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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 20


Page 20 of 34

An experiment recreates the crust of the moon Europa

Researchers at CAB successfully recreated Europa's crust in a laboratory experiment, revealing that high-pressure fluids could be responsible for the moon's reddish materials. The study suggests that certain characteristics of Europa's surface may be explained by a saline aqueous medium, with significant implications for life on Earth.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateMar 14, 2014

Salad at concession stands!?

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that offering 5-10 healthy food options and modifying popular items to reduce saturated fats increased revenue and sales. The healthier items accounted for 9.2% of total sales and parental satisfaction also increased.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 14, 2014

Study proposes new ovarian cancer targets

Scientists have identified a set of proteins called TAFs that may play a role in the development of ovarian cancer. Studies found that these proteins are overexpressed or underexpressed in 73% of tumors, suggesting they could be potential targets for new treatments.

SourceBrown University·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateMar 13, 2014

Plant biology discovery furthers scientists' understanding of plant growth and development

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a new auxin sensing and signaling system localized on the plant cell surface, which explains how leaf epidermal cells form their distinctive jigsaw puzzle-piece shapes. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying various auxin-modulated developmental processes.

A brain signal for psychosis risk

Researchers identified mismatch negativity as a potential biomarker of psychosis risk, suggesting that deficits in this brain signal may precede the onset of psychosis. The study found that individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis who developed a psychotic disorder had reduced mismatch negativity compared to those who did not.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychology·DateMar 13, 2014

A brake for spinning molecules

Scientists at Max-Planck Institute discover efficient way to brake molecular ion rotation, opening up new possibilities for laboratory-based astrochemistry. By cooling the rotational temperature using a tenuous gas, researchers can study chemical reactions in space more easily.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2014

Deficient protein GM-CSF production found to impair gut's immune tolerance

A Mount Sinai study reveals that GM-CSF protein production is critical for maintaining immune tolerance in the gut, and its deficiency may lead to increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases. The research suggests that targeting the GM-CSF axis could be a promising strategy for developing effective treatments for IBD.

Exchange rate behaves like particles in a molecular fluid

A study published in Physical Review Letters reveals that exchange rate fluctuations can be modeled using the principles of statistical physics. The research demonstrates that market orders and transactions influence price movements in a manner similar to the impact of thermal agitation on particles in a fluid.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 13, 2014

Condon publishes new research in Science

A Cornell professor's new research in Science has found evidence of more complexity in the relationship between flies and their predators, the parasitic wasps. The study revealed that most wasp species are extreme specialists, with offspring only able to survive in one specific fly species.

SourceCornell College·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2014