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Science News Archive September 2013 - Page 29


Page 29 of 32

Only known hibernating primate has unique sleep patterns

Researchers found that dwarf lemurs experience REM sleep at high temperatures, while ground squirrels do not, suggesting a link between temperature and metabolism. The study confirms that hibernation is not a state of dormancy but rather a unique form of sleep.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2013

Young adults on the autism spectrum face tough prospects for jobs and independent living

Two studies found that young adults on the autism spectrum have worse employment outcomes, including lower pay rates, and are less likely to live independently after high school. Despite this, half of young adults with ASDs did become employed, suggesting potential for improvement with effective preparation and support.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 4, 2013

Alzheimer's missing link found

Researchers at Yale University have identified a protein that serves as the missing link in the chain of events leading to Alzheimer's disease. Blocking this protein with an existing drug has been shown to restore memory and synaptic density in mouse models of the disease. The findings offer strong hope for developing new treatments.

SourceYale University·JournalNeuron·DateSep 4, 2013

Relationship of kidney function estimates to risk improves by measuring cystatin C in the blood

The use of blood levels of cystatin C strengthens the association between kidney function and risks of death and end-stage renal disease. Cystatin C allows for better staging and risk classification of chronic kidney disease, potentially leading to targeted management and improved patient outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 4, 2013

Bizarre alignment of planetary nebulae

A team of astronomers found that butterfly-shaped planetary nebulae are mysteriously aligned in the sky, with their long axes aligned along the plane of our galaxy. This surprising result hints at a more mysterious factor influencing the formation of these objects, possibly due to strong magnetic fields as the bulge formed.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 4, 2013

The 'weakest link' in the aging proteome

A study published in Cell identifies a subset of proteins in the brain that persist for longer than a year, potentially revealing the molecular basis of aging. These long-lived proteins are thought to be the 'weakest link' in the aging proteome and may play a role in cellular aging.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateSep 3, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Sept. 3, 2013

Researchers have identified a potential new target for breast cancer treatment: ERBB3, an oncogene that promotes tumor growth. The study also found peritoneal dialysis to be effective in reducing brain damage after stroke by lowering glutamate levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 3, 2013

Birds choose sweet-smelling mates

A Michigan State University study demonstrates that birds communicate via scents and that odor reliably predicts reproductive success. Researchers found that males with a 'male-like' smell and females with a 'female-like' smell had higher genetic reproductive success, influencing mate selection.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateSep 3, 2013

An easier way to control genes

Researchers developed a new method to control genes by targeting transcription, allowing for positive and negative regulation with the same protein. The technique has the potential to enable complex synthetic biology circuits and applications such as disease detection and drug production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateSep 3, 2013

Tattoos reduce chances of getting a job, new research says

Employers view visible tattoos as a stigma, perceiving them as making employees look dirty or unsavory. However, certain innocuous symbols like flowers or butterflies are seen as acceptable. The stigma surrounding tattoos is expected to decrease over time as younger generations increasingly get tattoos.

SourceSAGE·DateSep 3, 2013