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Science News for February 10, 2012


EEG pattern reflects brain's shift into low-energy, protective mode

A mathematical model predicts and explains the emergence of burst suppression, a low-activity state in response to reduced cellular energy. The study suggests that burst suppression may be used to guide induced coma and track recovery from brain injuries, offering new insights into brain neurochemistry and neurophysiology.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2012

Protein libraries in a snap

Manan Mehta developed a method to create circularly permuted proteins, which are useful for studying molecular evolution and designing biosensors. The new technique uses transposase engineering to create diverse protein variants with great control.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 10, 2012

A mineral way to catalysis?

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that iron pyrite, commonly known as 'Fool's Gold', has catalytic properties. The study focused on the reactions between iron pyrite and nitrogen oxides, an extremely poisonous class of compounds produced by car engines and industrial power plants.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateFeb 10, 2012

'It's not nutritious until it's eaten'

A study found that making one lunch line a convenience line with healthy grab-and-go foods increased sales of nutritious options by 18% and decreased consumption of unhealthy foods by nearly 28%. This approach helped students take more milk, leading to a share of healthier foods increasing from 33% to 36%.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateFeb 10, 2012