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Science News for May 13, 2014


Scientists reveal structural secrets of enzyme used to make popular anti-cholesterol drug

Researchers identified a mutated enzyme called LovD9 that produces simvastatin 1,000 times more efficiently than the natural enzyme. The team used computer simulations and X-ray crystallography to determine the molecular structures of both enzymes, revealing subtle variations in their behavior when immersed in water.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 13, 2014

Distance influences accuracy of eyewitness IDs

Research found that eyewitness accuracy decreases by 0.55% per yard in correct identifications, while false alarms increase by 0.44% per yard. The study's findings have implications for the trustworthiness of eyewitness accounts used in criminal cases.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 13, 2014

Study: state VAMS don't reflect content, quality of teachers' instruction

A new study published in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis found no association between multiple-measure teaching effectiveness ratings and the content of teachers' instruction. The researchers suggest that value-added models are not useful for evaluating teacher performance or shaping classroom instruction.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateMay 13, 2014

Women's empowerment and Olympic success

Research by Grand Valley State University researchers found a strong correlation between women's empowerment and international athletic success, including more medals won and increased participation. The study controlled for other factors like population and wealth to show that gender equality was key to Olympic success.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateMay 13, 2014

First year student publishes monsoon study

A first-year Environmental Science student at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus published a literature review on the Southeast Asian monsoon in Geoscience Frontiers. The study found that future climate warming could lead to a 15-day delay in the monsoon onset by the start of the next century.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalGeoscience Frontiers·DateMay 13, 2014

Women's empowerment and Olympic success

A study by Grand Valley State University researchers found that nations with greater women's empowerment tend to win more Olympic medals and participate in the games more, regardless of gender. The effect is strongest for female athletes, but also applies to men, with greater equality associated with better success.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateMay 13, 2014

Tiny, tenacious and tentatively toxic

Dr. Kevin Conway and his team have made two groundbreaking discoveries in the study of Western Atlantic Clingfishes. The researchers identified a new species of clingfish less than an inch long and discovered a unique venom gland in a well-studied group of fish, highlighting the vast diversity and complexity of marine ecosystems.

Protein Data Bank: 100,000 structures

The Protein Data Bank has surpassed 100,000 entries, providing a wealth of structural data for researchers to understand biological mechanisms and discover new medicines. The archive's growth is driven by the efforts of structural biologists worldwide, who continue to deposit new structures and improve the resource.

Scientists reveal new picture in the evolution of flightless birds

A recent study assembled a large dataset using ancient moa DNA and found convincing evidence that tinamous are closely related to extinct moas, leading to independent loss of flight. Morphological characters of ratites were mostly convergent, evolving independently as adaptations to a cursorial lifestyle.

Bird invaders 'moving in' to UK's nature reserves

Researchers found that European birds are expanding their ranges into UK nature reserves, but non-native wetland birds such as the Black Swan and Egyptian Goose are also invading protected areas. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts to tackle these invasions and protect native species.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateMay 13, 2014

E-cigarettes and mental health

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report that people living with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions are twice as likely to have tried e-cigarettes and three times as likely to be current users. They also face a higher risk of trying e-cigarettes in the future.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 13, 2014

The physics of ocean undertow

A new paper in Physics of Fluids provides a more consistent way to describe the forces acting on waves and undertows. The researchers found that different approaches were due to incorrect handling of weak forces, not methodology. This advance enables better models for predicting beach erosion and can help preserve shorelines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 13, 2014

Older, sicker men with early-stage prostate cancer do not benefit from aggressive treatment

A study by UCLA researchers found that treating older men with early-stage prostate cancer who also have other serious underlying health problems with aggressive therapies does not help them live longer. In fact, it can be detrimental and result in additional health issues such as impotence, urinary incontinence, and bowel problems.

UTMB study discovers cause of many preterm births

A new study by UTMB researchers discovered that exposure to oxidative stress, triggered by cigarette smoke, leads to premature aging of the placenta. This can result in preterm birth, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The findings suggest alternative strategies may be needed to prevent preterm births beyond current interventions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 13, 2014

Comet theory false; doesn't explain Ice Age cold snap, Clovis changes, animal extinction

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that most supposed impact indicators at 29 sites are too old or too young to be remnants of an ancient comet. The researchers tested existing stratigraphic and chronological data sets to determine if these markers dated to the onset of the Younger Dr...

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2014

A tale of survival

Shortfin molly fish populations have evolved genetic changes that enable them to thrive in hydrogen sulphide-rich springs. The adaptations involve changes in the cox1 and cox3 genes, allowing the fish to maintain COX activity under high H2S concentrations.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014

Follow that fish!

Researchers found that zebrafish exposed to alcohol exhibited increased swimming speeds in the presence of peers, while unexposed fish modulated their behavior accordingly. This social influence may constitute a form of leadership, challenging traditional views on individual responses to alcohol.

Male infertility: It's all about the package

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a protein called Chd5 that plays a crucial role in chromatin remodeling during sperm development. The team found that Chd5 is essential for maintaining the genetic information of male fertility, and its absence can lead to infertility and increased risk of disease.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014

Clean air in Iowa

A new study from the University of Iowa reveals that Iowa's air quality is generally clean, but with notable variations between urban and rural areas. The research found higher concentrations of fine particulate pollutants in urban locations, particularly associated with vehicle exhaust and industrial activity.