Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2013 - Page 15


Page 15 of 29

Rice U. biophysicists zoom in on pore-forming toxin

Researchers have gained a comprehensive understanding of melittin's molecular-level action, which involves opening pores in cell membranes to attack cancer and bacteria. The study sheds light on how melittin forms transient pores at low concentrations and stable pores at higher concentrations.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2013

Bacteria in drinking water are key to keeping it clean

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified four bacteria found in drinking water that can form biofilms on pipes. Combining these bacteria with Methylobacterium produces a biofilm within 72 hours. The study suggests targeting specific bacteria could prevent biofilm formation and reduce chemical treatments.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalWater Science & Technology·DateAug 14, 2013

Ostrich necks reveal sauropod movements, food habits

A new analysis of ostriches suggests that sauropod neck flexibility was probably lower than previously estimated due to the impact of soft tissues like muscle and cartilage. This reduced flexibility may have restricted the range of foods these dinosaurs could reach, leading to more active foraging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2013

Extreme weather events fuel climate change

Researchers found that extreme weather events like droughts, heat waves, and storms reduce the amount of carbon absorbed by terrestrial ecosystems, equivalent to about a third of global CO2 emissions per year. Satellites and recording stations documented the effects of these events on forests, bogs, and grasslands.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2013

Teleported by electronic circuit

Physicists at ETH Zurich have successfully teleported information across a distance of six millimeters using a solid state system. This achievement demonstrates the potential for quantum communication and may lead to faster and more efficient quantum computing in the future.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2013

Lymph nodes with location memory

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found that lymph nodes in certain locations produce more regulatory T cells, which mediate tolerance to harmless substances. This 'location-specific memory' is crucial for maintaining the balance of the immune system and preventing autoimmune diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateAug 14, 2013

Radiation detection to go

The Mobile Radiation Detection and Identification System (MRDIS) enables scanning of transshipped containers, making it difficult for terrorists to smuggle radioactive materials. Eight MRDIS units have been deployed worldwide, with plans to expand to two international airports next year.

Spicing up your fish fillets with science

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found that adding coriander oil to vegetable oil-based diets increases EPA and DHA levels in rainbow trout fillets. This alternative method reduces reliance on fish oil, promoting aquaculture sustainability and creating new market opportunities for spice growers.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Animal Science·DateAug 14, 2013

Forensic familial search methods carry risk of certain false matches

Research finds that DNA-based familial search techniques can mistakenly identify second cousins and half-siblings as siblings, with a 3-18% chance of error for first cousins and up to 42% for half-siblings. This misidentification can lead to unnecessary investigations and exacerbate ethical concerns surrounding the use of these methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2013

Cancer's origins revealed

A comprehensive compendium of mutational processes explains most mutations found in 30 common cancer types, revealing the biological processes responsible. The study identifies a family of enzymes linked to over half of cancer types, and finds that DNA damage from viruses may cause collateral genetic changes.

Medicaid program improves maternal, infant care

A study by Michigan State University found that participation in a Medicaid-eligible pregnant women's program leads to improved health care during pregnancy and after birth. Women in the program had 25% more postnatal visits than those not enrolled, promoting healthy pregnancies and infant outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 14, 2013

Post-traumatic stress disorder in a rescue group after the Wenchuan earthquake relief

A recent study examined post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a group of 1,040 rescue workers who participated in the Wenchuan earthquake relief. The findings indicate that PTSD was diagnosed in 64% of the participants, primarily due to factors such as near-death experience, severe injury or mental trauma, and low social support.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 14, 2013

Heat waves to become more frequent and severe

Researchers project heat waves will increase in frequency and severity, covering 85% of the global land area by 2100 under a high emission scenario. The study found that extreme heat waves will be more damaging to society and ecosystems, causing heat-related deaths, forest fires, and losses to agricultural production.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 14, 2013

Can solar energy help save Greece?

A new analysis suggests that Greece's renewable energy programs, particularly solar, could lower domestic energy costs and provide an export commodity to aid in the country's economic recovery. However, addressing public concerns about foreign involvement is crucial for realizing solar's potential.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateAug 14, 2013

CPAP reduces risk of death in people with COPD and sleep apnea

A new study finds that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy significantly reduces the risk of death in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, analyzed data from 3,396 patients who used CPAP for at least t...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateAug 14, 2013

Do academic rankings create inequality?

A study by Michigan State University scholars questions whether global rankings fuel competition at the expense of financial stability and accessibility in higher education. The researchers found that universities receiving more federal research money tend to score higher in Shanghai rankings.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMinerva·DateAug 14, 2013