Campus green spaces enhance quality of life
Research found that high users of campus green spaces rated their overall quality of life higher and had better cognitive abilities. Most students (90%) were frequent users of green space.
Science News for September 28, 2008
Mustard seed meal suppresses weeds in container-grown ornamentals
Researchers found that mustard seed meal (MSM) effectively controls common weeds in container-grown ornamentals, reducing weed populations by up to 98%. MSM also provides essential nutrients to crops, making it a promising alternative to traditional herbicides.
Alternative to burning: environmentally sound disposal for wood chips
Researchers found that incorporating pecan chips into silty clay soil increased soil organic matter content and aggregate stability. The practice also improved soil tilth and aggregation, providing a sustainable solution for disposing of pruned wood.
Deadly rugby virus spreads in sumo wrestlers
Researchers have studied the spread of herpes virus among sumo wrestlers in Japan and discovered a new strain that could be even more pathogenic. The study found that the BgKL strain is reactivated, spreads more efficiently and causes more severe symptoms than other strains.
A plum assignment
A recent study by Ahmad Sattar Khan and Dr. Zora Singh found that combining modified atmosphere packaging with 1-methylcyclopropene can extend the storage life of Japanese plums to up to seven weeks. This breakthrough will allow fruit producers to export plums for longer periods, reducing losses and improving market availability.
SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateSep 28, 2008
Commercial aquatic plants offer cost-effective method for treating wastewater
Research found that commercially available aquatic garden plants can be used in a production/remediation system to treat wastewater. The study concluded that these plants have the potential to generate revenue for producers and are an aesthetically viable alternative to traditional wetland plants.
Reversible 3-D cell culture gel invented
Researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have invented a thixotropic nanocomposite gel that can liquefy on demand, facilitating safe and convenient 3D cell culture. The novel material supports the extracellular matrix secretions of cells and enables controlled differentiation of stem cells.
SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 28, 2008
New way to control protein activity could lead to cancer therapies
Researchers have found a new technique to quickly and reversibly fine-tune protein activity in cells and living mammals, providing a powerful tool for identifying protein functions. The technique involves pairing specially engineered proteins with the drug Shield-1, which prevents their degradation.
Existing anti-obesity drugs may be effective against flu, hepatitis and HIV
Researchers discovered that existing anti-obesity drugs can inhibit viral replication by targeting fatty acid metabolism. The study found a thousand-fold reduction in HCMV replication when using drugs like TOFA and C75. This approach may provide an exciting antiviral treatment option.
Bring on the Pak Choi
A survey of US consumers reveals that many have limited knowledge and consumption habits around Asian vegetables. Most participants had not tried over 9 different Asian veggies, but expressed interest in learning more about them.
Kazak apple research key to preventing blue mold
Researchers studied a new apple germplasm collection from Kazakhstan to determine disease resistance to blue mold. The study found greater genetic diversity among the Kazak apples, including immune and resistant accessions that may serve as a source of resistance in breeding programs.
Researchers attribute thinning of Greenland glacier to ocean warming preceded by atmospheric changes
A team of researchers attributes the sudden thinning of Jakobshavn Isbræ, one of Greenland's largest glaciers, to subsurface ocean warming and atmospheric changes. The study suggests that ocean temperatures may play a more significant role in glacier flow than previously thought.
Integrated curriculum enhances academics
A recent study by ASHS found that students participating in the National Wildlife Federation's Schoolyard Habitat Program showed significantly increased math scores compared to those using traditional curricula. The program improved academic performance, particularly among Hispanic students, but not equally across all ethnic groups.
Extending the life of fresh cranberries
A study by Charles F. Forney found that low temperatures and high relative humidity are key to extending the shelf life of fresh cranberries. Storage conditions between 0-7°C and 75-82% relative humidity resulted in up to six months of marketable fruit, offering benefits for growers and consumers.
Consumers influence christmas tree styles
Researchers are working to produce 'European-style' Christmas trees that meet public preferences for natural, open shapes with more space for ornaments. The use of advanced shearing techniques, such as the Top-Stop Nipper, shows promise for improving tree quality and marketability.
Children's gardening programs grow environmental stewards
A recent study found that hands-on gardening experiences significantly improve children's environmental attitudes and locus of control. Researchers discovered that girls and Caucasians benefited most from the gardening curriculum, highlighting the need for targeted programs to address the needs of diverse groups.
'Hub' of fear memory formation identified in brain cells
Researchers found that beta-catenin plays a crucial role in solidifying fear memories in the brains of adult animals. The protein acts like a Velcro strap, fastening cells' internal skeletons to proteins on their external membranes.
Scientists identify gene that may contribute to improved rice yield
Researchers have identified a gene in rice that controls the size and weight of grains. The GIF1 gene is responsible for controlling invertase activity, which is essential for starch production. By overexpressing the GIF1 gene in transgenic lines of rice, scientists were able to increase grain size and weight.