Volume 8, Number 52 December 28, 2009 Physical sciences Technology Life sciences Neuroscience, psychology, behavior Health and medicine

Physical sciences W bosons Brown dwarfs Climate modeling Dark matter stars Extrasolar planets Subdwarf stars Water on Mars Earthquakes Star formation Blue stragglers Global warming Protoplanetary disks Earth's magnetic field Technology Brain-computer interface Graphene Stackable memory Quantum entanglement Nanotechnology Carbon nanotubes Quantum information processing Photovoltaics Molecular transistor Fuel cells Life sciences Induced pluripotent stem cells Autophagy and adipogenesis Origins of life Immune system evasion by pox viruses Cancer genomics CD20 and B cells Lymphocyte development and dCK Lipid metabolism Sexual selection Microbial genomes DNA repair Quorum-quenching acylase Osteoblasts, FOXO1, and glucose regulation Neuroscience, psychology, and behavior Brain-imaging studies Genes related to brain size Neuronal code Brain control of bone formation Motor activation in speech perception Sleep and learning Neurotransmitter vesicles Interdependence of taste and olfactory systems MicroRNA and synapse strengthening Short-term memory Health and medicine Cancer Lupus Nanobiotechnology Regenerative medicine Avian flu Cancer biology Cardiovascular disease Diabetes Tuberculosis Gene therapy Inflammatory bowel disease Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Lack of cognitive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids Stem cells Alzheimer's disease Obesity Inflammatory skin diseases Malaria Clustering of autoimmune diseases Antibiotic resistance Parkinson's disease Asthma Inflammation Health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids Rheumatoid arthritis Dementia

Physical sciences

W bosons

1. December 21, 2009 - More precise measurements of the W boson

Brown dwarfs

1. December 21, 2009 - Brown dwarf pair mystifies astronomers - also here, here

Climate modeling

1. December 21, 2009 - 'Particle soup' discovery will improve climate predictions
2. December 21, 2009 - Cornellians build computer climate-change model

Dark matter stars

1. December 21, 2009 - Mystery Swirls Around 'Dark Stars'

Extrasolar planets

1. December 22, 2009 - Astronomers discover 'tilted planets'

Subdwarf stars

1. December 22, 2009 - Understanding the Milky Way's Oldest Stellar Population

Water on Mars

1. December 22, 2009 - Mars Rover Makes Discovery While Spinning Its Wheels

Earthquakes

1. December 23, 2009 - Sun, moon trigger San Andreas tremors: study
2. December 23, 2009 - Tides in Earth's crust trigger small, deep quakes
3. December 23, 2009 - Sun and moon trigger deep tremors on San Andreas Fault - also here
4. December 24, 2009 - Tidal Forces Trigger Tremors on San Andreas Fault

Star formation

1. December 23, 2009 - Stay tuned: New star coming in 1 million years

Blue stragglers

1. December 23, 2009 - How Some Stars Stay Young
2. December 23, 2009 - Vampires and collisions rejuvenate stars - also here
3. December 23, 2009 - Stars Find Fountain of Youth Via Vampirism and Collisions
4. December 24, 2009 - Youthful Appearance of Stars Known as Blue Stragglers Explained

Global warming

1. December 23, 2009 - Scientists map speed of climate change
2. December 23, 2009 - Velocity of Climate Change Varies from Mountain to Marsh

Protoplanetary disks

1. December 23, 2009 - Keck Telescopes Take Deeper Look at Planetary Nurseries
2. December 25, 2009 - Keck Telescopes Gaze Into Young Star's 'Life Zone'

Earth's magnetic field

1. December 24, 2009 - North Magnetic Pole Moving Due to Core Flux

Technology

Brain-computer interface

1. December 21, 2009 - Machine Translates Thoughts into Speech in Real Time

Graphene

1. December 21, 2009 - Researcher Uses Graphene Quilts to Keep Things Cool
2. December 21, 2009 - Graphite oxide at high pressure opens a road to new amazing nano-materials
3. December 23, 2009 - An easy way to see the world's thinnest material - also here

