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Science News Archive November 2011 - Page 6


Page 6 of 28

Earth's core deprived of oxygen

A team of scientists led by Yingwei Fei found that oxygen is not a major component of the Earth's liquid outer core, contradicting previous models. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the planet's formation through accretion of dust and clumps of matter.

Introducing the monarch butterfly genome

The monarch butterfly's genome has been fully sequenced, offering insights into its long-distance migration. The study reveals genes responsible for vision, circadian clocks, and juvenile hormone synthesis, essential for extended lifespan and navigation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011

Hopkins scientists turn on fountain of youth in yeast

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have successfully manipulated yeast life span by removing and restoring a protein function related to aging. By restoring this function, the organism's life span is dramatically extended. The discovery reveals molecular components of an aging pathway that appears related to one regulating longevity in humans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011

Insect cyborgs may become first responders

Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing insect 'cyborgs' that can power sensors and communications equipment, allowing them to monitor hazardous situations before human intervention. The devices harness kinetic energy from wing movements, enabling the insects to gather vital information in confined environments.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateNov 23, 2011

Big pest, small genome

Researchers sequence the two-spotted spider mite's genome, revealing genes capable of detoxifying pesticides and plant toxins. This breakthrough sheds light on how these pests counteract plant defenses and provides new insights for developing targeted pesticides.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Closer to a cure for eczema

Researchers have identified six yeast-killing peptides that target Malassezia sympodialis without harming human skin cells. These peptides could provide a potential new treatment for atopic eczema, increasing patients' quality of life. Further study is needed to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

SourceWiley·JournalLetters in Applied Microbiology·DateNov 23, 2011

The scoop on the dangers of snow shoveling

A study published in Clinical Research in Cardiology found that snow shoveling was associated with a significant proportion of heart problems among patients, particularly males with a family history of coronary artery disease. The study identified three key risk factors: gender, family history, and smoking.

SourceQueen's University·JournalClinical Research in Cardiology·DateNov 23, 2011

Doctors can do better if they learn from their mistakes

A team of researchers found that doctors who learned from both successes and failures performed better in making treatment choices. They used fMRI imaging to detect characteristic brain patterns for high performers and low performers, showing a correlation between attention to failed treatments and better performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2011

Blossom end rot: Transport protein identified

A team of researchers has identified a protein that facilitates the radial transport of calcium ions from the root to the shoot, resolving a long-standing mystery. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for preventing blossom end rot and other nutrient deficiencies in crops.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2011

Robojelly gets an upgrade

Researchers at VirginiaTech have improved Robojelly's performance by introducing a flexible margin, reducing folding and increasing speed. The upgrade provides new insights into jellyfish propulsion mechanisms, enabling the robot to detect chemical spills, monitor ships and submarines, and observe fish migration.

Great Lakes fish feed on invading shrimp

Researchers found that several native fish species have incorporated the bloody red shrimp into their diet over multi-seasonal periods. The study suggests these fish are adapting to the invasive species, alleviating concerns about its impact on native populations.

SourceQueen's University·JournalJournal of Great Lakes Research·DateNov 22, 2011

Surprising pathway implicated in stuttering

A new study found that mutations in a gene called NAGPA, which affects lysosomal function, are associated with persistent stuttering. The research provides evidence that impairment in cellular recycling centers may play a role in causing some people to stutter.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 22, 2011

When friends fail them, girls hurt worse than boys

A new report from Boston College and Duke University finds that girls are more devastated than boys when friends let them down. The study examined fourth- and fifth-grade children and found that girls interpreted friendship transgressions in a negative way, leading to increased anger and aggression.

SourceBoston College·JournalChild Development·DateNov 22, 2011

Girls feel more anger, sadness than boys when friends offend

A Duke University study found that pre-teen girls are just as likely to react aggressively to a friend's betrayal as boys, but may struggle more with feelings of sadness. The research suggests that girls' friendships require a different approach than previously thought, focusing on teaching them how to cope when a friend lets them down.

SourceDuke University·JournalChild Development·DateNov 22, 2011

Is sustainability science really a science?

Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Indiana University analyzed the field's evolution, composition, and collaboration structure. The study concludes that sustainability science is both applied and basic, spanning worldwide institutions and governments. A global collaboration network emerged around 2000, defining the fie...

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2011

Hefty impact of poor eating habits

A Concordia University study found that 25% of Canadians aged 31 to 50 exceed the safe limit of total calories derived from fats. Individuals who eat well are 20% less likely to be obese, according to the researchers.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Primary Care & Community Health·DateNov 22, 2011