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Science News for December 13, 2011


Life on Kosterhavet's seabed analyzed

Genoveva Gonzalez Mirelis analyzed over 2 million map tiles in Kosterhavet National Park to create a spatial distribution of benthic communities, including deepwater corals and Norway lobster. This method can help preserve environments and species for future generations by informing marine planning and regulations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMarine Biology·DateDec 13, 2011

Studies identify causes, risk factors for stillbirth

Researchers found common causes of stillbirth to be obstetric complications and placental abnormalities, with previous pregnancy loss also linked to increased risk. The study's findings highlight the need for thorough investigation into cause of death and development of interventions to prevent stillbirths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 13, 2011

Using many instruments to track a comet

The Solar Heliophysics Observatory (SOHO) has discovered a new Kreutz-family comet, C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy), through ground-based telescope observations. This is the first time a Kreutz comet has been found in this way since the 1970s, providing scientists with an opportunity to study it before it moves into view of space-based telescopes.

Was Darwin wrong about emotions?

Contrary to common belief, facial expressions may not be automatic indicators of emotions. Researcher Lisa Feldman Barrett argues that expressions are not biologically basic and cannot be recognized universally. This challenges the traditional view that certain emotional expressions evolved for specific functions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 13, 2011

Worms reveal new role for hormones in Bardet-Biedl syndrome

A new study reveals that mutations in BBS genes not only control incoming communication via cilia but also outgoing communication via hormone release, leading to restored normal body size, feeding, and metabolism in a small roundworm. This discovery opens up therapeutic avenues for the genetic disorder.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 13, 2011

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers find potential target for treating metastatic cancer

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a chemical disrupter of the Rb-Raf-1 interaction, which may be vulnerable to targeting to prevent cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. The study found that this disruption can limit metastasis in test mice, suggesting a potential new approach for combating metastatic disease.

Inspired by insect cuticle, Wyss Institute develops material that's tough and strong

Researchers at the Wyss Institute have developed a new material called Shrilk that replicates the exceptional strength and versatility of insect cuticle. With its unique mechanical and chemical properties, Shrilk could be used to replace plastics in consumer products, suture wounds, and serve as scaffolding for tissue regeneration.

Largest ever gas mix caught in ultra-freeze trap

Researchers created a record-breaking gas mixture of Lithium 6 and Potassium 40 using an ultra-freeze trap, increasing the number of atoms under study to a few billion. This breakthrough will aid in simulating subatomic-scale phenomena and understanding quantum mechanical effects in neutron stars.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 13, 2011

In third-degree burn treatment, hydrogel helps grow new, scar-free skin

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a hydrogel treatment that promotes new blood vessel formation and tissue regeneration, yielding scar-free skin in mouse tissue tests. The treatment has the potential to greatly improve healing for injured soldiers, home fire victims, and others with third-degree burns.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2011

Sugar pump in plants identified

Researchers have discovered a protein family known as SWEET that plays a crucial role in transporting sucrose from leaves to other parts of the plant. The discovery could lead to increased crop yields and improved protection against pests, potentially even shedding light on human diseases like diabetes and obesity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2011

Life after cigarettes

Smokers who quit successfully experience noticeable improvements in quality of life, including higher scores on overall well-being and positive emotions. After three years, quitters also report fewer stressors and increased satisfaction with their lives.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateDec 13, 2011

Mothers' weight before and during pregnancy affects baby's weight

A new study found that both pre-pregnant weight and weight gain during pregnancy are important predictors of babies' birthweight. Women with higher education levels had the highest offspring birthweight, highlighting the importance of a healthy weight before conception and moderate weight gain during pregnancy.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateDec 13, 2011

JDRF-funded study seeks to reduce cardiovascular risk

The REMOVAL study aims to test whether metformin can prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in people with type 1 diabetes. The five-year trial will follow 500 patients and examine the effects of metformin on blood glucose control, treatment satisfaction, and other complications.

SourceJDRF·DateDec 13, 2011

Visualization of DNA synthesis in vivo

A new substance, F-ara-Edu, labels DNA with little to no impact on genome function, allowing for the visualization of DNA synthesis in vivo. This approach enables the identification of virus infection and cancerous growth sites due to abundant DNA replication in these tissues.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2011