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Science News Archive November 2007 - Page 12


Page 12 of 19

Emergency response

A new analysis highlights the need for federal and state support to enable local governments to work effectively with communities to prepare for and respond to all disasters. Local organizations often lack resources and training, making it essential for local government officials to take a proactive role in disaster preparedness.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Management·DateNov 12, 2007

Chimps dig up clues to human past?

A team of scientists reports that chimpanzees in Tanzania are using digging tools to gather underground foods, suggesting that this ability may have been present in early human ancestors. The study provides insights into the role of dietary shifts in hominid evolution and challenges current hypotheses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Clean, carbon-neutral hydrogen on the horizon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to convert cellulose and other biodegradable organic materials into hydrogen using microbial fuel cells. This process produces 288% more energy in hydrogen than the electrical energy added to it, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

An Alzheimer's vaccine?

A new research study from Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation demonstrates that immunization could blunt or prevent Alzheimer's disease by targeting the build-up of protein plaques. The vaccinated mice showed a significant reduction in plaque accumulation and improved cognitive performance compared to control mice.

SourceOklahoma Medical Research Foundation·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 11, 2007

Factor key to severity of community-associated methicillin-resistant staph infections identified

Scientists at NIAID identified a key factor contributing to the severity of community-associated methicillin-resistant staph infections. Novel proteins in drug-resistant strains of S. aureus attract and destroy protective white blood cells, ensuring the bacterium survives and causes severe disease.

Researchers successfully simulate photosynthesis and design a better leaf

University of Illinois researchers successfully simulated every step of the photosynthetic process using a computer model that mimics evolution. The new findings suggest that by rearranging the investment of nitrogen, they can almost double efficiency in plants. This could lead to increased crop yields and improved plant productivity.

Tailored for optical applications

Researchers at Simon Fraser University created a material with extremely high birefringence, surpassing that of calcite. This achievement is made possible by the design flexibility of coordination polymers, which can be tailored to exhibit specific optical properties.

SourceWiley·DateNov 9, 2007

Survey shows gender differences are factor when surgeons in training choose a subspecialty

A survey of surgeons in training found that women are more influenced by lifestyle considerations when choosing a subspecialty career. The study suggests that general surgery residency programs should address the perception of the lifestyle associated with subspecialty surgical careers to recruit more women.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 9, 2007

UK government has reneged on pledge for flexible working in NHS

The UK government has failed to deliver on its promise of more flexible working in the NHS, according to a recent article. The Medical Women's Federation argues that this lack of flexibility has led to increased stress and burnout among medical staff, particularly women who make up nearly 70% of medical students.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalPostgraduate Medical Journal·DateNov 9, 2007

1 in 5 young Britons has sex with someone new while abroad

Research published in Sexually Transmitted Infections found that nearly one in five young Britons has sex with someone new while abroad, often choosing partners from the UK or Europe to reduce HIV transmission risk. This behavior is associated with risky sexual practices and highlights a gap in healthcare messaging for travelers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateNov 9, 2007

Are there rearrangement hot spots in the human genome?

Researchers at University of California San Diego propose alternative fragile breakage model to explain genomic rearrangements. The study reveals the existence of rearrangement hotspots in mammalian genomes, supporting a major advance in the debate over this topic.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 9, 2007