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Science News for August 2, 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

What sets allergies in motion?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified a protein group, known as the Rab family, that regulates protein distribution and is involved in triggering allergic reactions. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted drugs that prevent allergic reactions before they start.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateAug 2, 2012

Mountains, seaway triggered North American dinosaur surge

A new Ohio University-led study suggests that the rise of the Rocky Mountains and a major seaway in North America triggered the evolution of new dinosaur species. The researchers found that changes in geography led to isolation, facilitating rapid speciation and increased diversity in duck-billed and horned dinosaurs.

SourceOhio University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 2, 2012

Close to the bone

A genetic screening approach has identified nine new genes associated with bone health, providing clues to the cause of bone disorders such as osteoporosis. The study used a collaborative effort between specialist skills in mouse gene deletion and bone measurement, assessing the strength of bones in 100 mutant mouse lines.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 2, 2012

No bones about it

Georgia Tech researchers have created a new way to simulate and control movement of computer-generated characters without a skeletal structure. This technique allows for unparalleled control of digital creatures, enabling amateur animators and young children to manipulate their movements with simple point-and-click commands.

New bat virus could hold key to Hendra virus

Australian scientists have discovered a new bat virus, Cedar, which is closely related to deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. The virus does not cause illness in several animal species normally susceptible to Hendra and Nipah, providing a surprising key difference.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 2, 2012

Note to waitresses: Wearing red can be profitable

Researchers found that male patrons give higher tips to waitresses wearing red, with a difference of up to 26.1% more than those not wearing red. The study suggests that red increases the physical and sexual attractiveness of women, leading to increased tipping behavior.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Hospitality & Tourism Research·DateAug 2, 2012

Vaporizing the Earth

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis use simulations to determine the atmospheres of hot super-Earths, finding they are mostly composed of steam and carbon dioxide. The study helps astronomers distinguish between different planetary compositions by analyzing atmospheric spectra.

Researchers find genetic cause for body tremors

Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a genetic cause for Essential Tremor (ET), a common movement disorder characterized by involuntary shaking. The study's findings provide new insights into the disease mechanism and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for affected individuals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 2, 2012

Judging the role of religion in law

A University of Alberta researcher says that when it comes to deciding on issues from human rights to balancing conflicting rights, cooler, secular heads should prevail. The emergence of Western democratic states gave rise to a separation of church and state, which guarantees freedom of religion and conscience for all.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalConstitutional Forum / Forum constitutionnel·DateAug 2, 2012

Are large earthquakes linked across the globe?

A new study by USGS researchers Tom Parsons and Eric Geist analyzed the timing of world's largest earthquakes over 100 years, finding intervals between quakes similar to those expected from a random process. This suggests that global great earthquakes are occurring at random, rather than triggering each other.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2012

Implementing a therapeutic hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest in acute care hospitals

A study published in Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management found that therapeutic hypothermia can limit the devastating consequences of brain injury after cardiac arrest. The survey results show a wide variation in patient selection criteria for therapeutic hypothermia across New Jersey hospitals.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTherapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management·DateAug 2, 2012

Research could lead to improved oil recovery, better environmental cleanup

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new technique to improve oil recovery and environmental cleanup using microbial enhanced oil recovery. The technology, which involves injecting microbes into wells to increase oil production, could make a comeback in the oil industry due to its potential for increased productivity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Petroleum Science and Engineering·DateAug 2, 2012

Dangerous experiment in fetal engineering

A new paper reveals the off-label use of dexamethasone to engineer fetal sex in pregnant women at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The synthetic steroid is known to cause significant developmental changes, raising questions about the ethics of prenatal experimentation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Bioethical Inquiry·DateAug 2, 2012