Monday 19 March 2012

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Need for speed: Molecular ticket determines RNA’s destination and speed inside egg cell

Posted: 18 Mar 2012 11:40 AM PDT

Like any law-abiding train passenger, a molecule called oskar RNA carries a stamped ticket detailing its destination and form of transport, scientists have found. They show that for this molecule, moving in the right direction isn't enough: speed is of the essence. Their study also provides clues as to how a single molecule could receive tickets for different destinations, depending on what type of cell it is in.

Physicists simulate strongly correlated fermions

Posted: 18 Mar 2012 11:39 AM PDT

Combining known factors in a new way, physicists have solved an intractable 50-year-old problem: How to simulate strongly interacting quantum systems to accurately predict their properties. It could lead to superconductor applications and solving high-energy physics and ultra-cold atoms problems.

Bone marrow transplant arrests symptoms in model of Rett syndrome

Posted: 18 Mar 2012 11:39 AM PDT

Medical researchers have used a bone marrow transplant to replace faulty immune system cells in models of Rett syndrome. The procedure arrested many severe symptoms of the childhood disorder, including abnormal breathing and movement, and extended the lifespan of Rett mouse models. Exploring the function of microglia deficient in the Rett protein scientists uncovered a completely novel approach to this devastating neurological syndrome.

Genetic variation in East Asians found to explain resistance to cancer drugs

Posted: 18 Mar 2012 11:39 AM PDT

Scientists have identified the reason why some patients fail to respond to some of the most successful cancer drugs.

Surprise: Protons bypass hydrogen bonds but still change molecules

Posted: 18 Mar 2012 11:39 AM PDT

Common wisdom has it that protons only travel between molecules via hydrogen bonds: no hydrogen bonds, no proton transfer. Scientists investigating molecular components of RNA were surprised to find that protons can find ways to transfer even when hydrogen bonds are blocked. The discovery may open new opportunities for research in biology, environmental science, and green chemistry.

T. rex's killer smile revealed

Posted: 18 Mar 2012 07:04 AM PDT

One of the most prominent features of life-size models of Tyrannosaurus rex is its fearsome array of flesh-ripping, bone-crushing teeth. New research shows that the T. rex's front teeth gripped and pulled, while the teeth along the side of the jaw punctured and tore flesh.

'Gravity is climate': 10 years of climate research satellites GRACE

Posted: 16 Mar 2012 04:53 PM PDT

For the first time, the melting of glaciers in Greenland can now be measured with high accuracy from space. A new sharp image also renders the spatial distribution of the glacial melt more precisely.

Obesity raises death risk tied to sleeping pills

Posted: 16 Mar 2012 03:57 PM PDT

Obesity appears to significantly increase the risk of death tied to sleeping pills, nearly doubling the rate of mortality even among those prescribed 18 or fewer pills in a year, researchers have reported.

Cell-signaling pathway has key role in development of gestational diabetes

Posted: 16 Mar 2012 07:16 AM PDT

Researchers have identified a cell-signaling pathway that plays a key role in increasing insulin secretion during pregnancy and, when blocked, leads to the development of gestational diabetes.

Invasive plants: Climate is a determining factor

Posted: 16 Mar 2012 06:38 AM PDT

Most invasive plants colonize regions with climates similar to the one from their native areas. With the analysis of fifty invasive plant species introduced worldwide, this study confirms that it is possible, for the most part, to predict the regions of potential invasibility based on the principle of climatic niche conservation.

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