Stackable memory

1. December 21, 2009 - Scientists improve chip memory by stacking cells - also here

Quantum entanglement

1. December 21, 2009 - Physicists propose quantum entanglement for motion of microscopic objects - also here

Nanotechnology

1. December 21, 2009 - Switchable Nanostructures Made with DNA
2. December 22, 2009 - Digital Quantum Battery Could Boost Energy Density Tenfold

Carbon nanotubes

1. December 21, 2009 - Nanoparticles go platinum: NCEM instruments provide key images

Quantum information processing

1. December 21, 2009 - Quantum Information: Disentangling a Billion-Dollar Opportunity

Photovoltaics

1. December 22, 2009 - Glitter-sized solar photovoltaics produce competitive results - also here, here, here

Molecular transistor

1. December 23, 2009 - Scientists create world's first molecular transistor - also here
2. December 23, 2009 - Researchers show off functional single-molecule transistor
3. January 13, 2010 - Scientists create molecular transistor

Fuel cells

1. December 26, 2009 - Panasonic develops direct methanol fuel cell system with high power output and durability

Life sciences

Induced pluripotent stem cells

1. December 21, 2009 - Pluripotency process unveiled
2. December 22, 2009 - Study shows immune system protein involved in reprogramming adult cells to express stem cell genes
3. December 24, 2009 - Vitamin C boosts the reprogramming of adult cells into stem cells - also here
4. December 24, 2009 - Vitamin C Boosts the Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells

Autophagy and adipogenesis

1. December 21, 2009 - Inhibiting The Cellular Process Autophagy Makes Mice Leaner

Origins of life

1. December 22, 2009 - Shallow Origins

Immune system evasion by pox viruses

1. December 22, 2009 - Scientists now know how smallpox kills - also here

Cancer genomics

1. December 22, 2009 - Chicago Cancer Genome Project studies genetics of 1,000 tumors - also here

CD20 and B cells

1. December 22, 2009 - What is the function of the protein CD20? - also here

Lymphocyte development and dCK

1. December 22, 2009 - Enzyme necessary for development of healthy immune system - also here

Lipid metabolism

1. December 22, 2009 - Understanding relationship of proteins, fatty acids could help treat diseases

Sexual selection

1. December 23, 2009 - Sexual conflict takes shape in ducks - also here
2. December 23, 2009 - The sex wars of ducks
3. December 23, 2009 - Researchers reveal secrets of duck sex: It's all screwed up - also here, here
4. December 27, 2009 - Weird Science videotapes "explosive" duck erections

Microbial genomes

1. December 23, 2009 - Microbial encyclopaedia guided by evolution
2. December 23, 2009 - First volume of microbial encyclopedia published - also here
3. December 23, 2009 - Presenting a genomic encyclopedia of bacteria (and archaea)
4. December 28, 2009 - Scientists Start a Genomic Catalog of Earth's Abundant Microbes

DNA repair

1. December 24, 2009 - Critical protein helps mend damaged DNA - also here
2. December 24, 2009 - Molecular anchor links the 2 inheritable diseases Fanconi anemia and Bloom's syndrome - also here
3. December 26, 2009 - Troubleshooters that block cancer

Quorum-quenching acylase

1. December 24, 2009 - Fight Infection by Disturbing How Bacteria Communicate

Osteoblasts, FOXO1, and glucose regulation

1. December 26, 2009 - Bone Control of Glucose Levels

Neuroscience, psychology, and behavior

Brain-imaging studies

1. December 21, 2009 - The brain may feel other people's pain
2. December 21, 2009 - Depression saps endurance of the brain's reward circuitry - also here

Genes related to brain size

1. December 21, 2009 - Microcephaly genes associated with human brain size - also here

Neuronal code

1. December 22, 2009 - Researchers crack part of the neuronal code
2. December 27, 2009 - Researchers Decipher Parts of the Neuronal Code

