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Science News for December 14, 2012


'House hunters walrus'

A University of Delaware research team has developed a novel camera system to map the surface topography of Arctic sea ice, enabling accurate habitat classification for threatened walruses. The system uses areas of higher competence to interpolate lower-confidence areas, resulting in dense 3-D reconstructions with precision accuracy wi...

In decision-making, it might be worth trusting your gut

A new study published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that experts are more effective when making intuitive decisions, especially in tasks with less structure. In two studies, researchers compared expert and non-expert participants on basketball shot difficulty and designer handbag authenticity tasks. Resu...

SourceRice University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateDec 14, 2012

New findings on killer bacteria's defence

Researchers at Lund University discovered that antibodies in the immune system can be turned around by certain bacteria, affecting their recognition and neutralization. The study shows that this phenomenon varies depending on the severity of the infection, with more serious diseases having the correct antibody orientation.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 14, 2012

Fertile soil doesn't fall from the sky

Researchers found that 40% of microbial biomass is converted to organic soil components, contradicting the long-held view that plant material is the primary source. The study discovered that bacterial cell wall fragments contribute significantly to soil fertility and carbon storage.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalBiogeochemistry·DateDec 14, 2012

Improved techniques may help recovery and prevent incidents of missing drivers with dementia

A new study suggests that rapid law enforcement notification and detailed public information can improve recovery rates for drivers with dementia. The research team recommends that Silver Alert-type programs prioritize the cognitive status of drivers and provide more detailed information to facilitate rescue efforts.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 14, 2012

Schizophrenia linked to social inequality

A study published in Schizophrenia Bulletin found that higher rates of schizophrenia are associated with increased deprivation, population density, and inequality in urban neighborhoods. The research suggests that more equal societies may experience lower rates of serious mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateDec 14, 2012

The mu opioid receptor genotype may be a marker for those who drink for alcohol's rewarding effects

A new study reveals that the mu opioid receptor genotype is associated with the pleasant and stimulating effects of alcohol, but not its sedative effects. Individuals with a specific mutation in this gene respond more strongly to alcohol's rewarding effects, which may help predict their risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.

Pitt Cancer Institute finds new targets for drugs to defeat aggressive brain tumor

Pitt Cancer Institute researchers have identified over 125 genetic components in a chemotherapy-resistant, brain tumor-derived cell line that could offer new hope for drug treatment to destroy cancer cells. The findings may lead to the development of adjuvant chemotherapy drugs that will improve patient survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateDec 14, 2012

More casinos does not mean more gamblers

A new survey by the University of Iowa found that gambling rates among residents in eastern Iowa have decreased overall, with a rise in non-gamblers and a stabilization in problem gambler numbers. The study suggests that the number of casinos has not led to a corresponding increase in gamblers.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAnnals of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2012

Extending Einstein

Physicists have demonstrated a new type of quantum entanglement using three particles, building on Einstein's original ideas. This experiment may lead to the creation of hybrid quantum systems with multiple unique properties.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 14, 2012

Stretchable electronics

Stretchable electronics are being developed to enhance device durability and functionality. Bingqing Wei's research group has made significant progress in creating scalable, stretchable power sources for flexible electronics using carbon nanotube macrofilms, polyurethane membranes and organic electrolytes.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 14, 2012

Raising the blockade

Researchers have elucidated the function of Translation Elongation Factor P (EF-P) during protein synthesis, revealing its role in regulating protein copy numbers in response to changing conditions. EF-P helps stalled ribosomes overcome a specific proline-rich motif, allowing for adjusted protein production.