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Science News for October 9, 2015


Pain is in the brain

Researchers have identified a key mechanism linking chronic pain to abnormal activity in the anterior cingular cortex, a region of the brain involved in cognitive functions. The study provides insights into the role of HCN channels in controlling pain signals, suggesting new therapeutic strategies for relieving chronic pain.

Greenland's ice sheet plumbing system revealed

A team of experts has studied the water flow paths from a subglacial lake in Greenland, showing that it drained via a subglacial tunnel and was filled by surface meltwater. The study predicts increased drainage frequency as the Arctic warms, affecting ice sheet flow speeds and sea level change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2015

Floppy but fast

Flexible, spaghetti-like proteins can bind to their receptor within billionths of a second, retaining high specificity. This discovery explains the transport paradox in cellular communication, enabling efficient proof-reading while maintaining speed.

Sea turtles face plastic pollution peril

All seven species of marine turtles can ingest or become entangled in discarded plastic debris, posing serious threats to their health and survival. The study highlights the urgent need for further research to understand the scale of the problem and develop effective mitigation policies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateOct 9, 2015

Could 'The Day After Tomorrow' happen?

A University of Southampton study suggests that an abrupt collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) could lead to cooling, rather than warming, for a period of 20 years. Global warming would continue after this initial cooling, with a globally averaged temperature offset of about 0.8°C.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 9, 2015

Antioxidants cause malignant melanoma to metastasize faster

Research at Sahlgrenska Academy found that antioxidants double the rate of metastasis in malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The study's findings contradict previous assumptions that antioxidants protect against cancer and suggest patients with cancer or an elevated risk should avoid nutritional supplements containing antioxidants.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 9, 2015

A cure for vitamin B6 deficiency

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a genetically modified cassava variety that produces several-fold higher levels of vitamin B6, addressing the widespread deficiency in Africa. The new trait is stable under different conditions and has been confirmed to be bioavailable for human consumption.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 9, 2015

Chance effect of lab's fluorescent lights leads to discovery

Scientists at Penn State and University of Chicago discovered a new way to use light to draw and erase quantum-mechanical circuits on topological insulators, allowing for non-invasive and faster experimentation. The technique uses ultraviolet and bright red light to manipulate the electronic properties of these materials.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2015

Threat posed by 'pollen thief' bees uncovered

A new University of Stirling study has uncovered the secrets of 'pollen thief' bees, which take pollen from flowers without providing pollination services. The research found that these smaller bees often stay longer at each flower and visit fewer flowers in each run, contributing little to seed production.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalArthropod-Plant Interactions·DateOct 9, 2015