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Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 20


Page 20 of 31

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.

Major breakthrough in understanding Prader-Willi Syndrome, a parental imprinting disorder

Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have reported a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a disease that involves defects in parental imprinting. The researchers created a model for PWS by reprogramming skin cells from patients into embryonic-like cells, showing that pater...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 12, 2014

No bioengineered gut bacteria, no glory

Rice University synthetic biologist Jeff Tabor is working on a three-year project to engineer probiotic bacteria that can detect disease signals in the gut and prevent diseases such as obesity and depression. The goal is to create an edible probiotic bacterium that can help protect sailors and marines from these health issues.

Kessler Foundation expert authors article on social enterprise business models

The article highlights the potential of social enterprise businesses in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The author, Elaine E. Katz, details two successful examples, Hudson Community Enterprises and Destination Desserts, which have generated revenue and provided market-driven pay rates for employees.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateMay 12, 2014

New research sets stage for noninvasive monitoring of HIV-induced peripheral neuropathy

Corneal nerve fiber assessment has great potential as a tool to diagnose and monitor peripheral neuropathy induced by HIV, say scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The study found that SIV-infected macaque model showed decreased corneal nerve fiber density and correlated with epidermal nerve fiber length.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 12, 2014

Which has a more efficient 'engine': A tuna or a whale?

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new metric to measure energy consumption efficiency in animals of different sizes. Contrary to expectations, the study found that the gray whale and skipjack tuna are almost equally efficient, with the whale's higher fuel consumption being an unavoidable consequence of physics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Researchers find new molecule to treat asthma

Researchers have discovered a synthetic molecule that inhibits T-cell signaling in the lungs, preventing asthma symptoms such as inflammation and airway constriction. The molecule shows promise for treating asthma, a chronic disease affecting over 25 million Americans.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014