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Science News for January 8, 2012


European mountain vegetation shows effects of warmer climate

Researchers from 13 countries report a continent-wide warming effect on mountain plant communities in Europe, with species shifting towards those that prefer warmer temperatures. The findings suggest that this shift could lead to declines or even local disappearance of alpine plant species due to increased competition.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 8, 2012

Evolution of complexity recreated using 'molecular time travel'

A team of scientists recreated the evolution of complexity in a molecular machine by analyzing ancient genes and testing their functions in modern organisms. They found that the increase in complexity was due to complementary loss of ancestral functions rather than gaining new ones.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2012
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Researchers discover new culprit in atherosclerosis

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers identified netrin-1 as a molecule that blocks the normal migration of macrophages out of arteries, causing them to accumulate and promote atherosclerosis. Genetically deleting netrin-1 can minimize atherosclerosis, reduce macrophage levels in plaque, and promote macrophage migration.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 8, 2012

New test spots early signs of inherited metabolic disorders

A new test can identify biomarkers for mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of inherited metabolic disorders, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially more effective treatment. The test detects specific carbohydrate structures in cells, blood, and urine samples, enabling differentiation between forms of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 8, 2012

Exercise in a pill may protect against extreme heat sensitivity

A compound called AICAR has been found to prevent heat-induced deaths in mice with a gene mutation that makes them sensitive to heat. The study's findings suggest that AICAR could protect young athletes and soldiers from heat-related illnesses, potentially saving lives during exercise.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 8, 2012

Colorado mountain hail may disappear in a warmer future

A new study suggests that Colorado's Rocky Mountains will experience a near elimination of surface hail by 2070. The warmer climate could lead to more runoff and an increased risk of flash floods. Meanwhile, intense storms may produce more hail inside clouds, but it will melt quickly and fall as rain.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 8, 2012

Simpler times: Did an earlier genetic molecule predate DNA and RNA?

Researchers investigated alternative nucleic acids that differ slightly from DNA and RNA, aiming to uncover a simpler genetic molecule. TNA, with its threose sugar backbone, showed promise as an early genetic carrier, folding into complex shapes that bind to targets with high affinity and specificity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 8, 2012
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Graphene reveals its magnetic personality

Researchers at the University of Manchester have successfully made graphene magnetic by introducing vacancies and nonmagnetic atoms. The study's findings hold promise for future applications in spintronics and electronics, despite the tiny magnetism observed.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 8, 2012

2 genes affect anxiety, behavior in mice with too much MeCP2

Researchers found that Crh and Oprm1 genes are implicated in anxiety and social behavior problems caused by excess MeCP2 protein in mice. Reducing levels of these genes alleviated symptoms, suggesting a potential treatment approach for patients with MeCP2 duplication syndrome.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 8, 2012
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Team finds a better way to gauge the climate costs of land use changes

A new study in Nature Climate Change presents a more complete picture of the climate costs of land use changes by incorporating biophysical effects beyond greenhouse gases. The researchers found that tropical rainforests are highly valuable for protecting against climate warming, while boreal forests have lower climate regulation values.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 8, 2012

'Couch potato pill' might stop heat stroke too

Researchers found that AICAR, an experimental therapy, protected animals from heat-induced sudden death and may hold promise for treating people with enhanced susceptibility to heat stroke. The drug works by reducing calcium leakage from RYR1, thus diminishing heat-induced contractions and muscle damage.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 8, 2012

Utah biologist wins 2011 AAAS Public Engagement with Science Award

Nadkarni has made a significant impact through her public engagement activities, raising awareness of environmental and conservation issues among diverse audiences. Her initiatives include the Sustainable Prisons Project, Tree-Top Barbie, and the Research Ambassadors Program, promoting science education and outreach.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateJan 8, 2012