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Science News for June 27, 2011


Fossilized pollen reveals climate history of northern Antarctica

A new study from Rice University and Louisiana State University reveals the Antarctic Peninsula was ice-free and forested during its warmest period 55 million years ago. The research provides a detailed reconstruction of the climatic history of the peninsula, shedding light on how the continent's ice sheets formed and evolved over time.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2011

Helping preterm babies get the best start

A landmark study from Monash University found that preterm babies have fewer nephrons and underdeveloped kidneys, increasing their risk of renal disease. The research aims to develop strategies to minimize the consequences of preterm birth and improve kidney development in these babies.

Scientists sequence endangered Tasmanian devil's genome

Researchers use genome sequencing and analysis to identify individuals for captive breeding programs, aiming to maximize genetic diversity and prevent extinction. The study provides insights into the impact of European settlement on Tasmanian devil genomic diversity.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2011

False negative tests in breast cancer may lead to wrong drug choice

Research at Yale University reveals 10-20% of breast cancers classified as ER negative are actually positive, leading to under-treatment and missed opportunities for effective therapies. A new method for standardizing Estrogen Receptor measurement has been developed, which detects the receptor with higher sensitivity and reproducibility.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 27, 2011

Greener disaster alerts

Researchers developed a new software that allows wireless sensor networks to run at much lower energy, improving the efficiency of hurricane and other natural disaster warning systems. The technology also enables environmental monitoring and risk identification.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Sensor Networks·DateJun 27, 2011

Researchers share useful lessons learned in evaluating emerging technologies

The NIST researchers developed an evaluative framework called SCORE to assess the performance of systems and their components, providing a unified set of criteria and software tools for emerging technologies evaluation. The framework helps maximize contributions without biasing test results and provides flexibility over time.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Control and Systems·DateJun 27, 2011

Nearly half of women with advanced breast cancer in the US not receiving life-saving treatment

A new study from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center found that nearly half of women with advanced breast cancer in the US are not receiving life-saving post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT), despite evidence-based guidelines outlining its benefits. The study suggests that better strategies, such as requiring compliance for accreditation a...

Ladybirds -- wolves in sheep's clothing

Ladybird beetles' ability to produce anti-ant defences has led to their high diversity, with most species having one or both of these defences. This evolutionary shift allowed ladybirds to successfully poach soft-bodied scale insects from under the noses of aggressive ants.

Ancient symbiosis between animals and bacteria discovered

Marine biologists have identified a 500-million-year-old symbiotic relationship between catenulid flatworms, like Paracatenula, and Alpha-Proteobacteria. The unique Riegeria symbionts have been found to account for up to 50% of the worm's tissue and are believed to be responsible for its nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2011

City dwellers produce as much CO2 as countryside people do

Researchers at Aalto University found that carbon emissions are linked to income and consumption habits, with rich individuals producing more CO2. The study used a hybrid life cycle analysis approach to quantify carbon emissions by looking at production, monetary transactions, and consumption statistics.

SourceAalto University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 27, 2011

Notre Dame researchers provide new information about the circadian rhythms of the malaria mosquito

A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers reveals that the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae exhibits daily rhythms in gene expression, with nearly 16% of its genome showing time-of-day specific changes. This discovery highlights potential targets for novel malarial control strategies and optimization of existing approaches.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2011

Study finds pregnancy safe in multiple sclerosis

Researchers analyzed data from BC MS Clinics' database and BC Perinatal Database Registry to compare pregnancy outcomes in women with MS to those without the disease. Babies born to mothers with MS did not have significantly different gestational age or birth weight, but mothers with greater disability had slightly elevated risk of adv...

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 27, 2011

BPA-exposed male deer mice are demasculinized and undesirable to females, new MU study finds

Researchers found that BPA-exposed male deer mice are less desirable to females, perform poorly on spatial navigation tasks, and exhibit random trial-and-error strategies. The study suggests that exposure to BPA during human development could be damaging to behavioral and cognitive traits unique to each sex.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2011