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Science News for June 12, 2011


Researchers improve method for finding genetic mistakes that fuel cancer

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a new algorithm called CREST to identify chromosomal aberrations in tumors, which are likely to advance our understanding of cancer. Using CREST, researchers found 89 new structural differences in cancer genomes and 50 new variations in melanoma cells.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 12, 2011

Family genetic research reveals the speed of human mutation

Researchers discovered that on average, thirty mutations are transmitted from each parent to their child, revising previous estimations and revolutionizing the timescale used to calculate generations separating humans from other species. This finding has important implications for research tying specific genetic mutations to diseases.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 12, 2011
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.

We are all mutants

Researchers found that humans receive approximately 60 new mutations from their parents, with varying rates coming from the mother and father. The study provides a direct measure of new mutations and reveals surprising differences in mutation rates between families.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 12, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New study of storm generation could improve rainfall prediction in West Africa

A new study using satellite observations and high-resolution images found that brief changes in soil moisture can affect storm generation in the Sahel region of West Africa. This could lead to improved predictive modeling for crops, which are crucial for the people affected by droughts in the area.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 12, 2011

Heart attack death rates linked to ambulance diversion

A new study links heart attack death rates to ambulance diversion, revealing that overtaxed emergency rooms lead to worse patient outcomes. For every 100 patients with acute myocardial infarction, there are three potentially avoidable deaths when ambulances are diverted for long periods.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateJun 12, 2011

Single GFP-expressing cell is basis of living laser device

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a living laser device using a single GFP-expressing cell, which can produce hundreds of pulses of laser light. The cellular device refocuses the light and induces emission of laser light at lower energy levels than required for solution-based devices.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 12, 2011