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Science News for August 3, 2014


Kangaroos win when Aborigines hunt with fire

A University of Utah researcher found that the Aboriginal Martu people's traditional hunting and fire practices help maintain ecosystem stability, increasing kangaroo populations. The study suggests encouraging small-scale burning to bolster wildlife populations in certain areas.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalHuman Ecology·DateAug 3, 2014

Australian Twitter accounts hit 2.8 million

The study found that Australian Twitter adoption grew slowly in early days before peaking at 100,000 new registrations per month in 2009. By August 2013, the monthly growth rate averaged 45,000 accounts, reaching 80,000. This trend suggests a steady influx of new Australian Twitter accounts.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateAug 3, 2014

Atlantic origin of recent Pacific trade wind, sea level and temperature trends

Climate researchers found that recent rapid Atlantic Ocean warming has affected climate in the Pacific, strengthening trade winds, accelerating sea level rise in the western Pacific, and causing eastern Pacific surface cooling. The study highlights the impact of Atlantic-Pacific coupling on global climate trends.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 3, 2014
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Uncovering the 3-D structure of a key neuroreceptor

Scientists have determined the 3D structure of 5HT3-R, a receptor involved in conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea and anxiety. The high-resolution structure reveals the receptor's molecular anatomy, providing insights into its function and potential targets for novel medicines.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2014

Study finds new genetic risk markers in pancreatic cancer

A large DNA analysis has identified several new genetic markers that signal increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The markers are variations in the inherited DNA code at particular locations along chromosomes.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 3, 2014

Tumor suppressor mutations alone don't explain deadly cancer

Researchers have found a link between tumor suppressor mutations and missing segments of genetic material in squamous cell head and neck cancers. The study suggests that treating tumors with both markers may intensify treatment, while those with only one marker may benefit from de-intensified treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 3, 2014

Atlantic warming turbocharges Pacific trade winds

Rapid Atlantic warming has turbocharged Pacific Equatorial trade winds, causing eastern tropical Pacific cooling and amplifying the Californian drought. The increased winds also accelerated sea level rise in the Western Pacific and slowed global surface temperature rise since 2001.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 3, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Fault trumps gruesome evidence when it comes to punishment

A new brain imaging study identified the neural mechanisms underlying judgment of punishment for harm caused intentionally or unintentionally. The study found that graphic language influences punishment, but only when harm is intentional, while unintentional harm has no effect on punishment level.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 3, 2014

Self-assembling anti-cancer molecules created in minutes

A new method has been developed to produce artificial anti-cancer molecules with properties similar to those of the body's natural defense systems. The molecules have proved effective against colon cancer cells in laboratory tests and show promise for further research.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 3, 2014

New trick for 'old' drug brings hope for pancreatic cancer patients

Researchers at Cancer Research UK have found a new use for an old drug, rapamycin, in shrinking and stopping the spread of a specific type of pancreatic cancer tumour. The study suggests that targeting mTOR dependency may be a key to tailoring treatment to individual patients.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalGut·DateAug 3, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Researchers find potential new predictor of stress-related illnesses

Researchers discovered a link between DNA methylation and stress response in the brain, predicting depression and PTSD risk. The study used functional imaging, saliva tests, and blood samples to show that small changes in gene expression can be a stronger predictor than genetic sequence variation.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2014

Making sense of scents

Researchers at Harvard University have found that mice can distinguish between specific odors even when surrounded by multiple background smells. The team used fluorescent proteins to create images of how different scents activated neurons in the brain, revealing a neural explanation for how animals separate relevant from irrelevant se...

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 3, 2014

Small DNA modifications predict brain's threat response

A new study by Duke University researchers found that small DNA modifications can affect the brain's threat response. The study focused on the serotonin transporter gene and found a strong link between methylation levels and amygdala reactivity, which may contribute to stress-related disorders.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 3, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.