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Science News for December 22, 2014


Coral reveals long-term link between Pacific winds, global climate

New research suggests that Pacific trade winds played a key role in twentieth-century climate variation, coinciding with globally warming temperatures. The study found that weaker winds allowed warming to accelerate, while stronger winds prevented it. This natural process has been linked to the current slowdown in global warming.

Shedding new light on the diet of extinct animals

Scientists used magnesium isotopes to analyze the diet of living mammals in Gabon's equatorial forest. This method provides a strong basis for inferring the diet of extinct animals. The study's findings offer new insights into ancient ecosystems and interactions between organisms.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Bone loss drugs may help prevent endometrial cancer

Researchers found that bisphosphonate users were half as likely to develop endometrial cancer, suggesting a potential preventive effect. The study suggests that women taking bone-strengthening medications with increased endometrial cancer risk may benefit from nitrogen-form bisphosphonates.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 22, 2014

Study: Industrial clusters fuel economies

A new MIT study reveals that industrial clusters across various industries drive economic growth by fostering job creation, innovation, and the formation of new industries. The research suggests that regions can improve their economic performance by investing in and extending their comparative advantage rather than chasing global hotsp...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalResearch Policy·DateDec 22, 2014

Scientists find drug that helps Huntington's disease-afflicted mice -- and their offspring

A new study from The Scripps Research Institute suggests a drug compound can benefit not only parents but also their children by changing genetic expression, leading to improved memory and motor skills in offspring with Huntington's disease. This breakthrough discovery offers promising potential for treating the inherited disorder.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Using light to understand the brain

Researchers at UCL have developed a technique that combines two cutting-edge technologies to read and write electrical activity in the brain. By using flashes of light, they can both observe and control brain activity in mice, opening up new possibilities for understanding neurological conditions such as autism and dementia.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 22, 2014

Variety is the spice of humble moth's sex life

A new study reveals the gold swift moth's intricate mating patterns and sexual positions, showcasing a 'Karma Sutra' of insect behavior. The research suggests that this complexity is an adaptation to the scarcity of mating grounds, driving the development of varied courtship strategies.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateDec 22, 2014

Graying, but still golden

Researchers found that older adults' acquired financial knowledge and experience can compensate for declining fluid intelligence, leading to more efficient financial decision-making. The study used credit scores and cognitive tests to demonstrate the importance of crystallized intelligence in finance.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Guilt complex

Research suggests that highly guilt-prone people are valuable work partners who outwork colleagues, demonstrate effective leadership, and contribute to team success. However, they may avoid forming partnerships with more competent individuals to prevent feelings of guilt.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 22, 2014

Startling benefit of cardiology meetings

Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that high-risk patients admitted to hospitals during cardiology meetings are more likely to survive than on non-meeting days. The study suggests that a less intensive approach for these patients may be beneficial.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 22, 2014

Blocking Notch pathway leads to new route to hair cell regeneration to restore hearing

Scientists have discovered that blocking the Notch pathway enables cochlear progenitor cells to proliferate and regenerate hair cells, potentially leading to new treatments for hearing loss. The study reveals a new function of Notch signaling in limiting proliferation and regeneration potential of postnatal cochlear progenitor cells.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Hands on: Crafting ultrathin color coatings

Scientists have developed a technique to coat metallic objects with an extremely thin layer of semiconductor, producing vibrant optical effects on paper and other flexible materials. The ultrathin coatings can produce bright, solid colors using the same two metals, applied with only a few atoms' difference in thickness.

SourceHarvard University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 22, 2014

Distribution of fish on the northeast US shelf influenced by both fishing and climate

Scientists studied four commercial and recreational fish stocks in Northeast U.S. waters and found that climate change affects their distribution, while fishing pressure has significant impacts on a more immediate time scale. The study shows that different species respond differently to temperature and fishing pressure.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateDec 22, 2014

Ecosystems need maths not random nature to survive

Researchers discovered a universal mathematical property called Trophic Coherence that explains how ecosystems maintain stability and grow larger, unlike previous thought. This finding has implications for conservation efforts and may apply to finance and engineering fields.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Store remodelling benefits bottom line

Research from Monash University found that store remodelling increases retail sales by nearly 50%, with new customers driving a 43-44% increase in sales. Existing customers see a 7-10% boost. The study suggests remodelling should be viewed as a marketing investment to retain and attract new customers.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 22, 2014

Acoustic tweezers manipulate cell-to-cell contact

Researchers develop acoustic tweezers that can precisely position groups of cells for study, eliminating the risk of cell damage. The device achieves a throughput of thousands of cells and enables precise control over cell-to-cell contact, paving the way for studies on cellular communication and information transfer.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Light-emitting e-readers detrimentally shift circadian clock

Researchers found that reading from light-emitting e-readers before bed suppresses melatonin release and shifts the circadian clock, leading to longer sleep latency and reduced REM sleep. Exposure to short-wavelength-enriched blue light disrupts natural sleep patterns.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Study: Extra income boosts health of elderly in poor countries

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that providing additional $67 per month to elderly residents in poor countries improves their health outcomes. Participants who received this supplement showed significant improvements in lung function and memory, as well as increased access to healthcare services.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014