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Science News for August 14, 2011


Maternal IV fluids linked to newborns' weight loss

A new study found a positive association between maternal IV fluids and newborn weight loss, suggesting that some weight loss in the first 24 hours may be due to hydration regulation rather than breast milk deficiency. The researchers recommend using weight measured at 24 hours post-birth as a baseline for assessing newborn weight loss.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Breastfeeding Journal·DateAug 14, 2011

New clue to Parkinson's

Researchers discover that alpha-synuclein, key to Parkinson's disease, forms complex folded tetramers in healthy cells rather than a single, randomly-coiled chain. This finding challenges existing disease paradigms and suggests a new therapeutic approach.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Increased tropical forest growth could release carbon from the soil

A new study reveals that enhanced tree growth in tropical forests can stimulate soil micro-organisms, leading to the release of stored soil carbon. Researchers found that extra litterfall triggers a process called priming, which stimulates the decomposition of carbon stored in the soil.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 14, 2011

Slowing the allergic march

A team of international scientists identified the protein TSLP as a key regulator of multiple allergic diseases, including eczema, food allergies, and asthma. They found that TSLP elicits the maturation of distinct basophils that promote allergic inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2011

How fatty diets cause diabetes

A new study found that high levels of fat interfere with key transcription factors, leading to diminished glucose sensing in pancreatic beta cells. This pathway is activated in type 2 diabetes and contributes to metabolic defects, including insulin resistance.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 14, 2011

Research reveals how butterflies copy their neighbors to fool birds

Researchers have discovered how butterflies mimic neighboring species to avoid being eaten by birds, using a 'supergene' that controls distinct wing-pattern forms. This phenomenon has puzzled scientists for centuries and is now understood to be controlled by a single gene change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2011
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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Toronto researchers first to discover new genetic clue in the development of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto identified the PTPN22 gene mutation's impact on immune cells, leading to hyper-immune responses and autoimmune disorders. The study's findings will help develop new diagnostic tests and targeted therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.

SourceSamuel Lunenfeld Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 14, 2011

Arthritis sufferers at increased risk of heart disease

A five-year study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to inflammation. Treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) reduced the risk, while certain risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure predicted new events.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateAug 14, 2011

Salmonella stays deadly with a 'beta' version of cell behavior

Researchers found that Salmonella cells use a beta form of amino acid lysine to cause illness, making it an attractive drug target. Deleting genes involved in this process or inserting alpha lysine instead renders the bacteria non-virulent and sensitive to antibiotics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 14, 2011
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.