First analysis of tumor-suppressor interactions with whole genome in normal human cells reveals key differences with cancer cells

ScienceDaily (Nov. 30, 2011) — Scientists investigating the interactions, or binding patterns, of a major tumor-suppressor protein known as p53 with the entire genome in normal human cells have turned up key differences from those observed in cancer cells. The distinct binding patterns reflect differences in the chromatin (the way DNA is packed with proteins), which may be important for understanding the function of the tumor suppressor protein in cancer cells.The study was conducted by scientists...

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Gene is first linked to herpes-related cold sores

ScienceDaily (Nov. 30, 2011) — A team of researchers from the University of Utah and the University of Massachusetts has identified the first gene associated with frequent herpes-related cold sores.The findings were published in the Dec. 1, 2011, issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases.Herpes simplex labialis (HSL) is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) that affects more than 70 percent of the U.S. population. Once HSV-1 has infected the body, it is never removed by the...

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World's first captive breeding of Ozark hellbenders

ScienceDaily (Dec. 1, 2011) — Ozark hellbenders have been bred in captivity -- a first for either of the two subspecies of hellbender. The decade-long collaboration of the Saint Louis Zoo's Ron Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation and the Missouri Department of Conservation has yielded 63 baby hellbenders.The first hellbender hatched on Nov. 15, and currently there are approximately 120 additional eggs that should hatch within the next week. The eggs are maintained in climate- and water...

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Trail of 'stone breadcrumbs' reveals the identity of one of the first human groups to leave Africa

ScienceDaily (Nov. 30, 2011) — A series of new archaeological discoveries in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, reveals the timing and identity of one of the first modern human groups to migrate out of Africa, according to a research article published in the open-access journal PLoS ONE.An international team of archaeologists and geologists working in the Dhofar Mountains of southern Oman, led by Dr. Jeffrey Rose of the University of Birmingham,...

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Scientists measure dream content for the first time: Dreams activate the brain in a similar way to real actions

ScienceDaily (Oct. 28, 2011) — The ability to dream is a fascinating aspect of the human mind. However, how the images and emotions that we experience so intensively when we dream form in our heads remains a mystery. Up to now it has not been possible to measure dream content. Max Planck scientists working with colleagues from the Charité hospital in Berlin have now succeeded, for the first time, in analysing the activity of the brain during dreaming.They were able to do this with the help of lucid...

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