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Science News Archive July 2010 - Page 19


Page 19 of 23

Ferns and fog on the forest floor

Researchers found that ferns in the northern end of the redwood forest ecosystem are better equipped to absorb fog water than those in the southern region. This has important implications for the structure of plant communities and how ecosystems function during drought periods. The study suggests that native ferns may be able to acclim...

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJul 8, 2010

New retrieval method makes studying cancer proteins easier

Researchers developed a technique to isolate specific cancer proteins using a synthetic nanopolymer. The polymer-based metal-ion affinity capture (PolyMAC) method isolated phosphorylated proteins, which are highly associated with cancer, from a sea of other proteins. This breakthrough may aid in the development of new cancer drugs.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateJul 7, 2010

Newborn stars discovered in dark cosmic cloud

Astronomers have detected a wave of massive star formation within the M17 SWex dark cloud, revealing 488 newly forming stars, including 200 blue-white class B stars. The discovery sheds light on how and when massive stars form, with theories suggesting an expanding shock wave or later formation may be necessary.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 7, 2010

The legend of good cop/bad cop

Researchers found that small-scale corruption in the South African police force is commonplace and often condoned by those involved. Police officers frequently accept gifts from residents, which should not be seen as bribes but rather as a social gesture to build relationships.

Researchers demystifying complex cellular communications hubs found in sensory neurons

A Japanese team of scientists has identified a long-elusive enzyme necessary for the proper regulation of primary cilia, which serve as communication hubs in sensory neurons. The discovery may aid in developing therapies for diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and polycystic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 7, 2010

Black hole blows big bubble

Astronomers have discovered the most powerful pair of jets from a stellar black hole, blowing a huge bubble of hot gas. The discovery reveals that some black holes can release at least as much energy in the form of collimated jets as radiation, leading to an expansion of the surrounding interstellar gas.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJul 7, 2010

Scripps Research scientists uncover previously unknown natural mechanism that controls cocaine use

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a specific microRNA that controls cocaine consumption and addiction. MicroRNA-212 was found to be increased in the brains of rats with extended access to cocaine, leading to reduced addictive behavior. This discovery suggests a potential new method for treating cocaine addiction.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 7, 2010

Study finds patients benefit from thorough discussion of recommended operations

Researchers found that extending the time spent on informed consent discussions leads to greater patient comprehension, with a stronger impact seen in patients who had 'repeat back' discussions. Additionally, factors such as race, ethnicity, age, and type of surgical procedure were associated with improved comprehension.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 7, 2010

Inactivity 'no contributor' to childhood obesity epidemic

A new study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that physical activity has no impact on weight change in children, but weight loss can lead to reduced physical activity. This suggests that addressing childhood obesity through reducing caloric intake and portion size may be more effective than increasing physical activity.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 7, 2010

Rice program takes on protein puzzle

Rice University researchers have developed a computer program that accurately simulates protein folding dramatically faster than previous methods. The new technique allows scientists to study the roots of diseases caused by proteins that fold incorrectly, which is crucial for understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 7, 2010