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Science News for December 2, 2012


A shock to pollution in chemistry

Scientists have studied a milling reaction in real time using highly penetrating X-rays, observing the transformation of simple ingredients into complex products. This breakthrough enables optimization of industrial processes, reducing solvent use and energy consumption.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 2, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

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Genes linked to low birth weight, adult shortness and later diabetes risk

Researchers identified four new gene regions linked to low birth weight, influencing adult height, type 2 diabetes risk, and blood pressure. The study's findings suggest a strong genetic influence on fetal growth and potential lifelong health benefits from prenatal interventions.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 2, 2012

A better way to make chemicals?

Scientists have developed a new method to study mechanochemical synthesis, allowing for the observation of complex chemical transformations in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to more environmentally friendly chemical production and optimize processes in various industries.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 2, 2012

Childhood trauma leaves mark on DNA of some victims

A study by Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry found that genetic variants of the FKBP5 gene can influence epigenetic alterations caused by early trauma, leading to lifelong dysregulation of stress hormones. This can result in increased risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders in adulthood.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 2, 2012

Brain and nervous system damaged by low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides

A systematic review of 14 studies and 1,600 participants found lasting decrements in neurological and cognitive function, particularly in memory and information processing speed. The study's findings suggest that low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides may be associated with impaired cognitive function.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCritical Reviews in Toxicology·DateDec 2, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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Shifting the safety balance for overnight workers

A new screening tool has been developed to help identify individual vulnerability to health and safety impacts of shift work. The tool, for a condition known as shift work disorder, aims to reduce workplace accidents and illnesses caused by shift work, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceMonash University·JournalSLEEP·DateDec 2, 2012

Surprising results from study of non-epileptic seizures

A Loyola University Medical Center neurologist reports a higher-than-expected rate of patients with non-epileptic seizures who also experience epileptic seizures during the same hospital stay. This finding is significant because it highlights the need for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateDec 2, 2012

The role of the cellular entry point of anthrax identified

Researchers discover Anthrax Toxin Receptor 2a (Antxr2a) plays a crucial role in orienting cell division during embryonic development, guiding the positioning of chromosomes and mitotic spindle. This finding sheds light on the physiological function of Antxr2a and its potential involvement in other biological processes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 2, 2012
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Record high for global carbon emissions

Global carbon dioxide emissions are projected to rise by 2.6% in 2012, reaching a record high of 35.6 billion tonnes, with China contributing 28% and the US 16%. The analysis highlights the urgent need for radical emission reductions to keep global warming below 2 degrees.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 2, 2012

Gap between present emissions and the 2-degree target

The Global Carbon Project warns that current trends are no longer aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 2°C. To bridge this gap, a sustained global CO2 mitigation rate of at least 3% is needed to peak emissions before 2020 and follow an emission pathway that can keep temperatures below 2˚C.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 2, 2012

Glowing fish shed light on metabolism

A team of researchers at UCSF has identified a compound that regulates whole-body metabolism, providing a potential solution to obesity and diabetes. The breakthrough was achieved by screening over 2,400 medications in zebrafish, revealing two compounds that activate genes involved in fat burning.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 2, 2012

Cell surface transporters exploited for cancer drug delivery

Researchers identified a transporter molecule on the surface of cancer cells that can take in a toxic substance, allowing it to kill cancer cells. This discovery could lead to more targeted and effective cancer treatments.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 2, 2012

Stanford researchers discover master regulator of skin development

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a master regulator of epidermal differentiation, a complex process in skin development. The newly discovered molecule, TINCR, plays a unique role in directing precursor cells down specific developmental pathways by binding to and stabilizing messenger RNAs.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 2, 2012
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