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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 22


Page 22 of 30

Genetic Rosetta Stone unveiled in Nature

A new community resource, DGRP, provides the highest-resolution view to date of genome structure and variation in a population of fruit flies with diverse traits. The study has far-reaching effects on animal breeding, pesticide development, and personalized medicine.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2012

Most stretchable spider silk reported

Researchers found that the egg sac silk of the cocoon stalk was more stretchable than any previously tested egg sac silk. The study, published in PLOS ONE, may provide insight into super-stretchable biological materials and bio-inspired nanomaterials.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2012

Dogs succeed while chimps fail at following finger pointing

A study published in PLOS ONE found that dogs excel at interpreting pointing gestures, while chimps fail to identify objects of interest. This result suggests that dogs may possess a unique form of communication that challenges the long-held assumption that humans have a monopoly on this ability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2012

Researchers study parenting behaviors of stressed-out birds

Biologists Fran Bonier and Ignacio Moore investigate how stressed bird parents care for their young and respond to environmental challenges. The study aims to determine whether glucocorticoid levels affect bird parenting behaviors, with potential implications for understanding the effects of stress on organisms and evolution.

Boston University research suggests new pathways for cancer progression

Researchers at Boston University have created a 3D model that simulates the growth of cancer tumors, suggesting that softening of cancer cells accelerates proliferation and extends lifetime, leading to rapid tumor growth. The study provides a new quantitative approach to understanding tumor development based on mechanical properties.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 2012

Hatchery fish mask the decline of wild salmon populations

A study reveals that hatchery-raised fish are replacing wild salmon in the river, masking a decline in wild populations. The researchers used ear bones to detect chemical signatures from hatchery feed, finding that only 10% of spawning fish were naturally produced.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2012

New study sheds light on genetics of rice metabolism

A new study has identified 131 rice metabolites and clarified the genetic and environmental factors that influence their production. The findings have significant implications for breeding improved rice grain varieties with increased nutritional value.

SourceRIKEN·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 8, 2012

Scientists make iron transparent

Researchers at DESY have successfully made atomic nuclei transparent using X-ray light, a crucial step towards developing quantum computers. This achievement demonstrates the effect of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in atomic nuclei and has significant implications for the future of quantum computing.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2012

Here comes the sun…

Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of solar cell that can harness more of the energy from the sun. The hybrid cell absorbs red light and uses blue light to boost electrical current, enabling it to capture 44% of incoming solar energy.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 8, 2012