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Science News Archive December 2011 - Page 13


Page 13 of 23

Making copies at the right time

Researchers at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia have uncovered a molecular mechanism that enables cells to accurately inherit non-genetic information, such as protein structures. This epigenetic memory is crucial for maintaining genome organization and preventing errors in cell division, which can lead to cancer.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 12, 2011

The paradox of gift giving: More not better, says new study

A new study finds that gift givers who bundle an expensive gift with a smaller item tend for recipients to perceive the overall package as less valuable. This phenomenon, known as the Presenter's Paradox, can be seen in various contexts beyond gift giving, including presentations of information and decision-making processes.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 12, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 12, 2011

Researchers have identified a protein that contributes to brain tumor resistance to chemotherapy, while also developing a way to predict which liver transplant patients can be weaned off immunosuppressive drugs. High levels of APNG in GBM cells correlated with poorer survival rates, suggesting it may serve as a biomarker for treatment ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 12, 2011

Jumping droplets take a lot of heat

Duke University engineers developed a way to produce thermal diodes that can transfer heat in both directions, overcoming existing limitations. The method uses self-propelled water droplets to transport heat, enabling applications in energy-efficient solar panels and compact electronics.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 12, 2011

A logistics approach to malaria in Africa

A comprehensive supply chain map reveals challenges in accessing anti-malarial drugs in Africa due to economic, political and infrastructural barriers. Local transport options like donkey carts and bicycles should be considered for rural areas.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Logistics Systems and Management·DateDec 12, 2011

The brain on trial

Experts discuss how advances in neuroscience affect the judicial system, from challenging legal policies to aiding in diagnoses of psychological conditions. Brain maturity is a critical issue in assessing teenage crimes, while addiction affects sentencing decisions.

How brain tumors invade

Researchers identified a key protein mutation that enables brain tumors to invade healthy brain tissue. Excessive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signals trigger the production of GBP1, rendering tumors more invasive and allowing them to spread into surrounding tissue.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 12, 2011

Strip-till improves nutrient uptake and yield

Researchers found that strip-till improved nutrient uptake and increased yield in soybeans, but had no impact on yield when fertilizers were applied through broadcast or deep banding methods. Subsurface banding of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers may reduce surface phosphorus levels and offer environmental benefits.

The case of the dying aspens

New research by William Anderegg and colleagues reveals that carbon starvation is unlikely to be the primary cause of tree death during droughts. The study found significant losses of function in the trees' water-transportation systems, especially in the roots, resulting in a 70% loss of water conductivity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2011

Immunity against the cold

A team of researchers at UCSF has discovered that tiny immune cells called macrophages can switch on the brown fat in response to cold temperatures, inducing it to burn energy and produce heat. This finding suggests that the immune system plays a role in thermoregulation, potentially leading to new strategies for enhancing metabolism.

A lake fauna in a shot-glass

A Danish research team has developed a new DNA-based method to monitor rare and threatened animal species in freshwater environments, showing it can be effective even for extremely rare populations. The study found a clear correlation between DNA detection and population density, enabling the estimation of population sizes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateDec 11, 2011