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Science News Archive May 2007 - Page 8


Page 8 of 20

Southern ocean carbon sink weakened

The Southern Ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide has weakened substantially over the past 25 years, with a 15% decrease per decade since 1981. Human activities are the primary cause of this weakening, which will lead to higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels in the long-term.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2007

Before selling carbon credits, read this

Researchers found that a soil model can accurately estimate carbon levels in soil, enabling farmers to verify soil carbon change and sell carbon credits. The Century model's accuracy depends on accurate soil texture data, highlighting the need for benchmark monitoring sites.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 18, 2007

New biofuel from trees developed at UGA

Researchers at UGA have developed a new biofuel derived from wood chips that can be blended with biodiesel and petroleum diesel, offering a boost to the economy. The process, which involves pyrolysis, produces a liquid bio-oil that is nearly carbon neutral, reducing heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateMay 18, 2007

NIH study tracks brain development in some 500 children across US

A new NIH study is tracking the brain and behavioral development of over 500 healthy American children from birth to age 18. The study found that children approach adult levels of performance on many basic cognitive and motor skills by age 11 or 12, but there were no dramatic increases in cognitive growth during adolescence.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateMay 18, 2007

Antibody-based therapies effective at controlling malaria

Researchers have developed fully human antibodies that effectively control malaria in mice, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for the disease. The study's findings suggest that these novel reagents could be used as a test for therapeutic antibody efficacy and an important tool in malaria vaccine development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 17, 2007

Bali bomb lessons helped shape Australia's mental health response to terrorism and trauma

Improved mental health support was offered to Bali bombing victims due to lessons learnt from the 2002 incident, with staff receiving vital personal support. The Royal Darwin Hospital's trauma planning sessions were successful in stabilizing patients before transfer, thanks to coordinated efforts between healthcare professionals.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing·DateMay 17, 2007

Insignia -- A new way to identify viruses and bacteria

Researchers have developed a computer program called Insignia to identify viruses and bacteria based on their unique DNA signatures. The program uses efficient algorithms to compare known genomes against background genomes, resulting in high accuracy detection of pathogens.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 17, 2007

Hair relaxers do not increase risk

Researchers found no association between hair relaxer use and increased breast cancer incidence among African American women. The study, which followed over 59,000 women from 1997 to 2003, provides empirical evidence that hair relaxers are not carcinogenic to the breast.

High-quality child care for poor children found to offset the risk of later depression

A study found that high-quality early childhood care reduced depressive symptoms in young adults from low-income families. The intervention also moderated the negative effects of their home environments on mental health, highlighting the importance of investing in high-quality early childhood experiences for poor children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2007

Scientists develop method to track immune system enzyme in live animals

Researchers have created mouse strains that enable them to trace the activity of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) enzyme in live animals. This breakthrough allows scientists to understand how AID regulates the immune response and its role in autoimmunity and B cell tumor development.

'Bigger the baby, the better' axiom is incorrect

A recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the relationship between birth weight and future heart disease risk is not as strong as previously thought. The research suggests that other risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, have a greater impact on heart health.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 17, 2007