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Science News for August 13, 2003


Glaciers strive for steady-state in bed erosion

Researchers discovered that glacial erosion is controlled by the relationships of the ground beneath the glacier, the rubble pile, and the glacier itself. Glaciers achieve a steady state existence when the angle between their toe and sediment pile becomes too steep, causing streams to stop flowing and erosion to cease.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2003

Monitoring malaria: Genomic activity of the parasite in human blood cells

A recent study published in PLOS Biology tracked the genomic activity of Plasmodium falciparum in human red blood cells, revealing a surprisingly simple pattern of gene expression. This finding could lead to the identification of the biological function of unknown genes and provide new insights into the life cycle of malaria parasites.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 13, 2003

Scripps team part of collaboration that reveals first ecological genomic 'blueprints'

Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography have sequenced the genomes of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, tiny organisms that account for up to two-thirds of carbon dioxide fixation in the oceans. The discoveries shed light on how these organisms process carbon and adapt to specific habitats, offering insights into global c...

Boost your brain power

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that creatine supplementation improves working memory and intelligence in both vegetarians and omnivores. The study suggests a significant boost to brain function similar to effects shown previously in muscle and heart.

SourceRoyal Society·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateAug 13, 2003

Childhood leukemia survivors not receiving radiation have same life expectancy as general population

A long-term follow-up study of childhood ALL survivors found that those who did not receive brain radiation had comparable survival rates, employment, and marital rates to the general population. However, those who received brain radiation had a slight increase in death rate due to second cancer and higher unemployment rates.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 13, 2003