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Science News for September 17, 2012


Study links breast cancer risk to early-life diet and metabolic syndrome

Researchers at UC Davis discovered that early-life diet and metabolic changes can stimulate breast growth and increase the risk of breast cancer, independent of estrogen levels. The study used mice with a diet supplemented with CLA to mimic metabolic syndrome, which was found to increase mammary duct growth and tumor formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2012

Mercyhurst University presents new research on managing spinal injuries to NFL

Mercyhurst University researchers have developed new protocols for managing cervical spine injuries in football players, with the goal of achieving the highest level of care. The research, conducted in collaboration with Sports Medicine Concepts and the NFL, aims to standardize emergency management protocols and improve on-field response.

SourceMercyhurst College·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateSep 17, 2012

Results from study of Mead Johnson's Enfamil® Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid published in Pediatrics

A new study published in Pediatrics found that Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid promotes significantly higher weight, length, and head circumference growth in preterm infants compared to powdered fortifiers. The ultra-concentrated liquid fortifier is well-tolerated and safe for use in neonatal care settings.

SourceGolinHarris International·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 17, 2012

Alpine glaciers contribute to carbon cycling

Researchers have discovered that Alpine glaciers contain diverse biogeochemical complexes of dissolved organic matter, which is surprisingly bioavailable. This finding highlights the importance of glaciers as 'freezers' that preserve organic matter for microbial heterotrophs.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 17, 2012

Blue Brain Project accurately predicts connections between neurons

The Blue Brain Project has accurately predicted the locations of synapses in a cortical microcircuit, demonstrating key principles that govern brain structure and function. This breakthrough enables the creation of near-perfect models of the nervous system, shedding light on how brains are constructed from diverse populations of neurons.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2012

Newly demonstrated capabilities of low-powered nanotweezers may benefit cellular-level studies

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique for manipulating nanoparticles using low-power optical nanotweezers. The method, which operates at average power levels 100x lower than standard laser pointers, enables precise trapping and probing of fragile biological samples.

Dry-run experiments verify key aspect of Sandia nuclear fusion concept

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have successfully conducted dry-run experiments on a key aspect of their MagLIF nuclear fusion concept. The experiments tested the durability of cylindrical beryllium liners under intense magnetic fields, with promising results that suggest the concept is moving closer to achieving scientific...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 17, 2012

Children evaluate educational games

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg conducted a study on children's game playing, focusing on the educational game Fingu. The results showed that curiosity and imagination could be improved in the game, while also emphasizing the importance of understanding how different game designs affect parent-child interactions.

JCI early table of contents for Sept. 17, 2012

Researchers develop a non-invasive method to track Huntington's disease progression by detecting mutant huntingtin protein in immune cells. Additionally, CXCR1/2 inhibition improves pancreatic islet survival after transplantation, and the loss of thyroid stimulating hormone contributes to osteoporosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 17, 2012

New research presents most extensive pictures ever of an organism's DNA mutation processes

A team of researchers at Indiana University has discovered that spontaneous mutation rates in E. coli DNA are three times lower than previously thought. The study also found that mismatch repair proteins play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of guanine-cytosine and adenine-thymine content in the genome.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2012

Rapid urban expansion threatens biodiversity

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences predicts that rapid urban expansion will have significant impacts on global biodiversity hotspots. By 2030, urban areas are expected to expand by over 463,000 square miles, coinciding with infrastructure development that will transform land cover and cities globally.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2012

US underestimates costs of carbon pollution and climate change

A new study reveals that the US federal government significantly underestimates the economic damages caused by climate change. The current model ignores the impacts on future generations, resulting in underestimated costs for carbon pollution. Adopting cleaner energy sources can provide significant economic benefits and pave the way fo...

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Environmental Studies and Sciences·DateSep 17, 2012

AGU journal highlights – 17 September 2012

New research reveals Mercury's surface composition is dominated by minerals high in magnesium and sulfur, differing from other planets. In contrast, African dust forms red soils in Bermuda through a complex interplay of local and global climate processes. The origin of these unique features remains a topic of ongoing scientific study.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 17, 2012

International team of physicists makes discovery about temperature in convection

An international team of physicists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the temperature profile in convection, which occurs in boiling liquids and turbulent movement of the Earth's outer core. The findings echo an important discovery from 1930 by Theodore von Kármán and Ludwig Prandtl, known as the Law of the Wall.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 17, 2012

When it rains, it pours

A study by MIT estimates that tropical regions will see 10% heavier rainfall extremes with every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature, posing significant risks for flooding. The research suggests a higher sensitivity of tropical extreme rainfall to global warming than previously thought.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 17, 2012

Adequate sleep helps weight loss

A recent study published in CMAJ found that total sleep time and quality significantly predict fat loss in individuals enrolled in a weight loss program. Incorporating adequate sleep into lifestyle packages is now recognized as crucial for effective obesity management.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 17, 2012