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Science News for January 4, 2012


Fish oil during pregnancy does not protect against excessive adipose tissue development

A recent study published by the Technical University of Munich found no evidence to support the theory that fish oil consumption during pregnancy prevents excessive infant adipose tissue growth. The INFAT study, which monitored 208 expectant mothers and their children for over a year, showed no difference in infant adipose tissue growt...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 4, 2012

No more free rides for 'piggy-backing' viruses

Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of endomannosidase, an enzyme used by devastating human viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C to replicate. This breakthrough opens the door to developing inhibitors that block both pathways used by these viruses.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2012

Hypothermia underutilized in cardiac arrest cases treated in US hospitals

A study of over 26,000 patients found that therapeutic hypothermia was used in only 0.35% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in the US. Despite its proven benefits in reducing mortality and improving neurologic outcomes after a heart attack, hypothermic therapy is not being widely adopted in clinical practice.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTherapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management·DateJan 4, 2012

Early land plants: Early adopters!

A new species of liverwort, Frullania knightbridgei, is discovered in New Zealand and described using revolutionary electronic publishing rules. The publication accelerates scientific discovery and description of new plant species, crucial for understanding early land plant evolution and conserving biodiversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateJan 4, 2012

Through hardship to the stars

Delegates explored ways to overcome propulsion limitations, including suspended animation and negative mass concepts. Theoretical models offer tantalizing options, but significant hurdles remain before interstellar travel becomes a reality.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJan 4, 2012

Harp seals on thin ice after 32 years of warming

A new study reveals that harp seal populations are experiencing sharply higher death rates among pup mortality, with entire year-classes disappearing from the population in low ice years. The study suggests that seasonal sea ice cover has declined by as much as 6% per decade since 1979, leaving the population on thin ice.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 4, 2012

Men and women have major personality differences

A new study published in PLoS ONE found significant personality differences between men and women, contrary to previous underestimation. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 participants using a comprehensive personality test, revealing large discrepancies in traits such as warmth, sensitivity, and perfectionism.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 4, 2012

Salt water alone unlikely to halt Burmese python invasion

Research suggests that Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades can survive in marine and estuarine environments for several months, raising concerns about their potential spread to nearby islands. The study found that hatchling pythons could live up to five months with only salt water to drink.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateJan 4, 2012

How can Lyme disease be prevented and controlled?

A new study assesses the potential reasons for the continued lack of success in preventing and controlling Lyme disease in the US Northeast. The study identifies critical areas where additional knowledge is needed to improve prevention and control strategies, including host infestation rates, habitat diversity, and human behavior.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 4, 2012

Fish mimics octopus that mimics fish

Scientists have recorded the first association between a black-marble jawfish and a mimic octopus. The jawfish sticks close to the octopus for protection, allowing it to venture away from its burrow to look for food. This unique case highlights the complex interactions within coral reef ecosystems.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalCoral Reefs·DateJan 4, 2012