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Science News for September 8, 2014


Researchers part water

Researchers have developed a method to isolate and separate para and ortho water molecules, which differ in their nuclear spin states. This breakthrough could provide new insights into various phenomena, including the study of interstellar ice and protein structures.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 8, 2014

Transformative science

A new partnership between NSF, NCI, SU2C, and The V Foundation will explore transformative, theoretical biophysics for cancer research and treatment. This collaboration aims to merge life sciences with physical, computational, and engineering sciences to develop innovative approaches.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 8, 2014

A single evolutionary road may lead to Rome

Researchers identified a shared gene responsible for flashy markings in two butterfly families, tracing it back to their ancient ancestors. This finding suggests that simple traits may follow a single evolutionary road, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of evolution.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2014

Sex hormones may play a part in autism

A study found that autistic males have lower levels of estrogen receptors and aromatase, an enzyme converting testosterone to estradiol. This could lead to increased testosterone levels, potentially contributing to the disorder's prevalence in men. The findings suggest a possible reason for the gender bias in autism diagnosis.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Autism·DateSep 8, 2014

To admit or not to admit: Variation in hospitalizations from ER costs billions

A new University of Michigan study found significant variation in hospital admissions for ER patients with common non-life-threatening conditions, resulting in estimated annual costs of $5 billion and $266 billion. The study analyzed data from 961 hospitals and 28.5 million emergency visits, revealing that some conditions had high rate...

Light detector to revolutionize night vision technology

A team of researchers at Monash University has developed a light detector based on graphene that can detect light over an unusually broad range of wavelengths, including terahertz waves. This breakthrough could lead to inexpensive infrared cameras or night-vision goggles with unparalleled sensitivity and speed.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 8, 2014

Teens living with 2 college-educated parents less likely to use alcohol and marijuana

A UT Arlington study found that teens living with two college-educated parents are significantly less likely to drink alcohol or smoke marijuana. The presence of both parents is a strong protective factor for African-American adolescents, with white teenagers being 69% more likely to engage in substance abuse than black peers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalSocial Work in Public Health·DateSep 8, 2014

A single evolutionary road may lead to Rome

A new paper published in Nature Communications suggests that simple traits like butterfly wing patterns may have a shared genetic source. Researchers identified a single gene, WntA, responsible for the evolution of similar color patterns in two distantly related butterfly species.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2014

A bird-pollinated flower with a rather ingenious twist

Researchers discovered that a unique twist in the nectar spur of a bird-pollinated flower allows for more efficient pollen placement on sunbirds' heads and bills. This adaptation increases the likelihood of successful pollination and reduces competition among plant species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 8, 2014

Brain injuries no match for sPIF treatment

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found a synthetic molecule called PreImplantation Factor (sPIF) that protects against neuronal death and brain injury. The study suggests that sPIF mitigates brain damage through a novel pathway, potentially treating perinatal brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2014

Broken signals lead to neurodegeneration

A study published in PNAS reveals that a protein cross-linking enzyme interacts with a cell receptor to lock it in a closed state, reducing neuron signaling in neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimer's. The mechanism may provide insight into the development of new drug therapies for these conditions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2014

New research shows that there could be increased numbers of psychopaths in senior managerial positions and high levels of business

Researchers found that individuals with psychopathic tendencies and high intelligence can mask their symptoms by manipulating tests designed to reveal their personalities. This raises concerns about the potential presence of ruthless risk-takers in key business posts.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology·DateSep 8, 2014

Hog workers carry drug-resistant bacteria even after they leave the farm

A new study reveals that nearly half of hog workers in North Carolina carry livestock-associated Staphylococcus aureus, with 46% persistently carrying the bacteria up to four days after exposure. The drug-resistant strains have implications for public health, potentially spreading to family members and communities.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 8, 2014

Social networking can help people lose weight

Research by Imperial College London combining 12 previous studies shows social networking programmes have achieved modest but significant results in helping participants lose weight. The programme provides a community of support from clinicians and peers, empowering patients to be more proactive in their treatment.

SourceImperial College London·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 8, 2014