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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 23


Page 23 of 28

The deep roots of catastrophe

Researchers found a Florida-sized zone of partly molten rock beneath the Pacific Ocean, which could trigger massive eruptions. The collision between two or more continent-sized piles may lead to supervolcano-like eruptions and large igneous provinces.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 6, 2013

Preserving biodiversity can be compatible with intensive agriculture

A new study by Karl Zimmerer and colleagues found that small-scale farmers in Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico can successfully cultivate genetically diverse local crops alongside intensive agriculture. These farms often rely on remittances from migrant communities, which enables them to maintain agrobiodiversity maize.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2013

Lower drinking ages lead to more binge drinking

A study found that people who grew up in states with lower minimum drinking ages were more likely to binge drink later in life. The researchers tracked over 39,000 participants and found that those who lived in states with lower drinking ages were 19% more likely to binge drink monthly, especially among men who didn't attend college.

Nothing fishy about swimming with same-sized mates

Fish can determine their size relative to others using chemical cues alone. This ability helps form groups with strength in numbers, reducing individual risk from predators. The study found that both species used chemical self-referencing to locate similarly sized fish of the same species.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateFeb 6, 2013

Compound stimulates tumor-fighting protein in cancer therapy

Researchers identified a compound called TIC10 that stimulates the tumor suppression capabilities of TRAIL, inducing cancer cell death in mice. The compound is effective in cancer cell samples and cell lines resistant to conventional therapies, showing promise as a new treatment option for advanced cancer.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2013

Induction of mild inflammation leads to cognitive deficits related to schizophrenia

Researchers identified a mutant mouse model of schizophrenia that exhibits mild chronic brain inflammation and cognitive deficits. The study found that Shn-2 deficiency leads to an 'immature Dentate Gyrus', which produces schizophrenia-related phenotypes. Chronic administration of anti-inflammatory drugs rescued working memory deficit ...

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateFeb 6, 2013

India joined with Asia 10 million years later than previously thought

Researchers at MIT found evidence of two separate collisional events: one 50 million years ago and another 10 million years later. The team analyzed rocks from the Himalayas and discovered a new timeline for India's collision with Asia, suggesting that part of ancient India 'Greater India' was smaller than previously thought.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 6, 2013

New Space -- preview issue of groundbreaking journal launched at FAA Commercial Space Conference

The journal features world-class content on innovative applications of emerging space-based technologies, including commercial cargo and crew services, tourism, colonization, deep space research, and resource utilization. The first issue includes an original article on the B612 Foundation Sentinel Space Telescope and a roundtable discu...

2 antibodies are better than 1

Researchers propose using two EGFR-blocking antibodies to treat triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks common receptors for hormone-based treatments. In a study, combining two antibodies proved effective in preventing tumor growth and spread in mice.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2013

Children with ACL injuries require special treatment

The number of ACL injuries in young athletes is rising due to increased training and reduced free play. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons recommend optimal strategies for treating ACL injuries based on the specifics of the injury and the child's skeletal maturity, including non-surgical management and surgical reconstruction.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 6, 2013

The European Space Sciences Committee reacts

The European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) has released its position statement on the ESA council meeting at ministerial level, commenting on the impact of decisions taken. The ESSC recommends prioritizing scientific return in the Science Programme and reiterates its support for European involvement in the Global Exploration Strategy.

Maternal exposure to outdoor air pollution associated with low birth weights worldwide

A large international study of over three million births found that higher particulate air pollution levels were associated with increased rates of low birth weight. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, highlights the need for policy makers to address air pollution to prevent serious health consequences.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 6, 2013

Sensing the light, but not to see

Researchers from the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that lancelets have melanopsin-producing cells, which are involved in non-visual light-dependent functions. Studying these cells provides insight into the evolutionary history of circadian receptors and their role in regulating biological clocks.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2013

Social media may prove useful in prevention of HIV, STDs, study shows

Researchers found that African American and Latino men who have sex with men voluntarily used health-related Facebook groups to discuss HIV knowledge, stigma, and prevention, leading to increased requests for home-based HIV tests. The study suggests social media can be a useful tool for collecting and analyzing data, saving money and i...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2013