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Science News for December 14, 2014


Are you genetically predisposed to antisocial behavior?

A study of Swedish teenagers found that three genetic variants interacted with environmental factors to increase the risk of delinquency, while a positive parent-child relationship decreased the risk. The research suggests that genes affect brain function and behavior by altering sensitivity to negative or positive environments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 14, 2014

Potential cure for hepatitis B enters phase 1/2a clinical trial

Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have developed a potential cure for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The new treatment, birinapant, triggers the breakdown of proteins that prevent infected cells from self-destructing, allowing infected cells to die.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateDec 14, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Nuclear should be in the energy mix for biodiversity

Leading conservation scientists argue that nuclear energy should be part of the energy mix to mitigate climate change. The researchers evaluated different energy scenarios and found that nuclear power performs well compared to renewables, considering factors like safety, cost, scalability, land transformation, and emissions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalConservation Biology·DateDec 14, 2014

Baby cells learn to communicate using the Lsd1 gene

Researchers found that infant cells must undergo a developmental process involving specific genes before they can participate in group interactions. The study identified the Lsd1 gene as crucial for ovarian follicle progenitor cells to mature at their normal rate.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 14, 2014