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Science News for September 11, 2009


Migrating birds chill to fatten up

Researchers found that smaller migrating blackcaps lose body temperature at night during stopovers to save energy, while heavier birds drop their metabolic rates less. This helps the birds accumulate more fuel and shorten their refueling stops.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 11, 2009

Mandatory alcohol testing for truck and bus drivers reduces alcohol involvement in fatal crashes

A study of nearly 70,000 motor carrier drivers and over 83,000 non-motor-carrier drivers found that mandatory alcohol testing programs reduced alcohol involvement in fatal crashes by 23%. The study's findings suggest that implementation of such programs can improve safety records in the US and other countries.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 11, 2009

When proteins change partners

The study reveals that Fbox proteins alternate between attaching to and being kicked off CRL1 by competing protein CAND1. This process is stabilized by the phosphorylated substrate N8, allowing for efficient degradation of aberrant proteins. The research highlights the importance of the proline residue in Fbox protein-CRL1 interaction.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 11, 2009

Muscle: 'Hard to build, easy to lose' as you age

Research by the University of Nottingham found that older people's muscles are less responsive to insulin, leading to increased muscle breakdown. Weight training has been shown to improve blood flow and potentially mitigate this effect. This blunting of muscle response may contribute to age-related muscle loss.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 11, 2009

Half of eligible patients not getting mitral valve surgery, U-M study shows

A recent study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that only half of eligible patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation underwent surgery, despite meeting at least one indication for treatment. The study suggests that cardiologists may overestimate surgical risks and underestimate potential benefits.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 11, 2009