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Science News for September 5, 2011


Stomach bacterium damages human DNA

Research reveals that Helicobacter pylori causes DNA breaks in gastric mucosa cells, triggering genetic mutations and cell death. The study's findings suggest that prolonged infections can lead to exhaustion of the cell's repair response, exacerbating gastric carcinogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011

Key protein reveals secret of stem cell pluripotency

Researchers identified a protein that helps maintain mouse stem cell pluripotency by activating signal pathways via CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). This finding offers insights into cultivating human iPS/ES cells without feeder cells, reducing the risk of contamination and health risks.

SourceRIKEN·JournalStem Cells·DateSep 5, 2011

Ancient humans were mixing it up

A team of researchers led by Michael Hammer found evidence of hybridization between modern humans and archaic forms in Africa. Contemporary African populations contain small proportions of genetic material brought in by an archaic population that split from the ancestors of anatomically modern humans about 700,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011

Even mild cognitive impairment appears to substantially increase risk for death

A long-term study found that even mild cognitive impairment substantially increases the risk of death, with a strong impact comparable to other chronic diseases. The study, which followed nearly 4,000 patients over 13 years, suggests that recognition of cognitive impairment in primary care practices should be given higher priority.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 5, 2011

Male-female ring finger proportions tied to sex hormones in embryo; may offer health insights

Biologists found that male and female digit proportions are determined by the balance of sex hormones during early embryonic development. The study provides a genetic explanation for links between finger proportions and traits such as sperm counts, aggression, and health problems like autism and breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011

Novel method for increasing antibiotic yields

Researchers have identified a system for targeted amplification of gene clusters in bacteria, which can significantly increase the production of antibiotics. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the commercial production of antibiotics and may also uncover new, undiscovered antibiotics.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011

The search for predictors of risk for PTSD

A study found a link between a serotonin transporter gene variant and PTSD risk, suggesting the gene may predict symptom development after trauma. The researchers also discovered that this gene is associated with depression following life stress, highlighting its potential role in mental health.