Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 2, 2008


NASA calls on APL to send a probe to the sun

The Solar Probe mission will study the streams of charged particles emitted by the sun, exploring the processes that heat its corona and produce solar wind. The spacecraft will zip past the sun at speeds up to 125 miles per second, gathering data on magnetic fields, energy flow, and energetic particle formation.

UT researchers find link between advertising and increased tobacco use among India's youth

A study by UT researchers found a strong dose-response relationship between exposure to tobacco advertising and promotions and tobacco use among Indian youth. The study revealed that 37% of youth had seen tobacco advertising in more than four places, with those exposed being more likely to have ever used or be currently using tobacco.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateMay 2, 2008

Did the solar system 'bounce' finish the dinosaurs?

A Cardiff University study suggests that the sun's movement through the Milky Way causes comets to collide with Earth every 35-40 million years, coinciding with mass extinctions like the dinosaurs' extinction. This cosmic 'bounce' effect may also have helped life spread by dispersing micro-organisms into space.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 2, 2008

Children affected by parents' behavior following trauma

A study suggests that effective parenting practices following trauma can mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and child adjustment. Positive parenting behaviors such as skill encouragement, monitoring, and interpersonal problem-solving can support healthy child development and promote resilience after trauma.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateMay 2, 2008

Bees disease -- 1 step closer to finding a cure

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of infection for American Foulbrood, the deadliest bee disease, allowing for potential prevention and control measures to be developed. The study provides a better understanding of pathogen-host interactions, crucial for combating infectious diseases in honeybees.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateMay 2, 2008

Apples, apple juice shown to prevent early atherosclerosis

A new study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that apples and apple juice have similar cardiovascular protective properties to grapes. The researchers observed that processing the fruit into juice increases the bioavailability of antioxidants and phenolic compounds, which can help prevent early atherosclerosis.

SourceU.S. Apple Association·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateMay 2, 2008