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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 131


Page 131 of 333

Out of Europe

The study found that Shigella sonnei, a bacterium previously thought to be more common in developing countries, is now spreading globally due to its high levels of drug resistance. The researchers suggest that vaccine development will be crucial in controlling the disease.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 5, 2012

Bilingualism 'can increase mental agility'

A study published in the International Journal of Bilingualism found that bilingual children excelled in tasks requiring selective attention and mental agility, while monolingual children struggled. The research suggests that bilingualism can increase mental agility and benefits in areas such as problem-solving and creative thinking.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalInternational Journal of Bilingualism·DateAug 3, 2012

Major step taken towards 'unbreakable' message exchange

Researchers have successfully produced and implemented single particles of light into a quantum key distribution link, enabling secure communication networks. The experiment uses semiconductor nanostructures to emit single photons with high efficiency, making it possible to transmit keys over longer distances without interception.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateAug 3, 2012

Touch your philodendron and control your computer

Researchers at Disney Research have created a technology called Botanicus Interactus, which enables plants to control digital devices with touch detection. This technology uses Swept Frequency Capacitive Sensing and machine-learning algorithms to recognize frequency changes associated with touches on the plant.

Supernova progenitor found?

Researchers have discovered a binary star system, QU Carinae, which may produce a type Ia supernova. The system's white dwarf is accumulating mass from a giant star, producing sodium gas that could be detected after the explosion.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 3, 2012

Mystery of elephant infrasounds revealed

Researchers discovered that elephants produce infrasounds by vibrating their large larynxes, similar to the human voice. This finding reveals the physical production mechanism behind these subaudible sounds, which play a crucial role in elephant communication and social life.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2012

People with allergies may have lower risk of brain tumors

A new study found that individuals with allergies had a significantly lower risk of developing glioma, a type of brain tumor. Women were more likely to benefit from this reduced risk, with those testing positive for elevated allergen-specific IgE experiencing a 54% decrease in glioblastoma risk.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 3, 2012

Bacterial community inside the plant root

Researchers have discovered that plants like Arabidopsis select a specific bacterial community from the diverse microbial ecosystem in the soil, with Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla being preferred. This community is dependent on soil type and plant genotype, and plays a crucial role in plant health.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2012

Genetic copy-number variants and cancer risk

A new study has found a significant increase in rare de novo genetic mutations in individuals with testicular cancer, suggesting these mutations may be indicative of conditions that result in reduced fertility. The researchers propose that the paradigm of a de novo germline disease etiology may be less applicable to late-onset cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 2, 2012

It's in our genes: Why women outlive men

Research by Monash University scientists found that genetic variation in mitochondrial DNA can predict male life expectancy, but not female. The study suggests that these mutations, which affect males' aging speed and lifespan, are passed down from mothers due to the unique inheritance pattern of mitochondria.

SourceMonash University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 2, 2012