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Science News for April 16, 2012


AGU journal highlights for April 16, 2012

Scientists have identified active faults in the Pacific Northwest region, which could produce earthquakes with magnitudes between 6 and 6.5. A volcano in Greece has also reawakened, causing significant swelling of the land near the caldera, suggesting an influx of magma into a chamber below the surface.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 16, 2012

Bristol researchers solve 70-year-old mystery

Researchers at the University of Bristol have solved the 70-year-old mystery of stipitatic acid synthesis by identifying genes responsible for its production. The discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding organic chemistry and potentially leads to new drugs with antibacterial and antimalarial properties.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2012

Genetically engineered compound for back pain falls short

A Johns Hopkins-led study found that etanercept, a genetically engineered small-protein drug, does not provide better relief for sciatica back pain compared to steroid injections. In the study, patients who received epidural steroid injections reported more significant pain relief and improved overall symptoms after one month.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2012

More baby boomers facing old age alone

A study by Bowling Green State University's National Center for Family and Marriage Research found that one-third of adults aged 45-63 are unmarried, with a more than 50% increase since 1980. Single baby boomers face economic and health vulnerabilities, including poverty, disability, and lack of health insurance.

SourceBowling Green State University·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateApr 16, 2012

Pollen levels are rising across Europe

Research led by Prof. Annette Menzel found that airborne pollen concentrations have risen sharply in cities across Europe, particularly in urban areas, where the increase is three percent per year. Climate change and warmer temperatures are seen as key factors driving this trend, with rural areas also expected to be affected.

Target set on cancer gene MCL1

Researchers have developed compounds that repress MCL1's activity and highlighted a companion gene that predicts tumor dependence on the gene. These tools suggest a path toward new therapeutics directed at MCL1, potentially effective in treating tumors where both genes are highly expressed.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 16, 2012

Too much information: When does adding mildly favorable details dilute the big message?

A new study found that people tend to perceive bundles with both highly and mildly favorable components as less valuable than individual items. This 'presenter's paradox' affects product domains such as music and hotel advertisements, leading consumers to overvalue the bundle only when it has a high value component

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 16, 2012

Mayo Clinic breast cancer study finds new type of mutation

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a new class of molecular mutation in various forms of breast cancer, which may shed light on the development and growth of different types of breast tumors. Fusion transcripts, the mutated forms of RNA, could provide a way to identify tumor subtypes and offer new strategies for treatment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 16, 2012

Therapy exploits 'addiction' of leukemia cells

Researchers identify non-classical oncogenes critical for leukemia cell survival and develop a strategy targeting these molecules, potentially reducing toxicity of current treatments. Dual inhibition of PI3K subtypes supports cancer cell death in mice and human tumor cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 16, 2012

JCI early table of contents for April 16, 2012

Researchers study the origins of HIV/AIDS, revealing that SIV replication in human tissues is crucial to viral efficiency. In contrast, a new study finds that autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins contribute to bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 16, 2012

Diesel technologies drastically cut emissions under real-world conditions

Diesel technologies have drastically cut particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in new tractor trailer trucks, with reductions of 98% for NOx and 95% for PM. The emission cuts are attributed to exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateApr 16, 2012

University of Toronto biologists predict extinction for organisms with poor quality genes

Biologists at the University of Toronto found that individuals with low-quality genes can produce offspring with even more inferior chromosomes, possibly leading to extinction. The study suggests that this could result in a 'mutational meltdown' that devastates endangered populations and increases health problems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2012

Nanosponges soak up oil again and again

Researchers at Rice University and Penn State University discovered a material that can absorb oil spilled in water due to the addition of boron to carbon nanotubes. The nanosponges have a high surface area, conduct electricity, and can be manipulated with magnets.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2012

Researcher explores the 'word of mouth' paradox

Sarah Moore's research finds that analyzing emotional experiences reduces emotions, while analyzing practical experiences amplifies them. For positive experiences, it's best to relive the emotion without rationalizing, while cognitive experiences benefit from analysis and reflection.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 16, 2012

University of Miami grad student receives NSF GRF to study impact of ocean acidification

Rachael Heuer, a University of Miami graduate student, has received an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to investigate how Gulf toadfish cope with ocean acidification. Her research findings indicate that toadfish exposed to elevated CO2 levels lose base from their bodies, affecting their pH balance and health.