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Science News for March 21, 2007


Emergency responses greatly increase risk to firefighters of dying on duty from heart disease

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that fire suppression and other emergency firefighting duties significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease deaths among firefighters. The study revealed a 10-100 times higher risk of dying from CHD while putting out fires compared to non-emergency duties.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 21, 2007

Bird sex is something else

Research reveals that birds can live with higher doses of sex-related genes due to ineffective dosage compensation. This challenges current thinking about the role and mechanisms of dosage compensation in species with heteromorphic sex chromosomes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateMar 21, 2007

International and American Associations for Dental Research present awards and fellowships

The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) presented numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, recognizing outstanding service, scientific contributions, and research in oral health prevention. The IADR Distinguished Service Award was given to Robert Collins, while the E.W. Borrow Memorial Award recognized research in ...

A safe folic acid boost from flour

Researchers find that consuming folic acid from fortified flour at current mandated US levels and double this amount is probably safe at average intakes. However, long-term surveillance is needed to assess potential safety implications of accumulated folic acid in the population.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 21, 2007

Researchers find substantial amount of mercury entering the ocean through groundwater

A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers has found significant amounts of dissolved mercury entering coastal waters through groundwater, contrary to previous assumptions. The discovery has implications for understanding the environmental impact of mercury pollution and its effects on marine ecosystems.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 21, 2007

Brush anode and tubular cathode scale up microbial fuel cells

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new microbial fuel cell system that uses brush anodes and tubular cathodes to produce more power from wastewater. The system, which uses naturally occurring bacteria, can clean water while generating electricity, reducing the need for energy consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 21, 2007

AGU Journal highlights -- March 21, 2007

A burst of protons from the Sun in 1859 caused unprecedented ozone destruction, with energy released six times larger than a 1989 solar flare. Simultaneously, research suggests that ancient Farallon plate movement may have triggered massive earthquakes in the central US, shedding light on seismic hazards.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 21, 2007

Morphine kills pain -- not patients

New research published in Palliative Medicine challenges the misconception that morphine is a lethal drug. The study found no significant changes in vital statistics when patients with severe cancer pain were treated with morphine. Morphine's wide safety margin and effectiveness in managing pain have been confirmed.

SourceSAGE·JournalPalliative Medicine·DateMar 21, 2007