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Science News Archive January 2014 - Page 16


Page 16 of 28

Researchers 'detune' a molecule

Researchers at Rice University found that they can control the bonds between atoms in a molecule by applying a voltage and running an electric current through a single buckyball. The effect appears when the buckyball attaches to a gold surface, causing its internal bonds to undergo a subtle shift.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2014

A CNIO study finds a 'molecular scaffolding' that maintains skin structure and organisation

Researchers at CNIO discovered a connection between microtubules and cell-cell junctions that holds skin stem cells together to support skin architecture. This finding sheds light on the importance of cellular components in maintaining skin function and may lead to new regenerative or anti-cancer therapies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 16, 2014

Immune cells may heal an injured heart

A study in mice reveals two major pools of immune cells that promote healing and drive inflammation in the heart. Healthy hearts maintain a population of embryonic macrophages, while adult macrophages are recruited during cardiac stress, leading to inflammation. The findings provide new insights into the complex interplay between these...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateJan 16, 2014

Soil production breaks geologic speed record

Researchers in New Zealand have discovered that rock can transform into soil more than twice as fast as previously thought possible. Soil production rates range from 0.1 to 2.5 millimeters per year, depending on soil thickness and location. This breakthrough has implications for the Earth's carbon cycle and weathering processes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2014

Fathers' diet, bodyweight and health at conception may contribute to obesity in offspring

A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that an obese father's diet may contribute to his child's risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic degenerative diseases. Researchers found altered gene expression in the pancreas and fat tissue of female offspring born to obese male rats on a high-fat diet.

Resisting the flu

Researchers at McGill University have identified the cIAP2 enzyme as a key player in resisting flu infections by protecting lung tissue from damage. By enhancing body resistance to the virus, this discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling and treating influenza.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 15, 2014

Ramularia and the 4 Rs

Scientists confirm that the mlo gene, which provides resistance to powdery mildew, also increases susceptibility to Ramularia leaf spot. The research found that this trade-off is most significant in spring barley and can be mitigated by breeding lines resistant to both diseases.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 15, 2014

Popular blood type diet debunked

Researchers at the University of Toronto found that the popular blood type diet theory is not valid, as associations between diets and health markers are independent of an individual's blood type. The study suggests that adherence to a sensible vegetarian or low-carbohydrate diet is key to improving health, regardless of blood type.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2014

Ray of hope for magazines in digital era

Research from the University of Toronto Scarborough finds that print magazines with online presence can charge more for their advertising space due to attracting a homogeneous, targeted audience. This study suggests that magazines need to integrate their print products with digital platforms to remain competitive.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalManagement Science·DateJan 15, 2014