Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2009 - Page 24


Page 24 of 24

Discovery fleshes out metabolism of key environmental and energy bacteria

A team of researchers has discovered a new enzyme in Shewanella that works together to oxidize lactate, a food and energy source for many microbes. The discovery suggests that dozens of bacteria use this multi-protein enzyme instead of the single-protein version, which could help clean up toxic pollutants.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2009

10 new amphibian species discovered in Colombia

Scientists have discovered 10 new amphibian species in Colombia, shedding light on the country's remarkable biodiversity. The discovery was made during a Rapid Assessment Program expedition in the Tacarcuna area, where approximately 60 species of amphibians were identified, including three glass frogs and three poison dart frogs.

New strategies to tackle medical ghostwriting are debated

Leading authors debate the best strategies to tackle ghostwriting, a form of scientific misconduct that undermines author accountability. Some advocate for regulations and explicit disclosure of writing assistance, while others argue against excessive controls that may not be justified by current evidence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2009

An estimated one-third of US children and teens take vitamin or mineral supplements

A large number of U.S. children and teens take vitamin and mineral supplements, often due to lack of health care access or unhealthy lifestyle habits. These supplements contribute significantly to total dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals, highlighting the need for targeted screening and counseling by healthcare providers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2009

Stat3 signaling tips the balance of immunity in favor of cancer

Stat3 promotes pro-cancer immune responses and inhibits antitumor immunity by stimulating immunosuppressive factors and inhibiting expression of chemicals critical for antitumor immunity. The study reveals a mechanism by which oncogenic pathways regulate the immune microenvironment to promote tumor development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 2, 2009

Older killer whales make the best mothers

Researchers found that older killer whales nearing menopause have a 10% higher survival rate for their calves compared to younger females. This suggests that these older mothers may be more successful in rearing their young due to maternal experience and increased allocation of effort.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateFeb 2, 2009