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Science News for January 28, 2003


Minimally invasive treatment successfully destroys kidney tumors

Researchers successfully treated 42 individual kidney tumors using minimally invasive RFA, with all surface tumors completely destroyed. Patients with limited kidney function maintained good kidney function and had no local recurrence of the treated tumor.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalRadiology·DateJan 28, 2003

New study shows urban gay men as likely to be battered as heterosexual women

A comprehensive study of 2,881 gay men in major US cities found that domestic violence is an equal opportunity epidemic, with HIV-positive individuals and younger men disproportionately affected. The research highlights the need for improved support systems and training for medical professionals to address male-male domestic violence.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 28, 2003

Forest fragmentation may increase lyme disease risk

Research finds that forest fragmentation leads to increased blacklegged tick populations, particularly in areas with small forest fragments. This could lead to a higher risk of Lyme disease for people living nearby, as these ticks are the primary carriers of the bacteria.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 28, 2003
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Down by the river

Research found significant species diversity in riparian areas, with up to 40 times more exotic species per plot compared to uplands. Flood frequency also impacts species richness, with decreased numbers of exotic species as flood frequency decreases.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateJan 28, 2003

Synchronised swimming helps catch prey

Researchers found that school-forming goat fish synchronize their activity patterns to increase food catch. This synchronization strategy is effective even in chaotic systems, where individual behavior can vary wildly.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 28, 2003

Marine reserves can't do it all: Sea otters vs. red abalone

A study found that California's marine reserves cannot protect the state's low red abalone population from being overhunted by sea otters. The researchers suggest that single-use reserves focus on either ecosystem restoration or fishery development instead.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 28, 2003

Topical oxygen helps hard-to-heal wounds heal faster and better

A study by Ohio State University found that topical oxygen therapy significantly improved healing rates for difficult-to-treat wounds, including diabetic hand ulcers and bedsores. The therapy, which involves applying pure oxygen to the wound, showed a 75% healing rate for acute traumatic injuries.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPathophysiology·DateJan 28, 2003

Penn GSE receives grant to improve lives of Philadelphia children

Researchers at Penn GSE will collaborate with city government and the school district to create the Kids' Integrated Database System, merging databases for over 250,000 Philadelphia children. The KIDS system aims to examine high-priority issues in early childhood development, including school readiness, foster care, and special education.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateJan 28, 2003
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

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Midwest wetlands almost gone but may still have most species

The study found that despite huge habitat losses, up to 90% of original crustacean diversity may still survive in the few remaining seasonal wetlands in Illinois. The researchers sampled 33 crustacean species from 13 ponds and estimated there could have been as many as 85 species originally.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 28, 2003

New flat motor can drive shape shifters, movers and shakers

The new flat motor can be configured in various formats, including a thin version that can drive changes in airplane wing camber or serve as the drive element in compact laptop computers. The prototype has reached high speeds and maximum torque of 0.4 Nm, with cost estimates as low as $10 for mass production.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 28, 2003

Hikers may disturb breeding spotted owls

Researchers found that female Mexican Spotted Owls spent 60% less time on prey-handling activities with high hiking intensity. The study recommends protecting owl habitat during the nesting season by limiting hiking or establishing buffers around nest sites.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 28, 2003

Special section: Invasive species

The introduction of non-native species has accelerated invasions, with many becoming economically beneficial but ecologically destructive. Biocontrol methods are often ineffective and can harm native species.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 28, 2003

Mean population size increases with diversity

Research shows that population stability and size tend to increase with community diversity, likely due to variation in local productivity. This finding challenges ecological theory, which predicts a decline in population stability as community diversity increases.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 28, 2003
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