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Science News for September 13, 2013


Young people choose education based on parents' background

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that young people in Denmark choose studies based on their parents' social class and educational background. Students from working-class backgrounds opt for '9 to 5' studies with clear job profiles, while those from university-educated families pursue prestigious studies with strong i...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalComparative Education Review·DateSep 13, 2013

Vaccination with GM2-KLH-QS21 does not improve outcome of melanomas patients in EORTC study

The EORTC trial found that vaccination with GM2/KLH-QS-21 did not improve relapse-free or overall survival rates for patients with stage II melanoma. The vaccine was expected to stimulate antibodies against the GM2 ganglioside, but instead, it led to a higher risk of death and decreased survival rates.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 13, 2013

To touch the microcosmos

Researchers have developed a new technique called haptic optical tweezers, enabling scientists to 'feel' the microscopic structures under the lens. This technology allows users to explore the microworld by sensing and exerting piconewton-scale forces with trapped microspheres.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateSep 13, 2013

Toward a truly white organic LED

Researchers at the University of Utah have created a polymer that emits light in multiple colors, including blue and red, and can be tuned to cover the entire visible spectrum. This breakthrough holds promise for more efficient and less expensive white organic LEDs, which could replace traditional light bulbs.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 13, 2013

New findings from UNC School of Medicine challenge assumptions about origins of life

Researchers from UNC School of Medicine challenge the widely-held theory that RNA self-replicated without protein enzymes, instead suggesting a 'Peptide-RNA World' scenario where proteins accelerated key chemical reactions. The study's findings support the idea that ancient protein enzymes played a vital role in life's emergence.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 13, 2013

Model organism gone wild

Scientists studying the wild strain of the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum discovered that some clones can farm bacteria and carry defensive symbionts to protect their crops. The researchers isolated wild clones from soil and found that these clones were more complex than previously thought.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2013

Immune to aging

Researchers found that yeast S. pombe remains youthful when reproducing under favorable conditions, producing offspring younger than the parent. However, after stress or negative influences, the yeast ages and produces cells with damaged material.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 13, 2013

Catalysts team up with textiles

Researchers have developed a process for immobilising organic catalysts on textiles using ultraviolet light, enabling simple textiles to be used in complex chemical reactions. The method results in excellent yields, little wear and tear, and provides several advantages over other forms of catalyst immobilisation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateSep 13, 2013