Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2011 - Page 32


Page 32 of 311

Tweaking a gene makes muscles twice as strong

Researchers have discovered a new way to build muscle by suppressing a natural inhibitor, resulting in mice and worms with super-strong muscles. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for age-related or genetics-related muscle degeneration, as well as applications for athletes and individuals with genetic muscular dystrophy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 18, 2011

Metabolic syndrome biomarkers predict lung function impairment after exposure to WTC dust

Researchers found that dyslipidemia and elevated heart rate increased the risk of developing abnormal lung function, while elevated amylin levels reduced this risk. The study suggests that systemic inflammation may play a role in promoting lung function impairment after particulate exposure.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 18, 2011

Protection from severe malaria explained

Researchers discovered that a degradation product of defective hemoglobin blocks the establishment of a trafficking system used by the malaria parasite, preventing circulatory disorders and neurological complications. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism behind the protective effect of sickle-cell anemia against...

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalScience·DateNov 18, 2011

Chalmers scientists create light from vacuum

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have succeeded in creating light from vacuum by capturing photons that appear and disappear in the vacuum. The experiment confirms a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics, demonstrating the existence of virtual particles that can become real photons.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2011

How the brain senses nutrient balance

Researchers discovered a cellular mechanism allowing brain cells to translate different diets into distinct activity patterns. The orexin/hypocretin neurons are stimulated by amino acids, but inhibited by glucose, revealing a complex 'push-pull' control by sugars and proteins.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2011

Biodegradable mulches successfully control weeds in container-grown arborvitae

A new study by Italian scientists shows that biodegradable mulches can effectively control weeds in container-grown arborvitae, with results comparable to chemical herbicides. The researchers found no impact on substrate temperature or water content, and noted that transpiration is the main component of water loss from these plants.

New hope for young leukemia patients?

A study published in Blood has identified a potential marker, PD-1, that is more frequently found in young leukemia patients who experience relapses. This discovery could lead to the development of simple tests to predict relapse, reducing the risk for these vulnerable individuals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBlood·DateNov 17, 2011

Bleak future for Bay area tidal marshes?

A new study projects a bleak future for San Francisco Bay's tidal marshes under high-end sea-level rise scenarios, with up to 93% of the bay's tidal marshes potentially lost. However, the study also highlights the importance of restoration efforts and sediment management in preserving these vital ecosystems.

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 17, 2011

Could lemmings be involved in regulating our climate?

A new study found that lemmings can promote greening in the Arctic by increasing grass and sedge biomass, which could tip the climate either way. The researchers suggest that lemming populations play a key role in regulating tundra ecosystems, potentially maintaining them as carbon sinks.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 17, 2011

Study details links between climate, groundwater availability – will help states prepare for drought

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that groundwater levels are influenced by precipitation three months earlier. The research provides unprecedented detail on how climate affects surface water and streamflow in the region, enabling better planning and policy decisions to mitigate water shortages.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Hydrologic Engineering·DateNov 17, 2011

Princeton release: Massive volcanoes, meteorite impacts delivered one-two death punch to dinosaurs

Researchers from Princeton University reject the prevailing theory that a single large meteorite caused the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period. Instead, they link the extinction to massive volcanic eruptions in western India known as the Deccan Traps, which were 3 times larger than France.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the Geological Society of India·DateNov 17, 2011

Friends with benefits

Human relationships rely on endorphin rewards for motivation, unlike rodents which focus on oxytocin and vasopressin. The study suggests that endorphins enable complex relationship networks to endure and persist.

SourceBrill·JournalBehaviour·DateNov 17, 2011

How the fly flies

Researchers at Max Planck Institute identified the genetic switch Spalt that regulates flight muscle formation in flies. Without Spalt, flies are flightless, but can still move their legs normally. This discovery has potential medical applications for understanding and regulating human muscle function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2011

One for you, one for me

Stowers researchers used baker's yeast to study chromosome separation and found that Mps3 ensures accurate spindle pole body duplication, which is crucial for cell division. They also discovered a novel mutant with defects in nuclear membrane structure and function.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 17, 2011

A mathematical model determines which nations are more stable and which are more likely to break up

A new mathematical model developed by an international research group can predict the stability of European nations and identify regions more likely to break up. The model considers demographic, economic, cultural, and genetic factors, showing a correlation between population genetics and cultural distance.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Economic Growth·DateNov 17, 2011

Brain study explores what makes colors and numbers collide

A recent study reveals that individuals with grapheme-color synesthesia exhibit increased activity in the brain's visual cortex, a finding that provides insight into the neural mechanisms underlying conscious awareness. The research also suggests that the brains of synesthetes may be more excitable than those without the condition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 17, 2011

The modeling of multiple relationships in social networks

Researchers develop an integrated statistical framework to model multiple relationships of different types on a common set of actors. The study found that common factors determined the likelihood of relationship formation, including geographical proximity and online popularity. The model accurately predicted relationships in networks, ...

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 17, 2011