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Science News for December 17, 2006


Pesticides need sunscreen to beat the heat

A new pesticide development with integrated sunscreen shields chemicals from UV light, increasing their effectiveness and reducing degradation. The technology has the potential to lower costs for farmers and minimize environmental impact.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPest Management Science·DateDec 17, 2006

A green way to slag off bunnies

Researchers apply slag to wheat growing in greenhouses, causing plants to grow spiky structures that repel rabbits, reducing grazing damage. The environmentally friendly method uses a plentiful byproduct of blast furnaces and could circumvent pesticide regulatory approval.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPest Management Science·DateDec 17, 2006

Divorce does not spell doom at Christmas

A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council shows that, over time, festivities replace hostilities in divorced families during Christmas. Parents share arrangements with their children and prioritize family connections, redefining divisions during this festive season.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateDec 17, 2006
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Shoulder ligament a linchpin in the evolution of flight

Researchers found that a single ligament in birds' shoulders stabilizes their wings during flight, making it a linchpin for modern bird flight. However, this ligament-based system evolved gradually over time, suggesting early birds may have flown differently.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateDec 17, 2006

Effective HIV control may depend on viral protein targeted by immune cells

A new study found that HIV-infected individuals with CD8 responses directed against the Gag protein have lower viral levels. This contradicts previous approaches focusing on broad responses against multiple viral proteins. The researchers suggest that targeting specific proteins like Gag may be more effective in controlling HIV.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 17, 2006