Brain control of bone formation

1. December 22, 2009 - We now know that the brain controls the formation of bone - also here

Motor activation in speech perception

1. December 22, 2009 - Researchers reveal our motor system activates when we hear speech

Sleep and learning

1. December 22, 2009 - Link Between Poor Sleep and Poor Learning in Older Adults Investigated

Neurotransmitter vesicles

1. December 22, 2009 - New insight in nerve cell communication - also here

Interdependence of taste and olfactory systems

1. December 28, 2009 - Research shows that accurate taste perception relies on a functioning olfactory system - also here

MicroRNA and synapse strengthening

1. December 23, 2009 - Scientists discover how the brain encodes memories at a cellular level - also here
2. December 24, 2009 - Molecules and synapses cement memories, say scientists

Short-term memory

1. December 27, 2009 - Neuroscientists uncover possible basis of short-term memory - also here
2. December 28, 2009 - Researchers store working memory in brain slices

Health and medicine

Cancer

1. December 21, 2009 - Dietary estrogens have little effect on cancer risk
2. December 21, 2009 - Drug for Multiple Myeloma Demonstrated to Significantly Extend Disease-Free Survival
3. December 21, 2009 - Protein that represses genes may play role in cell growth
4. December 21, 2009 - Urinary tract cancer associated with Chinese herbal products containing aristolochic acid - also here
5. December 21, 2009 - Relatives of boys with sexual birth defects not at risk for testicular germ cell cancer - also here
6. December 22, 2009 - Researcher finds success with new anti-cancer drug
7. December 22, 2009 - How do you improve mammogram accuracy? Add noise - also here
8. December 22, 2009 - Protein link may be key to new treatment for aggressive brain tumor - also here
9. December 22, 2009 - High risk of colorectal, endometrial and Lynch syndrome cancers for MSH6 mutation carriers
10. December 23, 2009 - New insights into mushroom-derived drug promising for cancer treatment - also here
11. December 23, 2009 - Research yields new agent for some drug-resistant non-small cell lung cancers - also here
12. December 23, 2009 - Figitumumab has anti-tumor activity in Ewing's sarcoma
13. December 23, 2009 - Altering Malignant Cells' Structure Said to Possibly Slow Spread of Cancer
14. December 26, 2009 - Antibody-Guided Drug Shows Encouraging Activity in Metastatic Breast Cancer
15. December 26, 2009 - Physical Activity Associated With Lower Risk of Mortality in Men With History of Colon Cancer

Lupus

1. December 21, 2009 - Lupus not identical in twins
2. December 21, 2009 - Genomes of identical twins reveal epigenetic changes that may play role in lupus - also here

Nanobiotechnology

1. December 21, 2009 - Synthetic nanoscale transport system modeled on nature

Regenerative medicine

1. December 21, 2009 - Bioengineered materials promote the growth of functional vasculature, new study shows - also here
2. December 22, 2009 - Enriched gel grows blood vessels in rats

Avian flu

1. December 21, 2009 - Compound found to safely counter deadly bird flu - also here

Cancer biology

1. December 21, 2009 - Protein inhibits cancer cell growth
2. December 23, 2009 - Broken genomes behind breast cancers - also here
3. December 23, 2009 - Scientists discover 2 genes that drive aggressive brain cancers - also here
4. December 23, 2009 - Knockdown of E2F1 reduces invasive potential of melanoma cells - also here
5. December 24, 2009 - Breast cancer is not a single disease, scientists discover
6. December 24, 2009 - Tumors can re-seed themselves, study finds
7. December 24, 2009 - 'Self-seeding' of cancer cells may play a critical role in tumor progression - also here
8. December 25, 2009 - Sensitizing Leukemic Cells to Death-Inducing Compounds
9. December 27, 2009 - Study blames two genes for aggressive brain cancer

