010

Human health effects of 'e-waste' focus of international research study

A new international population study led by the University of Cincinnati examines the human developmental effects of environmental exposure to complex metal mixtures found in electronic waste. The research aims to identify potential preventative measures to reduce human exposures, particularly for pregnant women and young children livi...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 18, 2010

10 years of Soufriere Hills Volcano research published

A decade of research on the Soufriere Hills Volcano has provided new understanding of magma activity, explosive dynamics, and volcano mechanics. The CALIPSO and SEA-CALIPSO projects have generated high-resolution images of the volcano's center and adjacent crust.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2010

UGA researchers identify key enzyme that regulates the early growth of breast cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a key enzyme that regulates the early growth of breast cancer cells, which can delay tumor onset and spread by blocking GnT-V activity. The study found that eliminating this enzyme reduces breast cancer stem cells, potentially leading to new drug targets and treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2010