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Science News for April 12, 2012


Volcker awarded 2012 Moynihan Prize

The American Academy of Political and Social Science recognized Paul Volcker's career for its use of social research in shaping public policy. Volcker, a former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, advocated for increased banking regulation, leading to the inclusion of the Volcker Rule in Dodd-Frank legislation.

SourceSAGE·DateApr 12, 2012

Discovery of the Musket Ball Cluster

The Musket Ball Cluster is a newly discovered galaxy cluster where so-called normal matter has been wrenched apart from dark matter through a violent collision. The system, observed 700 million years after the collision, provides valuable insight into the evolution of galaxy clusters and their member galaxies.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 12, 2012

Sex, tools and chromosomes

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a crucial enzyme system that regulates chromosome pairing during meiosis, ensuring precise genome sorting and development of healthy sperm and eggs. The discovery could lead to insights into fertility, miscarriages, cancer, and developmental disorders.

Rapid climate change threatens Asia's Rice Bowl

Climate change is expected to reduce agriculture productivity by up to 50% in Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to food security. Climate-smart agriculture has become crucial for the region's adaptation strategy, focusing on innovations to adapt agriculture to wild swings in climate extremes.

Parolees behaving badly

Researchers found that drug use and sex with multiple partners were common behaviors among men who had been reincarcerated due to parole violations. The study highlights the need for prevention programs targeting substance abuse and sexual risk behavior among parolees.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care·DateApr 12, 2012

Multitasking – not so bad for you after all?

A study by Kelvin Lui and Alan Wong found that frequent media multitaskers outperformed light multitaskers in integrating visual and auditory information. This improvement was attributed to their ability to routinely take in information from multiple sources.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateApr 12, 2012

Drastic changes needed to curb most potent greenhouse gas

A new study suggests that reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the industrial and agricultural sectors by 50% is crucial to meet the IPCC's most aggressive strategy for climate change mitigation. The study found that a 50% reduction in meat consumption per person is necessary to stabilize atmospheric N2O concentrations.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 12, 2012

ALMA reveals workings of nearby planetary system

The ALMA observatory has discovered a nearby planetary system with sharp-edged dust ring, indicating 'shepherding' planets that keep the disk within their gravitational effect. The planets are smaller than previously thought, about the size of Mars to a few times the Earth, and are among the coldest planets found orbiting a normal star.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 12, 2012

Decoding worm lingo

Researchers found that many nematodes communicate using the same types of small-molecule pheromones, revealing a universal nematode language. This discovery could lead to strategies to prevent unwanted nematode species and improve agricultural and healthcare industries.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 12, 2012

Majority-biased learning

Researchers found that humans and chimpanzees tend to copy majority behaviour, while children consider both frequency and number of demonstrators. Orangutans, however, showed no such bias, possibly due to their solitary group structure. The study suggests a key difference in social learning mechanisms between humans, chimpanzees, and o...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 12, 2012

Policies, learning-by-doing played important role in reducing ethanol costs

A new study from the University of Illinois concludes that learning-by-doing played a significant role in reducing the processing costs of corn ethanol in the US. The study found that biofuel policies, which induced ethanol production beyond free-market levels, contributed to increased industry competitiveness over time.

Exercise and attitude may be thermostat for hot flashes

Penn State researchers found that perceived control over hot flashes is a key factor in how exercise affects menopausal women. Women who felt they had more control over their hot flashes experienced fewer symptoms after physical activity. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also help some women feel more in control.

SourcePenn State·JournalMaturitas·DateApr 12, 2012

Test links strains of common parasite to severe illness in US newborns

Researchers identified the most strongly associated strains with premature birth and severe birth defects, using a new blood test developed by NIAID. The study suggests that widespread screening and treatment of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii could prevent infants from suffering eye and brain damage.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 12, 2012

Study resolves debate on human cell shut-down process

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have resolved the debate on the mechanisms involved in human cell shut-down during division, finding that receptors can transport nutrients but are temporarily blocked. This discovery may lead to future studies on manipulating this process to prevent harmful infections.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2012

Do monkeys know what others need?

Brown capuchin monkeys demonstrate empathetic perspective-taking by withholding food from a fellow monkey who has just eaten, suggesting they understand their physical needs. The study provides first evidence for this behavior in primates.

SourceBrill·JournalBehaviour·DateApr 12, 2012