Cardiovascular disease

1. December 21, 2009 - Good cholesterol not as protective in people with type 2 diabetes - also here
2. December 21, 2009 - Moderate Fish Consumption May Lower Risk in Patients With a History of Heart Failure
3. December 22, 2009 - 'Good' cholesterol less protective with diabetes - also here
4. December 22, 2009 - C-reactive protein no cause of heart trouble: study
5. December 22, 2009 - Extra calcium won't cut men's cholesterol levels
6. December 22, 2009 - Most Plentiful Cell Type in the Heart -- The Fibroblast -- Contributes to Heart Failure
7. December 23, 2009 - High-blood-pressure treatment for the over-80s too aggressive, warns expert - also here
8. December 23, 2009 - Study shows a key protein helps control blood pressure - also here
9. December 23, 2009 - Preventing heart attacks by targeting the immune system
10. December 23, 2009 - New Web Tool May Help Predict Risk of Second Stroke
11. December 23, 2009 - Role for Immune Cells Known as Mast Cells in Atrial Fibrillation
12. December 23, 2009 - Elderly patients 'over-treated' for high blood pressure
13. December 24, 2009 - Greater education may mean lower heart attack risk
14. December 24, 2009 - Another 'bad' cholesterol linked to heart disease found
15. December 26, 2009 - Signaling Decreases Blood Pressure, Study Finds

Diabetes

1. December 21, 2009 - New tool for early diabetes detection in adults
2. December 22, 2009 - Surgery recognized as effective treatment for type 2 diabetes
3. December 22, 2009 - Is nicotinamide overload a trigger for type 2 diabetes? - also here

Tuberculosis

1. December 21, 2009 - Researchers Identify Tuberculosis Strain That Thrives on Antibiotic - also here
2. December 21, 2009 - Study casts doubt on provocative tuberculosis theory - also here

Gene therapy

1. December 21, 2009 - Gene therapy makes mice breath easier - also here

Inflammatory bowel disease

1. December 21, 2009 - Cannabis Hope for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

1. December 22, 2009 - New, virulent strain of MRSA poses renewed antibiotic resistance concerns - also here
2. December 22, 2009 - Deadly infection more common than realized - also here
3. December 22, 2009 - Pomegranates: Latest Weapon in the Fight Against MRSA

Lack of cognitive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids

1. December 22, 2009 - Fish fatty acids don't make you cleverer or happier

Stem cells

1. December 22, 2009 - Stem cell cure for attack victim
2. December 23, 2009 - Stem cell eye treatment gives victim of fight his sight back
3. December 24, 2009 - Scientists identify protein that keeps stem cells poised for action - also here

Alzheimer's disease

1. December 23, 2009 - Alzheimer's may guard against cancer and vice versa
2. December 23, 2009 - Alzheimer's disease may protect against cancer and vice versa - also here
3. December 24, 2009 - Alzheimer's 'associated with reduced risk of cancer'

Obesity

1. December 23, 2009 - Adverse consequences of obesity may be greater than previously thought - also here
2. December 23, 2009 - Role of Addiction Cannot Be Ignored in Obesity Epidemic

Inflammatory skin diseases

1. December 23, 2009 - Genomic differences identified in common skin diseases - also here

Malaria

1. December 23, 2009 - First adhere, then detach and glide forward - also here

Clustering of autoimmune diseases

1. December 23, 2009 - Genomic toggle switches divide autoimmune diseases into distinct clusters - also here

Antibiotic resistance

1. December 23, 2009 - Soil studies reveal rise in antibiotic resistance - also here
2. December 23, 2009 - New study shows rise in drug resistance of dangerous infection in US hospitals - also here

Parkinson's disease

1. December 23, 2009 - Synergistic interaction enhances pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease - also here

Asthma

1. December 23, 2009 - A novel gene found for childhood-onset asthma - also here
2. December 24, 2009 - U.S. doctors link gene to childhood asthma

Inflammation

1. December 23, 2009 - New Pathway Discovered That May Prevent Tissue Damage Resulting from Inflammation

Health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids

1. December 24, 2009 - Omega-3s help stave off age-related vision loss

Rheumatoid arthritis

1. December 24, 2009 - Smoking ups men's rheumatoid arthritis risk most

Dementia

1. December 24, 2009 - Stress speeds mental decline in impaired elders

Copyright © 2009 by Charles Daney, All Rights Reserved