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Science News Archive October 2012 - Page 26


Page 26 of 33

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

Breathe in, breathe out: New way of imaging lungs could improve COPD diagnosis and treatment

A new approach to lung scanning, called parametric response mapping, allows for better distinction between early-stage small airway disease and emphysema in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The technique enables precise diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as tracking COPD progression over time.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 7, 2012

Fertility discovery a sperm's tail

Researchers have discovered a key protein, RABL2, that affects sperm tail length and motility, potentially leading to new avenues for male infertility treatment. A mutation in this protein can result in significantly shorter sperm tails and decreased production.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 6, 2012