Plus more from Science’s policy blog, ScienceInsider
Continue reading about Grant Proposals Not So Private, Sex Studies Under Attack in Congress
New, micro-images of strange, worm-like structures uncovered inside a dissected molar might have been held in ancient times as proof that gnawing tooth worms were the cause of tooth decay, a theory widely believed in many cultures before modern times. The structures are not worms, but what they are is still in question.
Cancer stem-like cells have been implicated in the genesis of a variety of malignant cancers. Research scientists have now isolated stem-like cells in benign (pituitary) tumors and used these “mother” cells to generate new tumors in laboratory mice. Targeting the cells of origin is seen as a possible strategy in the fight against malignant and [...]
Continue reading about Tumor ‘Stem-like Cells’ Exist In Benign Tumors
Researchers often make progress by applying a proven scientific method from one realm to another, connecting seemingly disparate disciplines. Such interdisciplinary approaches are powerful tools in the drive for scientific innovation. But who would ever dream of applying viruses to mining?
Continue reading about The Virus That Binds: A Novel Idea Marries Biology And Mining
Scientists have found strong evidence that abnormal calcium signaling in neurons may play an important role in the development of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), a disorder causing progressive loss of coordination, speech difficulty and abnormal eye movements.
Continue reading about Disturbed Calcium Signaling May Play Critical Role In Brain Cell Degeneration
Prairie lakes that expand greatly in area during wet cycles are more likely to have elevated mercury levels soon after, research suggests.
Continue reading about Elevated Mercury Levels In Prairie Lakes Examined
It would make sense that teenage mothers have a lot of psychological stress in their lives, but a new study shows that the distress comes before the pregnancy, not because of it.
Continue reading about Teen Pregnancy May Be Symptom, Not Cause, Of Emotional Distress
Recent news reports about scuba divers off San Diego being menaced by large numbers of Humboldt’s or jumbo squid have raised the ire of a University of Rhode Island biologist. As a leading expert on the species who has dived with them several times, he calls the reports “alarmist” and says the squid’s man-eating reputation [...]
Using a novel cell programming method that retools evolution to generate genetic diversity at an unprecedented rate, a research team turned self-serving bacteria into efficient factories for making a variety of compounds, accomplishing in just three days a feat that would take biotech companies many months — or years. The transformed bacteria produced five times [...]
Continue reading about Researchers Rapidly Turn Bacteria Into Biotech Factories
Scientists are reporting successful laboratory tests of a new and potentially safer alternative to silver-based gels applied to the skin of burn patients to treat infections. The researchers describe gel composed of silver nanoparticles — each 1/50,000th the width of a human hair — that appears more effective than these traditional gels.
Continue reading about New Silver Nanoparticle Skin Gel For Healing Burns