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Science News Archive July 2011 - Page 6


Page 6 of 25

Shuttle service in cells

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum discovered a new enzyme, Ubp15p, that collaborates with motor proteins to convert the protein transport machinery back into its initial condition. The enzyme detaches a specific signal sequence from a protein, allowing for recycling and reuse.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2011

Climate-change-induced wildfires may alter Yellowstone forests

A team of ecologists models climate change effects on fire occurrence and composition of Yellowstone forests, finding a tipping element that may alter the flora, fauna, and ecosystem quality. The researchers predict frequent fires will become the norm in parts of the landscape by 2050.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2011

Study: Climate change to increase Yellowstone wildfires dramatically

A new study by UC Merced professor Anthony Westerling predicts a significant increase in large wildfires in Yellowstone by 2050, leading to changes in forest composition and wildlife habitats. The projected increase could result in fewer dense forests and more open vegetation, with some forests failing to regenerate after repeated fires.

SourceUniversity of California - Merced·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2011

Study: Doctors differ in how best to care for America's 12 million cancer survivors

A nationally representative survey of 1,072 primary care physicians and 1,130 oncologists found significant barriers to effective communication and coordination of care following initial cancer treatment. Optimal cancer survivorship care includes surveillance for recurrence, managing late medical effects, and psychosocial support.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 25, 2011

Illinois scientists learn startling new truth about sugar

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that sugar decomposes rather than melts, offering new insights into food science and technology. This breakthrough enables food scientists to manipulate sugars for improved flavors and textures, as well as pharmaceutical companies to enhance excipients.

Cheer up: A view of how fatty foods makes you feel less sad

A team of researchers discovered that consuming a fat solution attenuated behavioral and nerve cell responses to sad emotion, suggesting a link between gut-brain signaling and emotional state. This finding has significant implications for various mental health conditions, including obesity and depression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2011

Rare coupling of magnetic and electric properties in a single material

Scientists have found a new mechanism that couples electric and magnetic properties in a material, enabling faster and energy-efficient logic, memory, and sensing technology. This breakthrough could lead to the development of multiferroic materials, which are rare in nature but can display both ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 25, 2011

Researchers provide detailed picture of ice loss following the collapse of Antarctic ice shelves

A study combining satellite data from NASA and aircraft missions has provided the clearest account yet of glacial ice surges into the sea after Antarctic ice shelves collapse. The research reveals rapid elevation decreases of over 500 feet for some glaciers, with total ice loss estimated at 11.2 gigatons per year.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateJul 25, 2011

Sharper, deeper, faster

A novel imaging technique combines high resolution, high penetration depth, and high imaging speed to capture detailed information from live biological samples without damaging them. The technique uses two-photon excitation in sheet-illumination mode, enabling fast imaging speed and reducing light-induced damage.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 25, 2011

Older people find it harder to see the wood for the trees

Researchers found that age-related changes in attention and Gestalt perception hinder older adults' ability to focus on global patterns. The study provides evidence of correlations between healthy aging and declines in visual perception, offering insights into cognitive domains interacting during aging.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateJul 25, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: July 25, 2011

A study by Lukas Van Oudenhove and colleagues found that a fat solution to the stomach attenuates behavioral and nerve cell responses to sad emotion in humans. This discovery has implications for treating disorders such as obesity, eating disorders, and depression. Additionally, two independent research groups have generated new data o...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2011

Heavy metal: Titanium implant safety under scrutiny

Researchers developed a highly sensitive method to determine titanium levels in human blood, establishing a baseline for natural levels and measuring levels in patients with surgical implants. The study found significantly higher titanium concentrations in patients with implants, shedding light on the potential harmful biological effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2011

Global depression statistics

The study found that 15% of the population from high-income countries were at risk of developing depression over their lifetime. Depression was strongly linked to social conditions and more prevalent in high-income countries, where MDEs were elevated by 28%, with France having the highest incidence.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJul 25, 2011

Researchers identify risk factor pathways for PTSS in female and male veterans

The study found that risk factors for PTSD among OEF/OIF male veterans were similar to those observed in Vietnam veterans, but identified novel mechanisms of risk for OEF/OIF female veterans. Family relationships during deployment played a more prominent role in explaining PTSD in female veterans than in male veterans.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJul 25, 2011

Universal donor immune cells

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have developed a new form of adoptive cell transfer that overcomes limitations of current therapies. This approach uses a donor pool of immune T cells prepared in advance, which are outfitted with receptors to specifically target and destroy tumors.