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Science News Archive October 2007 - Page 17


Page 17 of 21

KGI professor contributes new insights on 'jumping genes'

A KGI professor's research reveals a mechanism for the self-repair of DNA at jumping gene locations, challenging instability theories. The study provides insights into the evolution of moveable genetic elements and their implications for plant genetics and molecular evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 2007

Researchers find evidence of warming climate in Ohio

Researchers at Ohio State University found that summer nighttime low temperatures in Ohio have risen by about 1.7 degrees Celsius (about 3 degrees Fahrenheit) since the 1960s, mainly due to increased humidity and cloud cover. This warming trend is expected to affect the state's climate, with a typical summer night being 20 degrees Fahr...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateOct 8, 2007

Predictors of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing among primary care physicians

A retrospective cohort study found that international medical graduates, physicians with high practice volumes, and those who were in practice longer were more likely to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately. This inappropriate prescribing is associated with increased risk of antibiotic resistance, adverse events, and healthcare costs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 8, 2007

An AIDS-related virus reveals more ways to cause cancer, Penn researchers find

Penn researchers have found a new way Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpes Virus (KSHV) causes cancer by interfering with the degradation of a crucial signaling molecule called Notch. This finding sheds light on how KSHV subverts normal cell growth, potentially leading to new treatments for viral-associated cancers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2007

FUSE reaches the end; astronomers say farewell

After eight years of operations, NASA's FUSE space telescope will be shut down on October 18, leaving behind a legacy of over 1,200 published papers and groundbreaking science discoveries, including insights into molecular hydrogen in Mars' atmosphere and a first-ever observation of molecular nitrogen outside our solar system.

Got calcium? UWM researcher finds that food labels confuse consumers

A recent study found that current food labeling leads to under-consumption of calcium, a crucial nutrient for osteoporosis prevention. Researchers discovered that consumers struggle to translate %DV to milligrams, and even doctors often make incorrect calculations. However, providing simple guidelines can help individuals better naviga...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateOct 5, 2007

Nanofabrication method paves way for new optical devices

A new fabrication technique using soft lithography has enabled the mass production of plasmonic metamaterials, which exhibit exceptional optical properties due to their unique structure. The technique allows for scalable manufacturing and can produce materials with high-quality transmission behavior, focusing light in microscale patches.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 5, 2007

Study: diabetic neuropathy costs billions per year in lost work time

A recent study found that workers with diabetic neuropathic symptoms lose an average of 1.4 hours per week due to health-related lost productive time, resulting in $3.65 billion annual costs. Those with diabetes without symptoms still experience a higher likelihood of unemployment compared to their non-diabetic counterparts.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 5, 2007

BSSA tipsheet for October 2007

Researchers identify correlation between 3D basin geometry and observed shaking in previous earthquakes, leading to improved construction and seismic hazard assessments. A new tool for evaluating site conditions is also proposed, which could aid in risk assessment for earthquake-prone regions worldwide.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 5, 2007

Human rights violations widespread in eastern Burma

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that over half of households in displaced areas experienced human rights violations, leading to high mortality rates, infectious morbidity, and malnutrition. The survey revealed a five-fold increase in death risk among children under five years old in households with multiple human rights abuses.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 5, 2007

Fair play in chimpanzees

In a study, chimpanzees were confronted with a simplified version of the ultimatum game. Unlike humans, they accepted any nonzero offer, whether it was unfair or not. The researchers conclude that chimpanzees do not show a willingness to make fair offers and reject unfair ones.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2007

ResearchChannel partners with NSF

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is partnering with ResearchChannel to create science-themed programming for cable television, the Internet, and other media. The partnership will feature lectures from distinguished scientists, panel discussions on ongoing NSF-funded research, and institutional research series.

How emotionally charged events leave their mark on memory

Researchers have discovered a mechanism that strengthens memory connections in response to emotional stress, which may underlie why traumatic events can be more vividly remembered than everyday ones. The study found that the stress hormone norepinephrine enhances learning and memory by increasing GluR1 receptors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 4, 2007