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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 12


Page 12 of 333

Cancer stem cells isolated from kidney tumors

Researchers have isolated cancer stem cells from kidney tumors that lead to Wilms' tumours, a type of cancer typically found in the kidneys of young children. These cancer stem cells can be targeted with an antibody drug, providing a potential new approach for treating this disease.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateDec 13, 2012

Disaster map predicts bleak future for mammals

A study published by the Zoological Society of London predicts that mammals will face a bleak future due to climate change, with 1/3 species at risk from cyclones and droughts. The research identifies primates as particularly vulnerable, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalConservation Letters·DateDec 13, 2012

10 researchers receive EMBO Installation Grants

EMBO has awarded 10 life science researchers with Installation Grants to relocate and establish research groups in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to support talented young scientists and help reverse talent loss from these countries.

SourceEMBO·DateDec 12, 2012

Social synchronicity

Researchers found that body-movement synchronization increases after short cooperative training, indicating a measurable indicator of social interaction. This study may provide a powerful tool for identifying neural underpinnings of social interactions and impaired interactions like autism.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 12, 2012

Pre-transplant umbilical cord blood expansion speeds establishment of new blood supply in patients

Researchers have developed a method to expand umbilical cord blood cells on mesenchymal precursor cells, speeding up the establishment of a new blood supply in patients. This approach has shown faster engraftment of white blood cells and platelets, resulting in improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 12, 2012

60th anniversary of NSF Grad Research Fellowship Program; UM fellow Staaterman's video recognized

The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science graduate student won a video contest recognizing her pioneering work on bio-acoustics and larval fish navigation. The award highlights the importance of science communication, with Erica co-directing a marine science film festival.

Notre Dame research may have important implications for combating diabetes

University of Notre Dame biochemist Anthony S. Serianni's research provides new perspectives on sugar breakdown in the human body, particularly for diabetic patients. The study discovered an unexpected reaction pathway involving a novel rearrangement of the carbon backbone, undermining prevailing assumptions about sugar degradation.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 12, 2012

A promising clinical trial to reduce the severity of autistic disorders

A clinical trial has shown that a diuretic can reduce the severity of autistic disorders in three-quarters of children. The treatment, which involves administering bumetanide to children with autism or Asperger's syndrome, has been found to improve symptoms such as social interaction and communication.

Dead guts spill history of extinct microbes

Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that extinct human microbes from archeological sites closely resemble those found in present-day rural African communities. The study suggests that the modern cosmopolitan lifestyle resulted in a dramatic change to the human gut microbiome.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2012

Too big or just right? Optimal circle of friends depends on socioeconomic conditions

Research finds that people with a small social network and deep ties are more well-off when economic conditions are unstable, while those with a broad social network and weak ties do better in economically favorable contexts. Participants who had a narrow, deep friendship strategy reported greater well-being than those who had a broad,...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 12, 2012

Nature nurtures creativity

A study found that spending four days in nature, disconnected from electronic devices, improves creative problem-solving skills by 50%. The researchers used the Remote Associates Test to measure creativity and found significant benefits among participants.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2012

Protein strongest just before death

Michigan State University researchers have identified a unique protein that regulates cell growth and controls excessive cell proliferation. The study focuses on Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor proteins, which use controlled destruction to perform their jobs, highlighting new potential ways to treat cancer.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 12, 2012