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Science News for November 22, 2013


Stuck on flu

Researchers at UC San Diego discovered how flu viruses exploit a mucus-rich barrier to infect cells, and found that blocking neuraminidase activity could prevent infection. This finding could lead to new drugs or therapies that more effectively inhibit viral activity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalVirology Journal·DateNov 22, 2013

Copper promises cheaper, sturdier fuel cells

Researchers at Duke University have developed copper nanowire catalysts that can efficiently harness solar energy to split water into hydrogen, a promising step towards cheaper and sturdier fuel cells. The material is abundant, inexpensive, and flexible, making it ideal for use in various applications beyond solar energy production.

SourceDuke University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 22, 2013

New dinosaur discovered in Utah

A new, 30-foot-long dinosaur has been discovered in Utah, revealing a key gap in the fossil record of large predatory dinosaurs in North America. The discovery indicates that carcharodontosaurs dominated the ecosystem for longer than previously thought, before tyrannosaurs took over.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2013

Biodiversity higher in the tropics, but species more likely to arise at higher latitudes

A new study reveals that biodiversity is higher in the tropics due to increased genetic diversity among subspecies, which are more likely to arise in harsher environments typical of higher latitudes. This counterintuitive finding suggests that species turnover and extinction rates may be balanced near the equator.

Extent of obesity not strongest factor for patients when choosing weight loss operation

A study by American College of Surgeons found that patients' choice of bariatric surgery is influenced by type 2 diabetes status, desired weight loss, and tolerance for risk, rather than BMI. Patients with uncontrolled eating patterns were more likely to opt for a reversible procedure like gastric banding.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 22, 2013

Political correctness could affect holiday weight gain

A study published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that people are more likely to choose unhealthy food options for themselves and others when they perceive the other person as overweight. This can lead to poor diet choices, especially during holiday celebrations. The research suggests that marketers should...

SourceDuke University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateNov 22, 2013

An inside look at a MOF in action

A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab has made the first in situ electronic structure observations of a metal-organic framework (MOF) as it adsorbs carbon dioxide gas. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy in probing MOF chemistry and gas adsorption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 22, 2013

Smaller islands host shorter food chains

A recent study by Finnish scientists found that smaller island areas support fewer species and shorter food chains. The research team analyzed 20 islands off the Finnish coast and discovered that top predators were often missing from small islands, leading to a loss of control functions in local ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEcography·DateNov 22, 2013