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Science News for April 11, 2012


New pregnancy risk for babies and moms

A new study reveals that overweight pregnant women with mildly elevated blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than previously thought. These women, who do not have gestational diabetes or obesity, carry significant risks for their health and the health of their babies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateApr 11, 2012

Buy coal? New analysis shows purchasing fossil fuel deposits best way to fight climate change

A new study proposes that purchasing extraction rights for dirty fossil fuels in non-participating countries is a more effective way to combat climate change. By conserving these deposits, coalitions can reduce emissions and mitigate carbon leakage, allowing them to implement their ideal policy without fear of non-participating countri...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateApr 11, 2012

Key to new antibiotics?

McMaster University researchers found a remarkable prevalence of antibiotic resistance bacteria isolated from Lechuguilla Cave, one of the deepest and largest caves in the world. The discovery suggests that there are far more antibiotics in the environment that could be used to treat currently untreatable infections.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012

Foes appear larger, more muscular when holding a weapon

A recent study found that men who hold guns or large kitchen knives are perceived as taller and more muscular than those holding non-threatening objects. The researchers suggest that this pattern may reflect human psychology's tendency to associate size with danger and formidability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012

Don't assume the sand is safe

Scientists developed reference guide for potentially harmful germs in sand to inform beach management decisions, with a focus on minimizing risk for children. The study found low levels of harmful microbes at one beach site, indicating the sand was safe for beachgoers.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 11, 2012

Development of the glial cell revealed

A team of researchers has identified a novel transcripitonal cascade that controls gliogenesis, the process by which glial cells are generated from neural stem cells. This discovery provides new insights into how glial cells support neuronal function and are implicated in neurological disorders such as Retts Syndrome, ALS, and Multiple...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 11, 2012

Imposing trade restrictions on parallel imports can motivate a firm to export, study finds

Economists Santanu Roy and Kamal Saggi found that trade restrictions on parallel imports can actually promote trade. When a market is smaller than the firm's own, imposing trade restrictions motivates the firm to export. The study suggests that policy diversity is working well, but countries with major asymmetries may need intervention.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of International Economics·DateApr 11, 2012

Hate group formation associated with big-box stores

A study by Penn State economists found a significant correlation between the number of Wal-Mart stores and hate groups in an area. The researchers suggest that the large-scale retail chains may contribute to the fraying of social bonds and promote intolerant attitudes, particularly through their promotion of typical Protestant values.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateApr 11, 2012

Fear of threats associated with social circle size

A study published in PLoS ONE found that people's fear levels toward threats are associated with the typical size of their social circles. The researchers determined that this effect was not due to a lack of differentiation between small and large groups, suggesting that social circle size plays a significant role in shaping our percep...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012

Ripe for biomedical applications

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a method to convert skin and umbilical cord cells directly into nerve cells with high efficiency. The scientists achieved this by using small molecules to optimize signaling pathways and simplify the process, resulting in up to 80% human neurons being produced.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 11, 2012

Ant queens lay more eggs as they age

Researchers found that ant queens from species Cardiocondyla obscurior laid more eggs as they aged, unlike humans and other organisms. This high reproductive rate did not shorten the queens' life spans, a surprising finding.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012

Distinct brain cells recognize novel sights

Researchers uncover two distinct cell types in the inferior temporal cortex that respond differently to familiar and novel objects. Excitatory neurons fire rapidly at initial encounters, while inhibitory neurons maintain activity over a wider timeframe, driving learning and reorganization.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateApr 11, 2012

Unique approach needed to accurately assess health of young adult cancer survivors

A review article highlights the need for more comprehensive health assessments in young adult cancer survivors, who are living longer and experiencing late effects from treatment. The study concludes that traditional tools created for adult-onset cancer are insufficient for this population, requiring a broader range of measurement.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateApr 11, 2012

Ocean acidification linked to larval oyster failure

Research by Oregon State University scientists has found a definitive link between ocean acidification and oyster larval failure, with elevated CO2 levels inhibiting shell development and growth. The study's findings have significant implications for the $100 million annual commercial oyster production industry on the West Coast.

SourceOregon State University·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateApr 11, 2012

Robotic cats, a kitten mummy and a major UK vet gathering

Researchers identified a possible new feline disease in Scotland, characterized by robotic-like movements in cats. Meanwhile, an X-ray investigation of an over 2000-year-old Egyptian mummy revealed insights into cat burial practices, including treatment with natron and intricate wrapping techniques.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateApr 11, 2012