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Science News for January 26, 2012


Catalyzing new uses for diesel by-products

A new catalytic process at Cardiff University converts hydrocarbons from diesel production into oxygenated aromatics, including phthalic anhydride and coumarin. This breakthrough could lead to less waste and the creation of more useful chemicals for various industries.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 26, 2012

Viruses con bacteria into working for them

Researchers discovered that certain ocean bacteria are tricked into using their own machinery to activate genes carried by viruses. The viruses inject DNA into stressed bacteria, which then support the virus' replication cycle. This co-evolutionary relationship reveals a sophisticated mechanism of gene regulation and exploitation.

LED lights point shoppers in the right direction

Researchers from Penn State and Hallym University developed a system that uses LED lights to provide locational information, enabling shoppers to quickly find items in large stores. The hybrid system combines radio frequency transmitters with overhead LED lights to provide accurate location data.

Rap music powers rhythmic action of medical sensor

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of miniature medical sensor that uses acoustic waves from rap music to recharge and monitor pressure. The sensor can be used to diagnose incontinence and treat conditions such as aneurisms and paralysis, offering potential benefits over conventional implantable devices.

UK researchers shed light on magnetic mystery of graphite

Researchers from the University of Manchester have discovered that commercially available graphite crystals contain micron-sized clusters of predominantly iron, which explain their weak signs of magnetism. This finding could be a breakthrough for utilising graphite as a bio-compatible magnet for medicine and biology.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateJan 26, 2012

Stop taking steroids: Kidney transplant recipients may not need long-term prednisone

A new study found that patients who quickly stop taking immunosuppressive prednisone after receiving a kidney transplant avoid experiencing serious prednisone-related side effects. The study also showed that rapid discontinuation of prednisone does not jeopardize the long-term survival of patients and their new organs.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 26, 2012

How seawater could corrode nuclear fuel

A team of researchers has found a new method by which seawater can corrode nuclear fuel, creating uranium compounds that could potentially travel long distances in solution or as tiny particles. The discovery highlights the need to consider this phenomenon in future nuclear operations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2012

Prevalence of oral HPV infection higher among men than women

The study found that oral HPV infection was predominantly sexually transmitted and had peaks in different age ranges, with men having a significantly higher prevalence than women. Oral HPV prevalence was associated with several measures of sexual behavior, including the number of partners and current smoking habits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 26, 2012

Following the first steps out of Africa

A new study sheds light on the earliest stages of human migration, suggesting that modern humans first settled in Arabia on their way out of Africa. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA genomes provides evidence for an ancient ancestry within Arabia.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 26, 2012

Believing the impossible and conspiracy theories

A study found that conspiracy theorists endorse contradictory beliefs, such as believing Princess Diana faked her own death and also thought she was assassinated. People who distrust authorities are more likely to hold these inconsistent views due to their perception of deception.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 26, 2012

For the birds

Researchers found that birds prioritize specific tree species over others when searching for caterpillars, with the healthiest trees harboring the most caterpillars. This preference puts caterpillars at a higher risk of predation.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateJan 26, 2012

New seismology research on Haiti, slow earthquakes and the southern San Andreas Fault

Researchers explore scaling relationships of slow slip events and compare them to similar laws for earthquakes, highlighting the need for further study to understand fault mechanics. A newly defined propeller-like geometry of southern San Andreas Fault may require re-thinking ground motion assessments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJan 26, 2012

NIH study shows caffeine consumption linked to estrogen changes

A new NIH study found that moderate caffeine intake is associated with higher estrogen levels in Asian women and lower estrogen levels in white women. Caffeine consumption from caffeinated soda or green tea also linked to elevated estrogen levels in all ethnic groups, but without affecting ovulation.

Making sense of sensory connections

Researchers at Caltech explored the brains of insects to understand how sensory connections form new and specific memories. They identified a mechanism involving transient synchronization between pairs of connected neurons, known as spike-timing dependent plasticity, which makes connections sensitive to internal rewards.

Newly engineered highly transmissible H5N1 strain ignites controversy about balancing scientific discovery and public safety

Scientists have engineered a highly transmissible H5N1 strain, sparking debate about its safety and appropriateness. Dr. Inglesby argues that the risks outweigh the benefits, while Dr. Pavia suggests that proper safeguards can mitigate concerns and promote critical scientific understanding.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 2012

Cosmology in a Petri dish

Scientists studying micron-size particles trapped at fluid interfaces found a collective dynamic governed by seemingly unrelated laws. The study uses numerical simulations to model long-range gravitational attraction, which transitions to short-range attractive and repulsive forces at certain length scales.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 26, 2012

In the brain, an earlier sign of autism

Researchers have identified differences in brain function that may predict future autism symptoms in infants as young as six months old. The study found that these early brain responses associate with a later diagnosis of autism, suggesting direct measures of brain functioning could aid in predicting the development of autism symptoms.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 26, 2012

Huge potential of NHS junior doctors being ignored

A regional survey of 1500 NHS junior doctors found that they are willing and able to contribute to improving health services, but lack support and recognition. The survey results highlight the need for the government and NHS organisations to value and engage junior doctors to optimise organisational performance.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateJan 26, 2012

What are friends for? Negating negativity

A Concordia University study found that friends can immediately reduce cortisol levels and improve feelings of self-worth in children undergoing negative experiences. The presence of a best friend has far-reaching implications, potentially impacting adult identity formation and overall development.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJan 26, 2012

New GEOLOGY articles online Jan. 23

Researchers examine the link between climate warming and mass extinctions, revealing a direct consequence of Siberian trap volcanism. They also document land-based magnetic lineations similar to those found in sea-floor spreading centers and provide evidence for river drainage system rearrangement linked to ancient civilizations.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 26, 2012

LITHOSPHERE Highlights: February 2012

New studies reveal mantle-driven uplift in the Rocky Mountains and Colorado Plateau, while also documenting extensional fault systems in the Aegean Sea. Additionally, researchers examine the impact of fault-enhanced irregularities on groundwater flow paths, with implications for nuclear waste repositories.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateJan 26, 2012

Jostling for position

A recent study analyzed data from tree species censuses and fossil evidence to chart diversity in rainforests. The results show that variation in species richness among families is very similar across tropical forests, suggesting that community structure in rainforests cannot be attributed to stochastic factors.

Scientists map 1 of life's molecular mysteries

Researchers at University of Bristol have successfully mapped the molecular gateway across cellular membranes, revealing the mechanism responsible for protein secretion. The study, published in Cell Reports, provides a major breakthrough in cell biology, shedding light on how proteins are transported across membranes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 26, 2012