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Science News for January 17, 2006


Haze dynasty

A study by PNNL found that China's air pollution has caused a decrease in cloud cover over the past 50 years, resulting in more frequent clear skies and reduced surface heat from sunshine. The likely culprit is a nine-fold increase in fossil fuel emissions, which have entrenched China in a foggy haze.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 17, 2006

How nerve cells stay in shape

Researchers identified Staufen2 as essential for maintaining synapses in nerve cells. The absence of Staufen2 leads to impaired signal transmission and altered synapse structure, suggesting mRNA transport is crucial for their maintenance.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Biology·DateJan 17, 2006

Penn State selected for DHS National Visualization Team

Researchers will develop methods to derive and exploit information from diverse data forms, link this information with stored knowledge and analytical reasoning practices, and provide cognitive readiness support. The Penn State team will also apply a cognitive science approach to understanding visual tool usage, enhancing the role of t...

Other highlights in the January 18 JNCI

Research on women with HIV found that those infected with both HIV and high-risk HPV were at greatest risk of developing cervical cancer precursors. A study on postmenopausal women found sex hormone levels to be not associated with breast cancer risk, while another study suggested that BRCA2 mutation carriers had a fourfold increased i...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 17, 2006