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Indiana University


Vanishing beetle horns have surprise function

Researchers discovered that Onthophagus horned beetles use their young horns to bust out of thick larval shells, a function previously unknown. The finding suggests that the evolution of adult horn shape may have occurred secondarily, with the initial function being for larval molting.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEvolution·DateDec 4, 2006

Good information? It's not all about the brain

A new study by Olaf Sporns and Max Lungarella provides insight into how the brain operates and sheds light on its evolution. The researchers created a mathematical framework that quantifies the relationship between neural and behavioral processes, revealing that the brain and body are interconnected.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 26, 2006

Bacteria that use radiated water as food

Researchers found a self-sustaining community of bacteria that rely on radioactive uranium to convert water molecules into usable energy, living 2.8 kilometers below Earth's surface. The discovery expands Earth's biosphere and raises excitement about the potential for life on Mars.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 2006

Controlling antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in hospitals

A study by Indiana University researchers found that hospitals implementing specific measures to control antibiotic use were more likely to succeed in controlling antibiotic resistance. Measures such as limiting broad-spectrum drug availability and restricting formularies were associated with lower rates of antibiotic resistance.

SourceIndiana University·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 9, 2006

Dinosaurs' climate shifted too, reports show

Researchers from Indiana University and Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found evidence of dramatic climate changes during the Mesozoic Era, with temperature variations ranging from 30 deg C to 36 deg C. The discovery suggests that global fluctuations in carbon cycling played a significant role in shaping ancient climates.

SourceIndiana University·JournalGeology·DateSep 23, 2006

Skeletal microdamage stable after first year

New research suggests that skeletal microdamage resulting from bisphosphonate treatment may be maximal during the first year of treatment and not continue to accumulate with longer periods of treatment. The study found no increase in vertebral microcracks after 3 years of alendronate treatment compared to those treated for 1 year.

Role of protein in immune response may aid HIV research

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine – Northwest propose that a family of proteins producing PGLYRP can be used to develop medications for HIV/AIDS patients. These proteins appear to be the front line in defending the body from infection, mounting a defense long before the body's main immune system responds.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 28, 2006

Paying to prevent diabetes is cost effective

A new study suggests that prepaying benefits for diabetes prevention could save healthcare costs by preventing millions of individuals from developing the disease. By sharing costs with employers and individuals, private health insurers and Medicare can cover lifestyle interventions, reducing the economic impact of obesity and diabetes.

SourceIndiana University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 7, 2006

Even when faint, ovary scent draws sperm cells

Researchers at Indiana University Bloomington found that even when ovary extracts are diluted 100,000 times, some sperm cells still respond to the scent. This discovery may help scientists understand problems with human conception and develop a diagnostic tool for male infertility.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2006

Indiana U researchers closer to finding a genetic cause of hearing loss in aging

A study of 50 pairs of fraternal twins with hearing loss identified a specific region of DNA, DFNA18 on chromosome 3, that may contain an important locus for hearing loss in the general population. The findings suggest variation in genes within this region could lead to differences in susceptibility to hearing loss.

SourceIndiana University·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateMay 16, 2006

Embryos tell story of Earth's earliest animals

A team of scientists led by Rudolf Raff discovered that certain conditions, such as the presence of hydrogen sulfide, can facilitate the fossilization of early animal embryos. The findings suggest that fossils from 500 million years ago may be embryos encased in a fertilization envelope and fossilized under highly reducing conditions.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2006

Sex, cleaner of genomes

Research using Daphnia pulex reveals that sexual reproduction efficiently removes deleterious gene mutations, suggesting it is a key mechanism for maintaining population health. Asexual species, in contrast, accumulate bad mutations at an increased rate, supporting the idea that sex plays a crucial role in purifying genomes.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience·DateFeb 16, 2006

Genome sequencing is for ecologists, too

The Daphnia pulex genome, a model organism in ecological research, has been fully sequenced, providing insights into the genetic responses of species to their environments. The completion of this project will help ecologists understand how genetic variation influences adaptation and population survival in changing ecosystems.

Getting a handle on minimal surfaces

Researchers Matthias Weber, David Hoffman, and Michael Wolf discovered a genus one helicoid, a minimal surface with an extra feature: a handle. This finding has implications for understanding the properties of surfaces at the nanoscale and could lead to new applications in structures and materials science.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2005