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Science News Archive August 2007


Page 1 of 17

The 5 Ws of corn production

A study funded by Cargill Crop Nutrition found that varying nitrogen application rates can increase corn yield with similar or higher nitrogen rates, but may not improve grain quality. Researchers also discovered that one hybrid performed better than the other under both uniform and varied nitrogen applications.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 31, 2007

Digital dandelions

Computer scientists at UC San Diego create a new algorithm to generate annotated Internet router graphs, mimicking key features of the Internet. The technique allows researchers to experiment with different network topologies and test the sensitivity of various techniques.

Accuracy of us cancer surveillance under threat

A report reveals a significant decline in US Veteran Affairs (VA) reporting of new cancer cases to California registries, starting from 2004. This omission could introduce 'uncorrectable bias' in epidemiological studies and hamper efforts to identify quality-of-care issues for VA patients with cancer.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 31, 2007

When bivalves ruled the world

A recent study by UWM paleoecologist Margaret Fraiser suggests that elevated CO2 levels contributed to the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, with bivalves emerging as the only survivors. The research provides valuable insights into the impact of CO2 on marine ecosystems and could help scientists predict future oceanic changes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalPaleobiology·DateAug 31, 2007

Inside the brain of a crayfish

Researchers studied crayfish brain function, discovering integration of sensory inputs from antennae, legs, and antennules for environmental awareness and hunting success. Crayfish use distinct senses to detect food, predators, and mates in their aquatic environment.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalBiological Bulletin·DateAug 31, 2007

How drones find queens: Odorant receptor for queen pheromone identified

A team of scientists has identified an odorant receptor that allows male honey bee drones to detect the presence of a queen up to 60 meters away. The receptor, which can detect the specific pheromone '9-ODA', is expressed in the antennae of male drones and plays a crucial role in their mating rituals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2007

COPD not just a disease of the lungs

The Lancet proposes adding chronic systemic inflammatory syndrome to COPD diagnosis to address frequent comorbidities and improve patient care. Patients with COPD often die from non-respiratory disorders such as cardiovascular disease or cancer.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 2007

The emergence of a sense of orientation

Scientists from Berlin developed a theoretical model that shows how an orientation map develops in the brain, allowing for the emergence of place cells and head direction cells. The model analyzes realistic image data to extract information relevant to orientation, leading to the formation of cognitive maps.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 30, 2007

Children with autism don't adapt as readily to unfamiliar faces

A study by researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Florence, and Western Australia found that children with autism don't update their facial perceptions as readily as typically developing children do. As a result, they struggle to recognize faces belonging to different teams or individuals, which can contribute to social problems.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 30, 2007