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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 6


Page 6 of 31

Pesticides contaminate frogs from Californian National Parks

Researchers have found pesticides commonly used in California's agricultural regions contaminating Pacific Tree Frogs in remote mountain areas, including national parks. The detection of pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole, and simazine highlights the potential long-term impact on biodiversity.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 26, 2013

Sudden decline in testosterone may cause Parkinson's disease symptoms in men

A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that a sudden decrease in testosterone levels may cause Parkinson's-like symptoms in male mice. Testosterone supplementation reversed the pathology in the mice. The study suggests that preserving testosterone levels may be important to prevent Parkinson's disease.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 26, 2013

Is Facebook actually making communication about products and brands more interesting?

A new study by Jonah Berger and Raghuram Iyengar found that written conversations on Facebook lead to discussions of more interesting products and brands compared to oral conversations. This is because written communication allows consumers time to think before responding, enabling them to select more engaging topics.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 26, 2013

Removing complexity layers from the universe's creation

Physicists propose that Einstein's special relativity emerges from a combination of quantum dynamics and gravity. This theory predicts the formation of charge asymmetry between particles and anti-particles at ultra-minute fractions of seconds after the Big Bang, in agreement with recent cosmological observations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJul 26, 2013

Gadget genius

Researchers at the University of Akron have developed new nanoscale materials that can be used to create ultra-lightweight electronics. These materials, known as 'giant surfactants,' have the potential to revolutionize the tech industry by enabling the creation of smaller and more efficient devices.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2013

The limits to galactic growth

Astronomers have observed the Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253) producing an outflow of molecular gas, curtailing its ability to form new stars. The galaxy's starburst region is shedding massive amounts of gas, with a total mass estimated to be nine times that of our Sun each year.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2013

JCI early table of contents for July 25, 2013

Researchers found that rapamycin increased longevity in mice by reducing cancer rates and improving memory and spatial learning. However, the drug had limited effects on age-related symptoms such as cardiovascular function, muscle mass, and balance. The study suggests that rapamycin may be useful for treating some age-related conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2013

Adenosine therapy reduces seizures and progression of epilepsy

Researchers have discovered that adenosine therapy can reduce seizures and slow the progression of epilepsy by targeting epigenetic changes in the brain. By delivering adenosine directly to the brain, scientists were able to reverse DNA hypermethylation, which is a key factor in the development of epilepsy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2013

Nature: Elementary physics in a single molecule

A team of physicists has successfully demonstrated magnetism within a single molecule. By applying voltage, researchers were able to switch the magnetic state on and off, reproducing elementary physics in a single molecule. This discovery provides new insights into magnetism as an elementary phenomenon of physics.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2013

Scientists model 'extraordinary' performance of Bolt

Researchers from Mexico provide a mathematical model that accurately depicts Usain Bolt's record-breaking 100m sprint time, revealing a terminal velocity of 12.2 meters per second and average force of 815.8 newtons. The study highlights the challenges of overcoming air resistance and drag, showcasing Bolt's remarkable power output.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEuropean Journal of Physics·DateJul 25, 2013

Secret of plant geometry revealed

Scientists have long puzzled over how plants set and maintain the angle of their lateral branches. The mechanism, driven by auxin hormone, counteracts gravity-sensitive growth to sustain a non-vertical angle of growth, known as the gravitropic set-point angle.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 25, 2013

NIH study uncovers a starring role for supporting cells in the inner ear

Researchers have found that supporting cells in the inner ear can actively help repair damaged sensory hair cells, potentially offering a pathway to prevent hearing loss. The study suggests that these cells produce heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), which protects neighboring hair cells from death.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2013

Pigeons fly home with a map in their heads

Researchers fitted homing pigeons with GPS loggers to study their navigation. The results showed that satiated pigeons flew directly to their home loft, while hungry pigeons flew to a nearby food loft, indicating they have a type of cognitive navigational map in their heads

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 25, 2013