Sunday Newscape Magazine

Washington, DC - Researchers have discovered a key to the function of a specific protein that helps control the levels of other critical proteins within cells, including a protein that suppresses the spread of cancer. The new information about the mechanism of action of the protein, called gp78, may enable researchers to explore new types of therapies to prevent the spread of cancer.

Champaign, Illinois - When a zebra finch hears a new song from a member of its own species, the experience changes gene expression in its brain in unexpected ways, researchers report. The sequential switching on and off of thousands of genes after a bird hears a new tune offers a new picture of memory in the songbird brain.

Penn State, Pennsylvania - Nickel, an important trace nutrient for the single cell organisms that produce methane, may be a useful isotopic marker to pinpoint the past origins of these methanogenic microbes, according to Penn State and University of Bristol, UK, researchers.

Chicago, Illinois - Water forms droplets because attractive interactions between molecules produce surface tension. If macroscopic objects - say, grains of sand - replace the molecules, the relative strength of this attraction would dramatically drop. What vestiges of liquid behavior remain when surface tension limits are so low?

“As long-time advocates for strong regulation of the tobacco industry, the AMA is honored to stand with President Obama today as he signs the historic tobacco law. Today’s historic bill signing is a victory for public health over Big Tobacco.