Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 24


Page 24 of 30

Alpine lakes reflect climate change

A new study forecasts higher surface water temperatures in Austrian lakes by 2050 due to climate change, posing risks to water quality and ecosystems. Warmer waters could lead to enhanced nutrient loads and algal blooms.

SourceSpringer·JournalHydrobiologia·DateJun 6, 2013

New DNA test on roo poo identifies species

A new DNA test has been developed to identify kangaroo species from their droppings, providing valuable information for population management and conservation. The test has already identified several species outside of their known range, with implications for biodiversity management and climate change impacts.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalWildlife Research·DateJun 6, 2013

Superb lyrebirds move to the music

Male superb lyrebirds' choreographed dance movements are linked to specific songs, with females selecting the best performers. The birds' dancing skills are crucial for mating, with years of practice before maturity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 6, 2013

Researchers reveal malaria's deadly grip

Researchers discovered how malaria parasites stick to blood vessels by binding to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR). This finding may lead to new means of combating malaria, including vaccines and drugs. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind severe malaria symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2013

Doctors should screen for frailty to prevent deaths

Frailty affects 5-10% of people over 70, leading to increased death rates, poor function, and hospitalizations. Screening with the FRAIL questionnaire can identify frail individuals and guide treatment with exercise, nutrition supplements, vitamin D, and reduced medications.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJun 5, 2013

Teacher collaboration, professional communities improve many elementary school students' math scores

A new study by UNC Charlotte researchers shows that teacher collaboration and professional learning communities improve many elementary school students' math performance. However, few schools have effectively developed both environments, and the study highlights the need for school leaders to create supportive districts that provide re...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSociology of Education·DateJun 5, 2013

Georgia State University research finds Clean Air Act increased Atlanta rainfall

A study by Georgia State University researcher Jeremy Diem found that a decrease in pollution following the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970 led to an increase in summer rainfall for the Atlanta metropolitan area. Precipitation levels dropped in the 1950s and 1960s due to air pollution, but rebounded in the late 1970s as pollution ...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJun 5, 2013

Over 120,000-year-old bone tumor in Neandertal specimen found

Researchers have identified a fibrous dysplasia tumor in a Neanderthal rib from Croatia, dating back over 120,000 years. This discovery predates previous evidence of this type of cancer by tens of thousands of years, challenging the notion that bone tumors were rare in ancient human populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2013

Targeting an aspect of Down syndrome

University of Michigan researchers have discovered how a defective gene in Down syndrome is regulated and its impact on neurological development. By studying fruit fly neurons, they identified two molecular pathways that converge to regulate the gene's abundance, offering a possible therapeutic approach to an aspect of the syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNeuron·DateJun 5, 2013

Big multiple sclerosis breakthrough

A phase 1 clinical trial shows a new treatment safely reduces immune system reactivity to myelin in multiple sclerosis patients by 50-75%. The therapy, which uses specially processed white blood cells, preserves the function of the normal immune system. Researchers hope to launch a phase 2 trial to prevent MS progression.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 5, 2013