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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 16


Page 16 of 26

Salt cress genome yields new clues to salt tolerance

Researchers sequenced the salt cress genome, identifying genes that contribute to its high salt tolerance. The study sheds light on the genetic characteristics underlying plant stress tolerance, with potential applications for agricultural crop improvement.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2012

Non-surgical treatment of common shoulder injury may increase chances of return-to-play

A new study suggests that nonsurgical treatment for common shoulder injuries like SLAP tears may be more effective than surgery in increasing the chances of return-to-play in baseball players. The researchers found that position players were more likely to return to competition at a higher rate than pitchers, with 73% vs 40% respectively.

Plasmonic chains act like polymers

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that plasmonic chains exhibit properties similar to polymers, with the arrangement of nanoparticles influencing their optical behavior. The study found that the addition of nanoparticles along the chain can alter the energy of super-radiant modes and affect the interaction between particles.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 12, 2012

Sports 1, housework, 0

Research finds that while fathers may be more involved with their children through sports, they still tend to do the lion's share of household tasks and childcare responsibilities. The study, conducted by UCLA sociologists, suggests that traditional gender roles persist in middle-class families.

SourceSociologists for Women in Society·JournalGender & Society·DateJul 12, 2012

Controlling your computer with your eyes

Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a low-cost, 3D eye-tracking device that can track users' eye movements and allow them to control a cursor on a screen. The device has been shown to be effective in enabling people with disabilities to interact with computers and their surroundings using just their eyes.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJul 12, 2012

From aflatoxin to sake

Researchers mapped genetic differences between domesticated fungus Aspergillus oryzae and its wild relative, finding extensive genome remodeling. The study suggests microbes undergo metabolic changes for desired functions rather than growth and form alterations.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 12, 2012

In adult humans, brown fat is actually beige

Researchers identified a third type of fat cell, beige adipocytes, that can be activated to burn energy and generate heat in both mice and humans. Beige fat cells are genetically intermediate between white and brown fat, and respond to hormone irisin, which is released during exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2012

Disentangling information from photons

Researchers develop tool to decompose photon pairs' superimposed states, enabling access to their information even with imperfect measurements. The findings suggest that higher entanglement levels can reveal more information, leading to more resilient quantum info applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJul 12, 2012

Solar storm protection

A new warning system can forecast radiation from solar storms nearly three hours in advance, allowing astronauts and air crews to take protective action. The system uses data from neutron monitors installed at the South Pole to estimate the intensity of high-energy particles that arrive on Earth first.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalSpace Weather·DateJul 12, 2012

New Au. sediba fossils discovered in rock

South African scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of a large rock containing significant parts of a skeleton of an early human ancestor, believed to be the remains of 'Karabo', the type skeleton of Australopithecus sediba. The fossil will be unveiled live online and in a laboratory studio for the first time in history, allo...

Solar system ice: Source of Earth's water

A team of scientists led by Conel Alexander has found that carbonaceous chondrites, a type of primitive meteorite, are more likely to be the source of Earth's water than comets. This discovery contradicts prevailing theories and provides new constraints for understanding the origin of volatiles in the inner Solar System.

Viruses linked to algae that control coral health

Researchers have identified two viruses that infect symbiotic microalgae essential for coral growth and health. The presence of these viruses could be a contributing factor to the decline of coral reefs worldwide. Corals face various environmental threats, including warming temperatures, competition, and pollution.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 12, 2012

The challenges facing the vulnerable Antarctic

The Antarctic faces numerous challenges from human activity and climate change, including marine system impacts, invasive species, and pollution. The existing Antarctic Treaty System is being tested by growing tourism and resource use, highlighting the need for swifter decision-making and increased collaboration to conserve the region.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2012

Transforming cancer treatment

A Harvard researcher predicts that a multi-drug approach could make many cancers 'manageable' by targeting the KRAS gene. This strategy involves using at least two drugs to combat drug resistance, which currently limits targeted therapy's effectiveness.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2012