Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 26


Page 26 of 26

Newly discovered dinosaur implies greater prevalence of feathers

A newly discovered dinosaur, Sciurumimus albersdoerferi, has provided evidence that all predatory dinosaurs had feathers, challenging the previous assumption that feathered dinosaurs were only related to birds. The fossil, which represents a juvenile specimen, shows a remarkable difference in diet between young and adult megalosaurs.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Gene variant reduces cholesterol by 2 mechanisms

A gene variant in sortilin, responsible for higher protein expression in liver, has been found to reduce cholesterol levels. The study reveals two mechanisms: increased LDL degradation and decreased APOB secretion via lysosomal targeting.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2012

Study: Kids with behavior problems, disabilities bullied more, more likely to bully others

A new study published in the Journal of School Psychology found that students with behavioral disorders and observable disabilities are at a higher risk of being bullied and bullying others. The study, which followed over 800 students, suggests that anti-bullying interventions emphasizing prosocial skills could help address this issue.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of School Psychology·DateJul 2, 2012

Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy highlights energy trends in China

Researchers in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy analyze China's emerging energy trends, finding increased bioenergy utilization but still dispersed biomass resources. A study on cooking fuel transition suggests universal access to modern fuels could be achieved in urban areas by 2030 for a relatively low cost.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJul 2, 2012

Why chronic pain is all in your head

A Northwestern University study found that chronic pain develops when two brain sections communicate excessively, increasing the likelihood of chronic pain. Researchers predicted with 85% accuracy which participants would develop chronic pain based on brain scan data.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 1, 2012

Penn researchers improve living tissues with 3-D printed vascular networks made from sugar

Researchers at Penn University have developed a method to rapidly create vasculature using 3D printed templates of filament networks, improving the function of engineered living tissues. They used a material composed of sugar and other compounds to create stable vascular systems that can be easily dissolved and replaced with cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 1, 2012