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Science News for April 13, 2014


Gene linked to pediatric kidney cancer suggests new strategies for kidney regeneration

Researchers found that nearly one-third of pediatric kidney cancer cases are linked to the Lin28 gene, which holds promise for regenerating damaged kidneys. The study's findings suggest that controlled expression of Lin28 can promote kidney development and may lead to new therapeutic targets for treating Wilms tumors.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCurrent Opinion in Genetics & Development·DateApr 13, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Virus-fighting genes linked to mutations in cancer

Researchers found a genetic connection between APOBEC family of genes and breast cancer development. The study linked the genes to mutations present in half of all cancer types, supporting their role in cancer-causing processes.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 13, 2014

Finding the switch: Researchers create roadmap for gene expression

A study published in Nature Genetics identified a large number of heritable genes associated with disease risk, providing a new resource for understanding the genetic control of transcription. The researchers analyzed blood sample data from twins and found that heritable genes are more likely to be associated with disease.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 13, 2014

How a Silly Putty ingredient could advance stem cell therapies

Human embryonic stem cells grown on soft, synthetic micropost carpets made of polydimethylsiloxane turn into nerve cells faster and more often than those grown on traditional plates or rigid carpets. This breakthrough could advance stem cell therapies for diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 13, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Regenerating muscle in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Age matters

A team of scientists has published a study revealing novel cellular and molecular elements of muscle repair. Researchers found that HDACis drugs create an environment conducive for FAPs to direct muscle regeneration in early stages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but fail to work later.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 13, 2014

Tiny particles could help verify goods

Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of tiny particle that can be used to authenticate currency, electronic parts, and luxury goods. The particles contain colored stripes of nanocrystals that glow brightly when lit up with near-infrared light.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 13, 2014
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Glasses strong as steel: A fast way to find the best

Scientists at Yale University have developed a faster way to identify and characterize complex alloys known as bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), which are stronger than steel. The new method allows researchers to screen about 3,000 alloys per day, significantly reducing the time needed for discovery.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 13, 2014

Hereditary trauma

Scientists have discovered a link between hereditary trauma and short RNA molecules, which can be passed down from one generation to the next. The research found that traumatic stress alters the expression of microRNAs in mice, leading to behavioral symptoms such as depression and altered metabolism.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 13, 2014

Fish from acidic ocean waters less able to smell predators

Research confirms that fish living on coral reefs with high levels of carbon dioxide are less able to detect predator odors. The study found that these fish were also bolder and more likely to engage in risky behavior, but had fewer differences in species richness or composition.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 13, 2014