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Science News for June 22, 2006


California's model skies

Researchers from the UK Met Office and the University of Leeds have developed computer models to predict rotor winds, which can be devastating for aircraft. The T-REX project uses these models to check accuracy and improve predictions, ultimately enhancing safety at mountainous airports.

Global warming surpassed natural cycles in fueling 2005 hurricane season, NCAR scientists conclude

NCAR scientists conclude that global warming surpassed natural cycles in fueling the 2005 hurricane season. The study found that ocean temperatures, particularly in the tropical North Atlantic, were record-high and attributed to global warming, accounting for 0.8 degrees F of the rise.

Cherry juice may prevent muscle damage pain

A study found that cherry juice can significantly reduce muscle strength loss and improve average pain scores in individuals with muscle damage. The study suggests that cherry juice may be a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for treating conditions like arthritis and gout.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJun 22, 2006

Virus linked to Thoroughbred abortion epidemic

A new study by veterinary researchers at Oregon State University has linked vesivirus to a major epidemic of abortion in Kentucky Thoroughbred mares. The findings suggest that broodmares are being commonly exposed to vesivirus from unknown sources, and that exposure to such horses might be a concern for pregnant women.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJun 22, 2006

JCI table of contents: June 22, 2006

Researchers develop a novel cancer vaccine delivery system using genetically modified Salmonella typhimurium that safely delivers antigens to the immune system, eliciting an immune response against cancer cells. Meanwhile, a DNA-based vaccine targeting tumor-associated fibroblasts significantly suppresses tumor growth and increases che...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2006

How plants avoid feeling the burn

Researchers at Arizona State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of photoprotection, finding that carotenoids can neutralize excess sunlight energy without oxidation. By measuring the electrical conductance within biomolecules, the team found that carotenoids can handle electron overload in a neutral state.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2006

Heartburn common in western populations

According to a study published in The Lancet, heartburn is more common in Western populations compared to non-Western populations. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking contribute to the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which can lead to significant economic burdens.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 2006

Earliest known 'bling' revealed

Researchers have discovered that beads date back between 100,000 to 135,000 years ago, indicating a sophisticated level of symbolic thinking in early humans. This finding has major implications for understanding the origins of behaviorally modern humans and their ability to use symbols.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

World's coral reefs left vulnerable by paper parks

A global assessment of coral reef protection reveals that marine protected areas (MPAs) are often poorly managed and fail to effectively safeguard these critical ecosystems. The study found that many MPAs lack enforcement mechanisms, leading to threats such as resource extraction, poaching, pollution, coastal development, and overfishing.

SourceDalhousie University·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

Identification of role for proteins in children's muscle disease could open up new treatment options

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment target for children's muscle disease, where heat shock protein HSP60 plays an active role in controlling inflammation. This discovery could lead to therapies aimed at expanding T-cells with regulatory capacities reacting to HSP60, potentially contributing to disease remission.

Shells from Israel and Algeria may be the oldest known beads, researchers report in Science

Researchers found 100,000-year-old shells with holes bored into their centers in Israel and Algeria, suggesting that beadworking was widespread long before the explosion of modern culture in Europe. The discovery supports the idea that modern humans developed behaviors gradually instead of emerging later in Europe.

A neural mosaic of tones

Researchers created frequency maps for most of the 11 auditory cortex fields (ACFs) and observed a periodic pattern of topographic preference for certain frequencies. The ACFs were divided into two groups, with three core fields reacting to individual frequencies in simple sounds like tones.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2006