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Science News for January 7, 2010


Mobile bushfire monitoring

Researchers are developing a smart bushfire monitoring system that uses temperature and humidity sensors connected to GPS and wireless communication technologies. The system offers several benefits over earlier detection methods, including easy adaptability and low initial expense.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology·DateJan 7, 2010

Reluctant hero?

Male cleaner wrasse aggressively chase females who cheat clients, protecting their own dinner interests. This behavior, similar to human 'Robin Hood' tendencies, may not be as charitable as thought.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2010

30,000-year-old teeth shed new light on human evolution

A 30,000-year-old child's teeth found in Portugal provide insight into the evolution of modern humans and their relationship with Neanderthals. The analysis reveals that early modern humans had a different dental anatomy compared to recent humans, with greater volumes of dentin and pulp but less enamel.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2010

Canine compulsive disorder gene identified

Researchers have identified a genetic locus on chromosome 7 associated with canine compulsive disorder (CCD), a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors. The CDH2 gene region is linked to increased risk of CCD in Doberman breeds and may be involved in human OCD and autism spectrum disorders.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 7, 2010

How plants 'feel' the temperature rise

Researchers discovered how plants sense temperature changes by unwrapping their DNA; this discovery could lead to more resilient crops and help explain plant responses to climate change. The study used Arabidopsis thaliana and found that H2A.Z histones play a crucial role in temperature sensing.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 7, 2010

Warmer climate could stifle carbon uptake by trees, says CU-Boulder study

A new University of Colorado at Boulder study finds that warmer climates may reduce the ability of subalpine forests to absorb carbon dioxide. The research suggests that these forests, which store an estimated 70% of the western United States' carbon sink, will be less effective in converting CO2 into biomass due to declining snowpacks.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 7, 2010

Scientists' breakthrough in production of biofuels

A team of scientists from the University of Sheffield has created an air-lift loop bioreactor that consumes less than 18% more energy, making it a significant breakthrough in the production of alternative renewable fuels. The device is now being tested with various organizations to reduce energy consumption and costs.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalFood and Bioproducts Processing·DateJan 7, 2010

Eminent group of scientists call for moratorium on issuance of mountaintop mining permits

A group of renowned environmental scientists is urging the US EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to suspend new mountaintop mining permits, citing extensive scientific evidence of permanent environmental harm and increased human health risks. The authors argue that mitigation practices are ineffective in reversing damage and recommend a 2...

Rules governing RNA's anatomy revealed

The study reveals that RNA molecules' 3D shapes are dictated by their junctions, similar to how anatomical features define arm motion. The researchers also found that drug molecules interact with RNA in predictable ways, with size being a key factor in determining the preferred orientation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2010

U of Alberta researchers find mechanism that could prevent or treat deadly peroxisome diseases

Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a universal mechanism that ensures peroxisomes transfer into cells after division, potentially leading to prevention or treatment of deadly disorders. The discovery has implications for screening carriers and could help babies born with peroxisome disorders survive longer.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 7, 2010

Each pound at birth lowers risk of developing TB

A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that each additional 1.1 pounds of birth weight decreases tuberculosis risk by 46% among identical twins. The association is stronger for males, with an 87% reduced risk, and sheds light on the developmental origins of health and disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 7, 2010

Duda, where'd my spines go?

UC researcher Michal Polak confirms one of Darwin's theories by showing that the spines on Drosophila bipectinata males assist them in copulation. The study found that removing these spines resulted in drastic reductions in ability to copulate and compete for mates.

Nanoscience goes 'big'

Researchers have made a breakthrough in engineering nanoscale materials, enabling the creation of large-scale arrays of individual structures with precise locations. This discovery could lead to advancements in sensing, transistors, and other applications.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 7, 2010

Golden ratio discovered in a quantum world

Researchers observed a nanoscale guitar string-like behavior in cobalt niobate, with atomic scale vibrations exhibiting the golden ratio. This discovery reflects a hidden symmetry and special property of the quantum system, with potential implications for future technology.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJan 7, 2010