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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 59


Page 59 of 333

Energy-sensing switch discovery could have broad implications for biology and medicine

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a genetic sequence that can alter its host gene's activity in response to cellular energy levels, a finding that could have broad implications for biology and medicine. The energy-sensing switch, known as a riboswitch, detects the molecule ATP and controls global metabolic regul...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 21, 2012

How a fish broke a law of physics

Researchers found that silvery fish have evolved a multilayer structure in their skin containing two types of guanine crystals, allowing them to maintain high reflectivity and conceal themselves from predators. This adaptation could lead to better optical devices, such as LED lights and low-loss optical fibers.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2012

Moffitt researcher says no survival advantage with peripheral blood stem cells versus bone marrow

A two-year clinical trial found no survival difference between patients receiving peripheral blood stem cells and bone marrow stem cells from unrelated donors. However, peripheral blood stem cell transplants were associated with a higher incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 19, 2012

Cholera discovery could revolutionize antibiotic delivery

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have discovered a Trojan horse-like mechanism that enables antibiotics to deliver directly into a bacterial cell. The method uses pilus filaments to transport antibiotics into bacteria, offering a new approach to treat deadly bacterial infections like cholera and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 19, 2012

Ancient DNA sheds light on Arctic whale mysteries

Scientists have conducted the first range-wide genetic analysis of bowhead whales using ancient DNA samples from archaeological sites and modern populations. The study reveals differences in population diversity between ancient and modern times, suggesting recent disappearance of unique maternal lineages due to habitat loss and whaling.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateOct 19, 2012

Geosphere explores the Sierra Nevada, Colorado River system, Laurentia, and the deep sea

The Geological Society of America's Geosphere journal has added four special issues exploring the Sierra Nevada, Colorado River system, Laurentia, and the deep sea. New research reveals that Basin and Range volcanism was triggered by extensional tectonics, while Cenozoic erosion in southwestern North America was linked to surface uplif...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateOct 19, 2012