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Science News for September 9, 2012


Large lung cancer study shows potential for more targeted therapies

A nationwide consortium of scientists has reported a comprehensive genetic analysis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, revealing almost 75% of patients' cancers have targetable mutations. The research provides insight into the molecular biology of lung squamous cell carcinoma and identifies potential targets for therapies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2012

UNC Lineberger scientists lead definition of key lung cancer genome

Researchers have characterized the lung squamous cell carcinoma genome, identifying commonly known cancer genes and mutations that could be targeted therapeutically. The study, led by UNC Lineberger scientists, paves the way for developing better, more targeted treatments for this devastating disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2012

Uncovering the genome's regulatory code

A team of researchers developed an automated system to map protein-DNA interactions, uncovering a hierarchical structure for the regulatory code. They found that regulatory factors can be classified into three levels, with each tier governing cell type, sub-identity and specialized gene expression.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateSep 9, 2012

AAO-HNSF 2012 new oral research daily highlights

The AAO-HNSF 2012 meeting showcased groundbreaking research on smoking cessation, cochlear implants, and the relationship between childhood obesity and otitis media. New findings also explored music-induced hearing loss and the assessment of quality of life in bilateral cochlear implant patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 9, 2012
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.

Giant 'balloon of magma' inflates under Santorini

Researchers used satellite radar images and GPS receivers to detect the 8-14 centimeter rise in the island's surface. The team calculated that the amount of molten rock beneath Santorini has grown by 10-20 years' worth, but this does not necessarily indicate an imminent eruption.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 9, 2012

AAO-HNSF 2012 new poster presentations

The AAO-HNSF 2012 new poster presentations cover various topics in otolaryngology, including rhinoplasty, facial trauma, and head and neck cancer. The studies aim to improve treatment outcomes and address common challenges in the field.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 9, 2012

Genetic clues to the causes of primary biliary cirrhosis

Researchers have discovered three new genetic regions linked to primary biliary cirrhosis, bringing the total number of known regions to 25. The study used Immunochip technology to survey the genome for signs of autoimmune disease susceptibility.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 9, 2012

New potential targets discovered for treating squamous cell lung cancers

Researchers have identified several potential therapeutic targets for squamous cell lung cancer, including alterations in the TP53 and CDKN2A genes. These genetic changes may be susceptible to drug inhibition, providing new opportunities for clinical trials and potentially transforming treatment outcomes.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2012
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.

AAO-HNSF 2012 daily miniseminars highlights

The 2012 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting featured cutting-edge research on aging, sleep apnea, chronic rhinosinusitis, and hearing loss. Attendees could access approximately 100 miniseminars, 250 scientific sessions, and 445 posters.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 9, 2012

Enough wind to power global energy demand

New research suggests that more than 400 terrawatts of power can be extracted from surface winds and over 1,800 terrawatts from high-altitude winds, meeting or exceeding global energy demand.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 9, 2012

Protecting genes, one molecule at a time

An international team of scientists has shown at an unprecedented level of detail how cells prioritize the repair of genes containing potentially dangerous damage. Cells use proteins to detect and replace damaged DNA, with critical steps at individual protein reads likely critical for successful repair.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2012

OHSU research helps explain why an AIDS vaccine has been so difficult to develop

Researchers at OHSU's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute studied the mechanism behind protection offered by slightly weakened monkey AIDS virus versions that were too risky for human use. The study reveals that anti-viral T cells in lymphoid tissue are responsible for this protection, which is lost when the virus is further weakened.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 9, 2012

Forest mortality and climate change: The big picture

A new analysis examines the effects of widespread forest die-offs on ecosystem processes, species diversity, and human services such as water purification and real-estate property values. The study highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understand the complex consequences of climate-driven forest mortality.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 9, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Wolf mange part of nature's cycle

Researchers tracked parasite-induced disease and death in reintroduced wolf packs in Yellowstone National Park, finding that mange did not infect wolves until 2007. The diseases that infected the wolves quickly were all viral, including canine distemper and parvovirus, while mange is a skin infection caused by scabies mites.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateSep 9, 2012

Nano-velcro clasps heavy metal molecules in its grips

A Swiss-American team has developed a simple, inexpensive system to detect heavy metal pollutants like mercury in water and fish. The new method uses nanoparticles with tiny hairs that can trap toxic substances, enabling accurate measurements at unprecedentedly small concentrations.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 9, 2012
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.