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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 10


Page 10 of 35

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Study predicts that current international commitments will not contain Ebola outbreak in Montserrado, Liberia

A new study predicts that current international efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak in Montserrado, Liberia, will not be sufficient to contain the epidemic. The research estimates that up to 170996 total cases and 90122 deaths are projected by December 15, 2014, without expanded control measures.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 23, 2014

Cutting the ties that bind

Researchers discovered that Topoisomerase II is required to resolve DNA threads connecting homologous chromosomes, allowing them to separate. Without this enzyme, chromosomes get stuck together, preventing meiosis from completing and resulting in infertility and birth defects.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 23, 2014

Flu at the zoo and other disasters: Experts help animal exhibitors prepare for the worst

Zoos and aquariums are vulnerable to disasters, but experts say preparedness training and planning can minimize risks. The University of Illinois veterinarian Yvette Johnson-Walker brings emergency training to accredited institutions, focusing on scenarios like avian influenza and hurricane floodwaters.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management·DateOct 23, 2014

Lucky star escapes black hole with minor damage

Astronomers at Ohio State University have observed a star narrowly escaping capture by a supermassive black hole, releasing only a small portion of its mass. The event, known as a tidal disruption event (TDE), provides valuable insights into the growth and behavior of black holes in the universe.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 23, 2014

Chamber of secrets

Scientists discovered that cells organize themselves to influence communication within a group. By forming huddles, cells trap and concentrate signals like FGF, enabling them to make decisions that affect organ formation and behavior. This strategy may play a role in wound repair and cancer.

European multicenter harmonization study shows anaplastic lymphoma kinase immunohistochemistry testing comparable to, if not better than, fluorescence in situ hybridization testing

A European multicenter harmonization study reveals that standardized semi-quantitative anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) IHC is reliable and comparable to FISH testing for detecting ALK protein expression. The study showed 100% concordance among institutions on 15 well-characterized NSCLC specimens, making IHC a potential stand-alone test.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateOct 23, 2014

Time for change -- additional daylight saving could improve public health

A study published in International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity found that later sunsets may lead to increased children's physical activity. The research examined associations between sunset time and physical activity levels across 23,000 children in nine countries, with findings suggesting that children's tot...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateOct 23, 2014

Novel software application can stratify early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients

A novel software application, CANARY, can automatically analyze high-resolution CT images to classify early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients into risk groups. The tool was developed at Mayo Clinic and demonstrated accurate stratification of patients into categories with different 5-year disease-free survival outcomes.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateOct 23, 2014

'Watch' cites concern about flexible reamer breakage during anatomic ACL reconstruction

A recent report in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery has highlighted the potential issue of flexible reamer breakage during single-bundle ACL reconstruction. This has prompted a 'Watch' from JBJS to alert orthopaedic surgeons about the problem. The 'Watch' aims to help surgeons avoid similar mishaps by understanding the causes and ...

SourceJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·JournalJBJS Case Connector·DateOct 23, 2014

Flu viruses disguised as waste

Researchers discovered flu virus exploits aggresome, a cellular waste bundle, to release genetic material. The process takes 20-30 minutes and is gradual, with the virus tricking the waste pickup and disposal system.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateOct 23, 2014

To wilt or not to wilt

UC Riverside researchers have identified a new molecular mechanism for resistance and susceptibility to Fusarium oxysporum, a common fungus causing wilt in tomato plants. The study reveals that microRNAs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with specific targets contributing to resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 23, 2014