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Science News Archive October 2012 - Page 8


Page 8 of 33

Flycatchers' genomes explain how 1 species became 2

The study reveals that disparate chromosome structures, rather than separate gene adaptations, underlie the separation of the two flycatcher species. Genome sequencing and analysis identified specific regions in the chromosomes involved in meiosis and gender cell production as key to understanding species divergence.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2012

Drivers' ed for robots

A team led by University of Delaware researchers aims to create a robot that can drive vehicles, navigate environments, use tools, and manipulate equipment in disaster relief scenarios. The robot will focus on key tasks such as getting into and out of vehicles, driving factoring in difficult conditions.

Living power cables discovered

Multicellular bacteria have been found to function as living power cables, transmitting electrons across large distances as part of their respiration and ingestion processes. The discovery reveals a previously unknown type of long, multicellular bacteria that act as biological power cables.

A sense of control, even if illusory, eliminates emotion-driven distortions of time

A sense of control over events reduces emotion-driven time distortions, regardless of individual's emotional state or illusion of control. Previous studies found that highly arousing images lead to time distortions, but this study shows that giving participants a feeling of control eliminates these effects.

The missing 'lnc' in human disease

Two papers connect long non-coding RNAs to inherited conditions in humans, revealing a chromosomal translocation disrupting expression of PTHLH and SOX9 genes. A lncRNA on chromosome 12 is also linked to the development of the placenta.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 24, 2012

Ghost busting

A study published in Science Communication found that media messages describing paranormal investigators as 'scientific' make people more likely to believe in ghosts and haunted houses. Researchers found that such descriptions increase credibility ratings and lead to increased belief in paranormal claims.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Communication·DateOct 24, 2012

Cops on the street: How many are needed?

A new guidebook provides a performance-based approach to police staffing and allocation, taking into account multiple factors such as crime rate, shift length, and community policing. The approach offers a more efficient way for agencies to determine the number of officers needed and deploy them effectively.

Unearthing a hidden dietary behavior

A new Harvard study found over half of people in northeastern Madagascar engage in geophagy, a widespread behavior previously thought to be non-existent. Researchers also discovered high rates of geophagy among men and young children, contradicting earlier studies that linked the practice mainly to pregnant women or adolescents.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 24, 2012

Moffitt researcher investigates 2-drug synergy to treat drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center investigated a novel combination of danusertib and bosutinib to overcome resistance in BCR-ABL gatekeeper mutation-specific disease. They found the synergy was not due to direct inhibition, but rather through the downstream MAPK signaling cascade and impaired activity of c-MYC gene regulator.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 24, 2012

Experts call for wildlife conservation network

Prominent wildlife biologists advocate for a national network to coordinate state, federal, and private initiatives. The proposed network aims to identify at-risk species, coordinate conservation efforts, and share information to address threats like climate change and novel diseases.

SourceIndiana University·JournalBioScience·DateOct 23, 2012