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Science News for July 4, 2013


Long-lived mice are less active

A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-lived female house mice are less active than shorter-lived counterparts, consuming less food and displaying reactive personality traits. The researchers suggest that life-history theory predicts individuals with greater life expectancy to be more cautious and energy-conserving.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 4, 2013

New marker substance for cancer cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new PET tracer that targets the folic acid receptor on cancer cells, enabling precise diagnosis and predicting patient response to therapy. The tracer also has potential for displaying inflammatory diseases and medication development.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateJul 4, 2013

Feeding galaxy caught in distant searchlight

Astronomers have observed a galaxy feeding on material from its surroundings, shedding light on galaxy formation. The study used ESO's VLT to analyze the properties of gas around the galaxy, providing unique insights into the growth of galaxies.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

Exercise rescues mutated neural stem cells

Researchers at Helmholtz Association discovered that exercise can fully rescue the phenotype of CHD7-deficient neural stem cells, allowing them to differentiate into mature neurons. This breakthrough provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying CHARGE syndrome and may lead to potential treatments.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 4, 2013

Unique epigenomic code identified during human brain development

A new study by Salk scientists reveals that the landscape of DNA methylation in brain cells is highly dynamic during brain circuitry formation, helping to understand how information in the genome is controlled from fetal development to adulthood. The discovery opens a deeper understanding of how intricate patterns of connectivity in th...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

The balancing act of producing more food sustainably

A team of scientists from the University of Oxford proposes sustainable intensification as a policy to meet increasing food demands. The approach focuses on improving agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm, but also acknowledges the need for broader policy changes, including dietary shifts and waste reduction.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013