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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 5


Page 5 of 240

Find the aphid

Aphids leave behind their old exoskeletons, called exuviae, to act as decoys for parasitoid wasps. This behavior helps aphids escape from parasitic attacks by giving other aphids time to flee while the wasps investigate the empty shells.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 18, 2008

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation devotes special issue to traumatic brain injury

The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation devotes a special supplement to traumatic brain injury (TBI), featuring studies on patterns, predictors, and mechanisms for recovery. The supplement aims to encourage new directions for treatment research based on the root causes of behavioral and brain dysfunction.

SourceElsevier·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateDec 18, 2008

Medical acupuncture gaining acceptance by the US Air Force

The US Air Force is integrating medical acupuncture into its military healthcare, utilizing a technique developed by Dr. Richard Niemtzow to relieve severe pain lasting several days. This approach reduces reliance on pain medications that may cause adverse reactions or addiction, offering a promising alternative for pain management in ...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMedical Acupuncture·DateDec 18, 2008

Gesture recognition

Researchers developed a computer system architecture that can recognize human gestures, enabling people with physical disabilities to interact with computers. The system uses datagloves with illuminated LEDs tracked by webcams to monitor hand or shoulder movements.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Arts and Technology·DateDec 18, 2008

Group treatment may help children achieve healthier weights

Children participating in group weight-management programs showed significant decreases in BMI scores compared to control groups. The study found that families and group leaders worked together to set individualized dietary goals and promote physical activity, leading to a 4% decrease in overweight children in treatment groups.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 18, 2008

Dangerous sandwiches

A woman with a rare condition known as swallow syncope experiences episodes of feeling light-headed after eating sandwiches or fizzy drinks. The condition is caused by alterations in the vagal nervous reflex arc, leading to abnormal feedback that affects heart function.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 18, 2008

F-MARC funds more 'soccer and health' research

The F-MARC project aims to investigate the long-term cardio-vascular and musculo-skeletal health effects of regular football and jogging participation. The research focuses on premenopausal untrained women and middle-aged men with hypertension, aiming to provide scientific recommendations for millions of soccer players worldwide.

Researchers push nature beyond its limits to create higher-density biofuels

Scientists have successfully engineered bacteria to produce unusually long-chain alcohols essential in the creation of biofuels, packing more energy into a smaller space. The new method could lead to more efficient production of gasoline and jet fuel, reducing volatility and corrosion., Researchers used genetic modification to expand n...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2008

Where did Venus's water go?

Scientists discover hydrogen gas being stripped from Venus' day-side, indicating water is being broken up in the atmosphere. The loss of hydrogen and oxygen suggests that water on Venus was once abundant but has since been depleted.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 18, 2008