science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Σάββατο 26 Μαΐου 2012

Science News SciGuru.com

Inherited DNA Change Explains Overactive Leukemia Gene
Autopsy of an eruption: Linking crystal growth to volcano seismicity
New clues about cancer cell metabolism emerge
Math predicts size of clot-forming cells
Cancer may require simpler genetic mutations than previously thought

Inherited DNA Change Explains Overactive Leukemia Gene

Posted: 25 May 2012 12:45 PM PDT

A small inherited change in DNA is largely responsible for overactivating a gene linked to poor treatment response in people with acute leukemia.

The study by researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) focused on a gene called BAALC. This gene is often overactive, or overexpressed, in people with acute myeloid or acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and it indicates that the disease is likely to respond poorly to standard therapy.

Autopsy of an eruption: Linking crystal growth to volcano seismicity

Posted: 25 May 2012 12:01 PM PDT

How processes below a volcano are linked to seismic signals at the surface is described by scientists from the petrology group of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum and their colleagues from Bristol in a paper published today in Science. They analyzed the growth of crystals in the magma chamber and used results obtained from the monitoring of seismic signals. The research could ultimately help to predict future volcanic eruptions with greater accuracy.

New clues about cancer cell metabolism emerge

Posted: 25 May 2012 11:49 AM PDT

For almost a century, researchers have known that cancer cells have peculiar appetites, devouring glucose in ways that normal cells do not. But glucose uptake may tell only part of cancer’s metabolic story. Researchers from the Broad Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital looked across 60 well-studied cancer cell lines, analyzing which of more than 200 metabolites were consumed or released by the fastest dividing cells.

Math predicts size of clot-forming cells

Posted: 25 May 2012 11:33 AM PDT

UC Davis mathematicians have helped biologists figure out why platelets, the cells that form blood clots, are the size and shape that they are. Because platelets are important both for healing wounds and in strokes and other conditions, a better understanding of how they form and behave could have wide implications.

Cancer may require simpler genetic mutations than previously thought

Posted: 25 May 2012 08:48 AM PDT

Chromosomal deletions in DNA often involve just one of two gene copies inherited from either parent. But scientists haven't known how a deletion in one gene from one parent, called a "hemizygous" deletion, can contribute to cancer.