Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2012 - Page 114


Page 114 of 333

Learning 1 of cancer's tricks

Researchers at Caltech have identified a specific sugar, GlcNAc, that plays a key role in keeping cancerous tumors fed. By altering the addition of carbohydrates to proteins, tumor cells can survive under harsh conditions and thrive. This finding offers new potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Cuckolded males sing louder

In a population of rock sparrows, researchers found that older and more successful males sang with higher pitches and slower tempos, while younger males sang with lower pitches and faster tempos. Cuckolded males, regardless of age, sang louder in an attempt to re-establish their pair bond with an unfaithful mate.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 23, 2012

New insights into salt transport in the kidney

The study discovered that the claudin-10 gene plays a crucial role in reabsorbing sodium chloride in the kidney. In its absence, mice exhibit elevated magnesium levels and excess calcium deposition in the kidneys, highlighting the importance of this gene in maintaining salt balance.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2012

Advantage flu virus

Researchers at Northwestern University have found that the influenza virus reduces immune system-regulating protein production in human cells by activating specific microRNAs. This discovery sheds light on a new mechanism of viral immune evasion and may lead to the development of therapeutics to preserve the immune response.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 23, 2012

Sensor detects glucose in saliva and tears for diabetes testing

Researchers have developed a non-invasive biosensor that can detect minute concentrations of glucose in saliva, tears, and urine, with the potential to reduce the frequency of pinprick testing for diabetes. The sensor uses graphene nanosheets and platinum nanoparticles, enabling it to distinguish between glucose and other compounds.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 23, 2012

Ready. Get set. Repress!

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveal that histone exchange occurs over a large proportion of genes, controlling gene expression. They also find that the Set2 protein plays a complex role in regulating transcription, preventing cryptic RNA transcripts and maintaining chromosomal stability.

Parasitic wasps remember better if reward is greater

Two parasitic wasp species show similar memory consolidation patterns when rewarded with different qualities. This suggests that higher rewards lead to better memory retention. The researchers propose that this behavior makes sense given the energetic cost of consolidating shorter-lasting memories into long-term ones.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 22, 2012

Moffitt Cancer Center melanoma expert reviews unique adverse events with newly approved drug

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center report on immune-related adverse events associated with ipilimumab and tremelimumab, two anti-CTLA-4 antibodies used in treating metastatic melanoma. The study highlights the importance of early recognition and management of these side effects to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 22, 2012

More sophisticated wiring, not just bigger brain, helped humans evolve beyond chimps

A new UCLA study identifies uniquely human patterns of gene activity in the brain that could deepen our understanding of human evolution and brain diseases. The research suggests that complex signaling pathways and enhanced cellular function in the frontal lobe created a bridge to human evolution, enabling higher rates of learning.

Male mice exposed to chronic social stress have anxious female offspring

A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chronic social stress caused by unstable cage composition in adolescent mice led to increased anxiety and poor social interactions in their female offspring. The effects were observed across multiple generations, with stressed male mice also passing on these behaviors to their femal...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 22, 2012