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Science News for September 23, 2012


Stratosphere targets deep sea to shape climate

A University of Utah study found that periodic changes in winds 15 to 30 miles high in the stratosphere influence deep-sea circulation patterns, affecting Earth's climate. The research revealed the North Atlantic as a sensitive area where warming or cooling from the troposphere can trigger downwelling events.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 23, 2012

New chemistry technique from the Scripps Research Institute reproduces nature's elusive complexity

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed a new technique to synthesize complex terpenes, a crucial step towards cheaper and fully synthetic cancer drugs like Taxol. The breakthrough mimics a natural biochemical phenomenon that allows cells to make these compounds, overcoming significant challenges in organic chemistry.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 23, 2012

Understanding the brain by controlling behavior

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully controlled the behavior of worms by manipulating their neurons with precise laser beams. By hijacking key neurons, they can instruct the worm to perform specific actions, such as turning in a desired direction or responding to fake sensory inputs.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2012