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Science News Archive November 2011 - Page 10


Page 10 of 28

How the brain senses nutrient balance

Researchers discovered a cellular mechanism allowing brain cells to translate different diets into distinct activity patterns. The orexin/hypocretin neurons are stimulated by amino acids, but inhibited by glucose, revealing a complex 'push-pull' control by sugars and proteins.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2011

Biodegradable mulches successfully control weeds in container-grown arborvitae

A new study by Italian scientists shows that biodegradable mulches can effectively control weeds in container-grown arborvitae, with results comparable to chemical herbicides. The researchers found no impact on substrate temperature or water content, and noted that transpiration is the main component of water loss from these plants.

New hope for young leukemia patients?

A study published in Blood has identified a potential marker, PD-1, that is more frequently found in young leukemia patients who experience relapses. This discovery could lead to the development of simple tests to predict relapse, reducing the risk for these vulnerable individuals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBlood·DateNov 17, 2011

Bleak future for Bay area tidal marshes?

A new study projects a bleak future for San Francisco Bay's tidal marshes under high-end sea-level rise scenarios, with up to 93% of the bay's tidal marshes potentially lost. However, the study also highlights the importance of restoration efforts and sediment management in preserving these vital ecosystems.

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 17, 2011

Could lemmings be involved in regulating our climate?

A new study found that lemmings can promote greening in the Arctic by increasing grass and sedge biomass, which could tip the climate either way. The researchers suggest that lemming populations play a key role in regulating tundra ecosystems, potentially maintaining them as carbon sinks.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 17, 2011

Study details links between climate, groundwater availability – will help states prepare for drought

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that groundwater levels are influenced by precipitation three months earlier. The research provides unprecedented detail on how climate affects surface water and streamflow in the region, enabling better planning and policy decisions to mitigate water shortages.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Hydrologic Engineering·DateNov 17, 2011

Princeton release: Massive volcanoes, meteorite impacts delivered one-two death punch to dinosaurs

Researchers from Princeton University reject the prevailing theory that a single large meteorite caused the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period. Instead, they link the extinction to massive volcanic eruptions in western India known as the Deccan Traps, which were 3 times larger than France.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the Geological Society of India·DateNov 17, 2011

Friends with benefits

Human relationships rely on endorphin rewards for motivation, unlike rodents which focus on oxytocin and vasopressin. The study suggests that endorphins enable complex relationship networks to endure and persist.

SourceBrill·JournalBehaviour·DateNov 17, 2011

How the fly flies

Researchers at Max Planck Institute identified the genetic switch Spalt that regulates flight muscle formation in flies. Without Spalt, flies are flightless, but can still move their legs normally. This discovery has potential medical applications for understanding and regulating human muscle function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2011

One for you, one for me

Stowers researchers used baker's yeast to study chromosome separation and found that Mps3 ensures accurate spindle pole body duplication, which is crucial for cell division. They also discovered a novel mutant with defects in nuclear membrane structure and function.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 17, 2011

A mathematical model determines which nations are more stable and which are more likely to break up

A new mathematical model developed by an international research group can predict the stability of European nations and identify regions more likely to break up. The model considers demographic, economic, cultural, and genetic factors, showing a correlation between population genetics and cultural distance.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Economic Growth·DateNov 17, 2011

Brain study explores what makes colors and numbers collide

A recent study reveals that individuals with grapheme-color synesthesia exhibit increased activity in the brain's visual cortex, a finding that provides insight into the neural mechanisms underlying conscious awareness. The research also suggests that the brains of synesthetes may be more excitable than those without the condition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 17, 2011

The modeling of multiple relationships in social networks

Researchers develop an integrated statistical framework to model multiple relationships of different types on a common set of actors. The study found that common factors determined the likelihood of relationship formation, including geographical proximity and online popularity. The model accurately predicted relationships in networks, ...

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 17, 2011

Marshall study shows nanoparticles used as additives in diesel fuels can travel from lungs to liver

A recent study by Marshall University researchers discovered that nanoparticles of cerium oxide, commonly used in diesel fuels, can travel from the lungs to the liver and cause damage. The study found a dose-dependent increase in cerium levels in the liver, associated with liver enzyme elevations and histological evidence of liver damage.

SourceMarshall University Research Corporation·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomedicine·DateNov 17, 2011

Presenteeism: A new word for working when sick

A study by Concordia University found that employees with acute, chronic or episodic illness report higher rates of presenteeism, with caregivers in early education reporting the highest rates. Presenteeism can be influenced by job insecurity and social obligation, but research suggests it may not always be a productive option.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateNov 17, 2011

Nudity tunes up the brain

Researchers found that nude bodies are processed more efficiently by the brain than clothed bodies, even at an early stage of visual processing. This effect is strongest for pictures of nude female bodies, and may play a role in reproduction.

Rivers may aid climate control in cities

Researchers have discovered that rivers in cities can produce a cooling microclimate, helping to reduce overheating temperatures. The University of Sheffield's URSULA project has found that rivers can absorb excess heat from the sun and help cities stay cool, making them a valuable tool for urban planning.