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Science News Archive October 2004 - Page 3


Page 3 of 13

'Aggregate and the Environment'

The book provides detailed explanations of procedures used to manage and minimize environmental impacts of aggregate mining, processing, and transportation. It also highlights successful reclamation projects that convert mined areas into beneficial uses such as recreation areas and natural habitats.

Can't place a name to the face you just saw?

A team of researchers from the University of Arizona used fMRI to investigate how brains recognize faces and retrieve associated names. They found that specific areas, including the medial prefrontal cortex, showed activation during 'feeling-of-knowing' states, suggesting additional processes aid in recalling accurate memories.

Almost good enough to eat

Researchers found that Brazilian communities in coastal areas and the Amazon region have taboos on consuming certain fish species, especially predatory ones. These prohibitions are likely biologically adaptive, suggesting a link to toxic accumulation and health concerns.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 26, 2004

AGU Journal highlights - 26 October 2004

Researchers have made significant discoveries about the impact of human activities on the environment. A new study used satellite observations to estimate nitrogen oxide emissions from ships, which contribute approximately 23 gigagrams per year into the troposphere. Additionally, a seismic analysis technique has provided unprecedented ...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 26, 2004

Clues to the puzzle of 'talking' root cells

Duke University researchers discovered that the Short-Root protein moves from one cell to another through an active process that recognizes signals, not just random diffusion. This finding provides a promising pathway for understanding how complex tissues develop from individual cells in both plants and animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Sandbagging cancer in the bloodstream

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute use a class of compounds known as Src kinase inhibitors to stabilize blood vessels and block tumor cell metastasis. By increasing the protective barrier strength of host blood vessels, the approach prevents cancer cells from exiting the bloodstream, making them vulnerable to immune system attack.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Biodiversity: measuring up to the loss

A new Red List Index measures changes in extinction risk for birds worldwide, showing a steady deterioration between 1988 and 2004. The index provides a reliable baseline to track progress toward the 2010 biodiversity target, with particularly steep declines observed for Asian birds and seabirds affected by commercial long-line fisheries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Farmers don't need a new superstar toxin to fight bugs

Researchers found that using plants with moderately effective genetic modifications in a buffer zone around main crops can play a major role in insect control. This approach delays the development of resistant insects by creating negative cross-resistance, effectively eliminating them from invading the main crop.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Fatal attraction

A new study suggests that reminders of death can increase support for charismatic leaders, who promise a heroic victory over evil. This is because people want to identify with special and great things, which charismatic leaders offer.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 25, 2004

Supervised treatment interruptions fail to control HIV-1 viremia

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that supervised treatment interruptions, which aim to boost natural immunity by briefly exposing patients to low levels of the virus, are ineffective in controlling HIV-1 viremia. Researchers were able to achieve transient control of the virus in some patients, but it was not sustained over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 25, 2004

More focus needed to prevent farm injuries, study says

A recent study published in Pediatrics highlights the need to prevent injuries to children on farms, which have an increased risk of serious and fatal injury compared to children in general. The authors recommend developing effective programs to address this issue, including education, regulations, and technological improvements.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 25, 2004

Worldwide approach tackles kidney disease

A new global approach aims to combat the growing threat of kidney disease by promoting early detection and proper care. This strategy has been shown to be effective in treating kidney disease, particularly when combined with evidence-based guidelines and actual clinical practice.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalKidney International·DateOct 25, 2004

Barriers preclude rural women from breast cancer screening

A study found that African-American and Native American women had less information and more inaccurate beliefs about breast cancer screening compared to Caucasian women. Women cited pain, embarrassment, and lack of time as major reasons for not getting screened, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 25, 2004