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Science News for October 21, 2012


New understanding of Antarctic's weight-loss

A new study using Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data has re-calibrated the scales to more accurately calculate ice mass loss. The research found that Antarctica overall is contributing less to sea-level rise than previously thought, with West Antarctica losing mass at an accelerated rate.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2012

Energy-sensing switch discovery could have broad implications for biology and medicine

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a genetic sequence that can alter its host gene's activity in response to cellular energy levels, a finding that could have broad implications for biology and medicine. The energy-sensing switch, known as a riboswitch, detects the molecule ATP and controls global metabolic regul...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 21, 2012

How a fish broke a law of physics

Researchers found that silvery fish have evolved a multilayer structure in their skin containing two types of guanine crystals, allowing them to maintain high reflectivity and conceal themselves from predators. This adaptation could lead to better optical devices, such as LED lights and low-loss optical fibers.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2012