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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 7


Page 7 of 27

BUSM study shows potential of differentiated iPS cells in cell therapy without immune rejection

Researchers at BUSM demonstrate that tissues derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are not rejected when transplanted back into genetically identical recipients. The study finds that differentiated iPS cells can mature into various cell types, including neuronal, hepatocyte, and endothelial cells, without i...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 25, 2013

More than 1 brain behind E=mc2

Austrian physicist Friedrich Hasenöhrl's work on blackbody radiation in a cavity may have influenced Einstein's famous equation E=mc2. However, the study also reveals that Hasenöhrl arrived at an incorrect energy/mass correlation due to failing to account for mass loss during radiation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateJan 25, 2013

Gene mutation immortalizes malignant melanoma

Researchers discovered an identical gene mutation in the telomerase gene in all family members with malignant melanoma, leading to overactive telomerase and virtual immortality. The mutation was also found in non-inherited melanomas, suggesting a link between sun exposure and cancer development.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2013

INRS develops a nanohybrid with remarkable properties using a new laser-plasma process

Researchers at INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Centre developed a novel nanohybrid structure combining carbon nanotubes and lead sulfide nanoparticles using pulsed laser ablation technique. The new material exhibits strong photoresponse, fast photocurrent response time and spectrally wide photoactivity.

Groundwater fate and climate change

Researchers warn that climate change, combined with human-driven factors, could significantly reduce usable groundwater availability for agriculture worldwide. Inadequate monitoring and mismanagement of groundwater usage will exacerbate the issue, compromising global food security.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 25, 2013

Altering eye cells may 1 day restore vision

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine reprogrammed eye cells to prevent degeneration and allowed mice with retinitis pigmentosa to see. The study aims to develop therapies that can alleviate many forms of visual impairment by modifying existing cells in the eye.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2013

New method identifies genes that can predict prognoses of cancer patients

Researchers develop SAPS algorithm to identify significant prognostic gene sets associated with patient survival, overcoming limitations of previous methods. The study found new prognostic signatures in breast and ovarian cancer subtypes, suggesting shared therapeutic targets and potential for improved diagnostics and treatments.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 25, 2013

Analysis of Greenland ice cores adds to historical record and provide glimpse into climate's future

A new study analyzing Greenland ice cores suggests that melting of the Antarctic ice sheet may have contributed more to sea-level rise than the Greenland ice sheet around 100,000 years ago. The research findings indicate a warmer-than-expected climate during the Eemian interglacial period, with surface temperatures about 8 degrees Cels...

An important LINC in human hearing

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in the NESP4 gene, which disrupts the LINC complex and leads to hearing loss. The study highlights the importance of nuclear positioning for normal hearing.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2013

New tool for mining bacterial genome for novel drugs

Researchers have found a way to 'mine' bacterial genomes for new drug leads by exploiting the process of antibiotic resistance. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that bacteria can produce hundreds of compounds when exposed to antibiotics, many of which are potential secondary metabolites.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2013

Fetal exposure to tributyltin linked to obesity

A UC Irvine study reveals that low-dose exposure to the chemical tributyltin during pregnancy can lead to obesity in offspring and great-grandchildren, affecting gene expression and fat accumulation. The findings suggest permanent effects without subsequent exposure, highlighting the risks of endocrine-disrupting compounds.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 24, 2013

Chameleon star baffles astronomers

Researchers observed a pulsar that dramatically changes its radio and X-ray emissions, defying existing theories on star emission. The study reveals the pulsar switches between two extreme states, one dominated by X-ray pulses and the other by organized radio pulses.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013

Vaccinating children against rotavirus may indirectly protect adults too, study finds

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that vaccinating children against rotavirus indirectly protects unvaccinated adults from severe diarrhea and vomiting. The study suggests pediatric immunization may be more cost-effective than previously thought due to reduced health care costs among adults.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 24, 2013

Researchers uncover gene's role in rheumatoid arthritis, findings pave way for new treatments

A University of Michigan study reveals how certain genes activate cells that cause rheumatoid arthritis in mice, potentially leading to new treatments for both arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The discovery challenges long-held theories on the association between HLA genes and autoimmune disorders.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJan 24, 2013

Synthetic corkscrew peptide kills antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria

A synthetic corkscrew peptide has been shown to kill antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria by dissolving their double-layered membranes. The peptide, KLAKLAKKLAKLAK, was effective against a variety of strains of E. coli, A. baumanii, and P. aeruginosa, including multi-drug resistant strains.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013

Dung beetles follow the Milky Way

African ball-rolling insects guide themselves along straight paths under starlit skies but lose orientation under overcast conditions. Dung beetles exploit celestial cues like the Milky Way for navigation, suggesting other nocturnal insects might follow suit.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 24, 2013