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Science News for April 7, 2013


Genes behind obesity mapped in large-scale study

A large-scale study identified seven new gene loci linked to obesity, showing a significant overlap with genetic mechanisms causing milder forms of overweight. The research included over 260,000 participants and demonstrated that extreme obesity shares similar genetic factors as normal or slightly elevated BMI.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 7, 2013

Air pollution stunts coral growth

Researchers found that fine particles in air pollution shade corals from sunlight, cooling surrounding waters and reducing growth rates. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, links coral growth to particulate pollution in the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 7, 2013

Sweet success

Researchers use PALM microscopy technique to analyze enzyme cocktails and find specific targets for cellulase synergy. This reveals how different combinations of enzymes can generate synergistic activity, increasing saccharification efficiencies and reducing biofuel production costs.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 7, 2013

Finding genes for childhood obesity

Researchers have identified four genes newly associated with severe childhood obesity and found an increased burden of rare structural variations in severely obese children. These variations can delete sections of DNA that help maintain protein receptors involved in weight regulation, promising new drug targets against obesity.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 7, 2013