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Science News for October 8, 2012


Sinusitis: Leaving a bad taste in your mouth

Researchers found that T2R38 is expressed in upper respiratory tract cells and activated by bacteria, correlating with increased susceptibility to sinus infections. Genetic variation in the T2R38 gene contributes to individual differences in respiratory infection risk.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 8, 2012

Digital tabletop system with views on demand

A new digital tabletop system, PiVOT, allows users to view shared content while each individual receives a personalized view, with multiple views possible at the same location without interfering with others. The system supports various applications and has been implemented with a sample prototype evaluated for its effectiveness.

DRI scientist co-authors study outlining vast differences in polar ocean microbial communities

A comprehensive comparison of marine microbial diversity at the poles reveals vast differences between Southern and Arctic oceans. The study highlights the importance of researching Earth's polar regions in the face of climate change, and identifies further research needs to understand sea ice, seasonal shifts, and freshwater inputs.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2012

Eberli recognized with inaugural Johannes Walther Medal for outstanding efforts in sedimentology

Eberli's research on carbonate sediments and rocks has led to a revolutionary new model of platform development, revealing the internal architecture of Great Bahama Bank. The CSL Center for Carbonate Research he directs has made significant breakthroughs in understanding sedimentologic processes, aiding the petroleum industry.

Catalytic converters like it hot

Researchers have discovered that the critical temperature for catalytic ignition depends on the material used and crystallographic orientation of metal granules. The findings suggest that a more efficient catalytic converter can be built by optimizing these factors, potentially reducing emissions and costs.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 8, 2012

JCI early table of contents for October 8, 2012

Researchers found that common polymorphisms in the T2R38 gene were correlated with the incidence of bacterial sinus infections, demonstrating a genetic link to individual differences in respiratory infection susceptibility. In companion pieces, studies on PSD-95 expression and progranulin deficiency shed light on potential therapeutic ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 8, 2012

River Thames invaded with foreign species

The River Thames has been invaded with over 96 non-native freshwater species, according to a recent study published in Biological Invasions. The research suggests that globalisation and shipping activity have facilitated these invasions, resulting in significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem service degradation.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBiological Invasions·DateOct 8, 2012

Fresh blood not better, clinical trial shows

A randomized clinical trial of 377 premature babies found that receiving fresher blood did not improve clinical outcomes, including major organ injury, mortality, and infection. The study, led by Dr. Dean Fergusson, used the gold standard of medical science and challenged existing beliefs about fresh blood being better.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateOct 8, 2012

Language learning makes the brain grow

A three-month intensive language study led to significant brain structure changes in language learners compared to non-language students. The hippocampus and cerebral cortex areas expanded in size, correlating with improved language skills, highlighting the cognitive benefits of language learning.

SourceLund University·JournalNeuroImage·DateOct 8, 2012

Demographic miracle in the deserts

Some desert plant species adapt well to climate change, benefiting from fluctuating weather conditions. This is contrary to predictions by climate models, which forecast unfavorable effects on ecosystems. Researchers found that these plants have a unique physiology allowing them to thrive in arid regions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 8, 2012

Power in the palm of your hands

The Digits sensor allows users to control devices remotely using hand gestures, eliminating the need for external hardware. Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding human hand movements and developing a system that can accurately track and interpret finger joints, wrist orientation, and other key points.

A welcome predictability

Researchers have developed an adaptor that makes genetic engineering of microbial components more predictable, converting regulators of translation into regulators of transcription in Escherichia coli. This allows for the construction of increasingly complex functions in microorganisms, enabling safer and more efficient production of e...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 8, 2012