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Science News Archive May 2007 - Page 16


Page 16 of 20

Climate change impacts stream life

A Cardiff University study found that climate change is causing a decline in springtime macroinvertebrate abundance by up to 21% for every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature. The study predicts that species numbers could fall by 12-25% over the next 50 years.

SourceCardiff University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 4, 2007

Gene mutation linked to increased athletic performance in whippets

Researchers discovered a genetic mutation that increases muscle mass and enhances racing performance in whippets, similar to humans. Whippets with one mutated copy of the myostatin gene are more muscular and fast, while those with two mutated copies have excessive muscle and poor athletic performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 4, 2007

Creating corn for cars

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new corn variety that can break down cellulose in leaves and stalks into simple sugars for ethanol production. This innovation allows for more cost-effective and efficient production of ethanol, enabling the sale of waste products as an economically viable commodity.

Cancer patients monitor fatigue in real time

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are studying fatigue in cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplants using ecological momentary assessment. Patients use a wearable device to record their fatigue intensity, providing an instant measurement of symptoms that can interfere with daily functioning.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateMay 3, 2007

US control strategies may make flu epidemics worse, UCLA study shows

Current health policy based on voluntary vaccinations is not enough to control severe flu epidemics and pandemics unless vaccination programs offer incentives to individuals. Free vaccinations for entire families could actually increase the frequency of severe epidemics, according to UCLA researchers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 3, 2007