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Ohio State University


Visual imagery technique boosts voting, study finds

A new study found that using a visual imagery technique, specifically picturing oneself as an outsider, can significantly boost voter turnout. The technique, which involves viewing oneself from a third-person perspective, increased voter participation rates by up to 90%, compared to those who took a first-person viewpoint.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 18, 2006

Color names: More universal than you might think

Researchers found that people from preindustrial societies consistently classify colors into eight categories: red, green, yellow-or-orange, blue, purple, brown, pink, and grue. The study used data from the World Color Survey to analyze color names across 110 languages, revealing a universal framework for color perception.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2006

Mouse strain with gene stutter will help leukemia research

Researchers developed a new mouse strain with a gene mutation that mimics human leukemia. The study found that the mutation affects Hox genes, leading to rapid cell growth and increased lifespan of cancer cells. The findings suggest that understanding this process could lead to new therapeutic options for AML patients.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 19, 2006

Scientists get best look ever at water-life connection

Researchers at Ohio State University have made a groundbreaking discovery on how water molecules interact with proteins, revealing that they slow down to connect with proteins. The study provides an early result in explaining essential biological functions like protein folding and enzyme catalysis.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2006

Study shows how cancer drug aids anti-cancer virus

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered how a chemotherapy drug aids an anti-cancer virus in targeting brain tumors. The study found that the drug slows immune cells' activity, allowing the virus to spread and kill more cancer cells. This may lead to new treatment options for incurable human brain tumors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2006

Astronomers crunch numbers, universe gets bigger

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new method for calculating intergalactic distances, which implies that the Hubble constant may be significantly off the mark. The Triangulum Galaxy is estimated to be 15% farther away from our galaxy than previously measured, potentially making the universe 15% bigger and older.

Uterine cancer may be clue to inherited syndrome

A new study suggests that women with endometrial cancer should be screened for inherited Lynch syndrome mutations, which are associated with a high risk of several cancers. The study found that 1.8% of newly diagnosed endometrial cancer patients have these mutations, highlighting the importance of genetic screening and early detection.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 2, 2006

Unusual mechanism keeps repair protein accurate

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a novel mechanism used by the DNA repair protein, DNA polymerase lambda, to ensure accurate replication and repair of DNA. The protein utilizes an unexpected structure, known as the proline-rich domain, which is critical to its high fidelity despite initial concerns about error rates.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2006

When biology gets 'Quirky,' scientists turn to math

Ohio State University researchers used mathematical simulations to study chemical reactions in cells, finding that many graphs indicate quirky behavior. This 'quirkiness' may be essential for biology and could help explain why cells sometimes react unexpectedly to medicines.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2006

Twist on chest pain drug improves heart attack outcome

Researchers found that combining antioxidants with a chest pain drug improves heart function after a heart attack by reducing free radical damage. The antioxidant derivatives TMZ-NH and TMZ-NH showed significant protection against tissue damage during reperfusion, leading to improved blood flow and reduced infarct size.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateJul 10, 2006

Survey of animal shelters says dogs fare better than cats

The survey found that dogs received 16% fewer animals since 1996, while cat intake increased by nearly 20%, leading to a rise in cat euthanasia rates. In contrast, dogs saw a significant decrease in euthanasia rates and more adoptions, with 63,700 dogs adopted compared to 51,600 in 1996.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJul 1, 2006

First compilation of tropical ice cores shows two abrupt global climate shifts: One 5,000 years ago

A study of tropical ice cores found two significant climate shifts: one around 5,000 years ago when temperatures cooled, and another more recent reversal to a warmer world. The research suggests most high-altitude glaciers in tropical regions will disappear in the near future due to rising temperatures.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2006

Genetically altered mice no longer like cocaine

Researchers genetically altered mice to resist cocaine's effects, discovering that blocking dopamine transporters is crucial for producing a high. The study aims to find drugs that prevent cocaine from binding to transporters while allowing the transporter protein to function.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2006