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Science News for October 2, 2011


Factor in keeping 'good order' of genes discovered

Researchers found that lamin filaments are essential for proper gene positioning and organization, a crucial factor in maintaining nuclear shape and function. Mutations in lamin genes cause 14 different diseases, including Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, by disrupting muscle-specific gene reorganization.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 2, 2011
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Older people are happier in Brazil and South Africa

Research from the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme found that average wellbeing levels among older people in South Africa and Brazil improved between 2002 and 2008 due to economic growth and social policies. Economic performance, labour market conditions, and pension income were key factors influencing improvement in wellbeing.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 2, 2011

Could soccer give homeless men a health kick?

Research shows playing street football two to three times a week can halve the risk of early death in homeless men. The study found improvements in aerobic fitness, cholesterol, body fat, and blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateOct 2, 2011

Gravitational waves that are 'sounds of the universe'

Astronomers have discovered a correlation between gravitational wave events and radio flares, enabling them to pinpoint the source of these cosmic occurrences. By analyzing surrounding interstellar material, researchers can verify that detected gravitational waves come from specific regions of space.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2011

La Jolla Institute discovers previously unknown cell interaction key in immune system attacks

Researchers at La Jolla Institute have identified a previously unknown molecular interaction between protein kinase C theta and CD28 that is essential for T lymphocyte activation. This discovery opens up a novel therapeutic avenue for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis by blocking the cellular inter...

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 2, 2011
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Genomic architecture presages genomic instability

Researchers found a shared, unusual genomic architecture in patients with severe diseases, including MECP2 duplication syndrome and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease. This structure is associated with increased genetic material dosage and makes the disorder worse.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 2, 2011

Tenerife geology discovery is among 'world's best'

Researchers have uncovered a well-preserved example of a massive landslide triggered by a volcanic eruption on Tenerife. The study provides insights into the long-term effects of such events on hazardous pyroclastic dispersal, with potential implications for tsunami risk assessment and global preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalGeology·DateOct 2, 2011

Unprecedented Arctic ozone loss occurred last winter

A NASA-led study found unprecedented Arctic ozone loss in 2011, comparable to Antarctic ozone holes, caused by unusually low stratospheric temperatures. The researchers warn that Arctic ozone loss events may become more frequent due to climate change, posing a threat to human health and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2011

New insight into plant immune defenses

Researchers have uncovered a key enzyme in plant immunity, NADPH oxidase, which regulates the production of toxic molecules that encourage cell death. This discovery could lead to disease-resistant crop varieties and new treatments for human immune disorders such as chronic granulomatous disease.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2011

La Jolla Institute discovers novel mechanism for preventing infection via body's mucosal borders

Researchers at the La Jolla Institute identified a previously unknown mechanism generating protective immune memory cells to fight recurring infections at mucosal linings. This discovery could lead to the creation of new and more effective vaccines by triggering the newly identified mechanism, particularly for Listeria and HIV.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 2, 2011
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Modeling cancer using ecological principles

A new study uses the Tilman model of competition between invasive species to understand how prostate cells invade bone marrow and take over the microenvironment. The research reveals that cancer cells follow a similar path to ecological invasions, highlighting the potential for ecological modeling to understand metastasis.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalTheoretical Biology and Medical Modelling·DateOct 2, 2011