Science News for November 30, 2014

Singapore scientists uncover gene associated with an aggressive breast cancer

Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore identified a biomarker called RASAL2 strongly associated with triple negative breast cancer, a highly aggressive form of the disease. High expression levels of RASAL2 in TNBC tumors correlate with lower survival rates and increased metastasis.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 30, 2014

Physicists create new kind of pasta to explain mysterious, ring-shaped polymers

Researchers have created a new type of pasta called 'anelloni' to demonstrate the complex shapes of ring-shaped polymers. Computer simulations show that these molecules can become tangled and appear frozen in place, potentially leading to a new state of matter called a 'topological glass'.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateNov 30, 2014

Review of 90 studies confirms that men's sperm quality declines with age

A review of 90 studies found consistent declines in semen volume and sperm performance, as well as increases in malformed and DNA-damaged sperm with increasing male age. This decline in semen quality is a significant concern for couples delaying childbearing and may contribute to increased infertility rates.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAgeing Research Reviews·DateNov 30, 2014