science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Σάββατο 11 Μαΐου 2013

Science News SciGuru.com

Moon and Earth have common water source
Endometrial cancer findings emerge from genome sequencing study
Experience leads to the growth of new brain cells
Scientists Find Key to Gene-Silencing Activity

Posted: 10 May 2013 09:29 AM PDT

Researchers used a multicollector ion microprobe to study hydrogen-deuterium ratios in lunar rock and on Earth. Their conclusion: The Moon’s water did not come from comets but was already present on Earth 4.5 billion years ago, when a giant collision sent material from Earth to form the Moon.

Endometrial cancer findings emerge from genome sequencing study

Posted: 10 May 2013 09:23 AM PDT

Investigators from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network, including several scientists from the Broad Institute, have published the most comprehensive genomic analysis of endometrial cancer to date. Their study, which appeared in the May 2 issue of Nature, classified the tumors into four novel sub-types and identified molecular similarities between some of these sub-types and other forms of cancer, including ovarian, breast, and colorectal cancers.

Experience leads to the growth of new brain cells

Posted: 10 May 2013 09:16 AM PDT

How do organisms evolve into individuals that are distinguished from others by their own personal brain structure and behaviour? Scientists in Dresden, Berlin, Münster, and Saarbrücken have now taken a decisive step towards clarifying this question. Using mice as an animal model, they were able to show that individual experiences influence the development of new neurons, leading to measurable changes in the brain. The results of this study are published in Science on May 10th.

Scientists Find Key to Gene-Silencing Activity

Posted: 10 May 2013 08:28 AM PDT

A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has found how to boost or inhibit a gene-silencing mechanism that normally serves as a major controller of cells’ activities. The discovery could lead to a powerful new class of drugs against viral infections, cancers and other diseases.