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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 23


Page 23 of 277

Ecologists sound out new solution for monitoring cryptic species

Researchers have created a method using microphone arrays to estimate bird population density from recorded sounds, which may also be applied to tracking whales and dolphins. This innovative approach eliminates the need for observers to count birds, providing a more accurate index of abundance.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateNov 26, 2009

Building real security with virtual worlds

Computer science researchers at University of Maryland create virtual worlds using advanced modeling and prediction techniques to analyze military and policy actions. These virtual worlds allow defense analysts to predict the most likely outcomes of different courses of action, enabling them to make informed decisions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2009

Children with nutritional deficiencies and lack of educational access in poorer nations are at increased risk of disability

A study by Professor Maureen S Durkin and colleagues found that children in low- and middle-income countries are at higher risk of disability due to nutritional deficiencies, lack of early-learning activities, and limited educational access. The researchers analyzed data from 18 countries and found significant associations between disa...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 26, 2009

RNA on the move

Scientists at EMBL have visualized the molecular mechanism responsible for oskar mRNA transport in Drosophila. By combining immunofluorescence with electron microscopy imaging, they defined a hierarchy of RNA particle assembly. This breakthrough sheds light on development and neuronal function, including synaptic plasticity and learnin...

Plasma produces KO cocktail for MRSA

Researchers have developed two prototype devices to combat drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. One device can disinfect human skin safely and quickly, while another can target infested chronic wounds for quicker healing.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 26, 2009

Ecological speciation by sexual selection on good genes

A mathematical model demonstrates that disruptive ecological selection can trigger positive feedback between mate choice and ecological diversification, ultimately eliminating gene flow between species. This process can lead to the evolution of specialized ecotypes without divergent mating preferences, a departure from previous studies...

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2009

Peat fires drive temperatures up

The study found that peatland fires in Indonesia released up to 900 million metric tons of CO2 in 2006, equivalent to 16% of deforestation worldwide emissions. Peatlands store enormous amounts of organic carbon, and human activities like drainage and deforestation make them vulnerable to fire.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2009

When roots lose contact

Researchers found air gaps in roots that formed during dry periods, which partially refilled after irrigation. However, older parts of the taproot showed limited re-establishment of contact, raising concerns about severe drought's impact on plant nutrition.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateNov 26, 2009

Dementia, not blindness, is overwhelmingly the most important contributor to disability in elderly people in low- and middle-income countries

A study of 15,000 elderly individuals in 11 low- and middle-income countries found dementia to be the largest contributor to disability, followed by stroke, limb impairment, and depression. Chronic diseases, including those of the brain and mind, pose significant challenges for carers and society.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 26, 2009

News brief: Long-term testicular cancer survivors at high risk for neurological side effects

A new study found that long-term testicular cancer survivors who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy experienced more severe neurological side effects compared to those not treated with chemotherapy. The study suggests that dose-intensive chemotherapy regimens can limit ototoxicity and hearing impairment in these patients.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 25, 2009

Heparanase-specific shRNA: A novel therapeutic strategy in human gastric cancer

Research on heparanase-specific shRNA reveals its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for human gastric cancer. The study successfully knocked down HPA expression in gastric cancer cells, leading to decreased invasiveness and metastasis. This finding suggests a new approach for treating cancers overexpressing HPA.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 25, 2009

First 'genetic map' of Han Chinese may aid search for disease susceptibility genes

Scientists at the Genome Institute of Singapore have created a genetic map of the Han Chinese population based on genome-wide DNA variations in over 6,000 samples. The map reveals that northern inhabitants were genetically distinguishable from those in the south, consistent with historical migration patterns.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 25, 2009

NIH teams with Lancet to address public health impacts of climate change

The NIH has partnered with The Lancet to address the public health impacts of climate change through four case studies on household energy, transportation, electricity generation, and agricultural food production. These studies demonstrate that cost savings from improving health can offset the cost of addressing climate change.

Oceanic crust formation is dynamic after all

Researchers have observed dynamic upwelling in the underlying mantle beneath a spreading center, leading to new crust formation. This finding resolves a long-standing debate regarding the relative importance of passive and dynamic upwelling in oceanic crust creation.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2009

Improving household energy efficiency would reduce emissions and improve public health in both richer and poorer nations

In low-income settings, household energy interventions have greater potential to improve public health than those in high-income countries. In the UK, combined insulation and behavioral changes can avert 5,500 premature deaths and save 41 megatonnes of CO2. In India, introducing efficient cooking stoves can benefit up to 87% of househo...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 25, 2009

1 of LA BioMed's founders to be honored

The American College of Physicians has awarded the Ralph O. Claypoole Sr. Memorial Award to Dr. Melvin R. Kaplan, one of LA BioMed's founders and a renowned internist. Dr. Kaplan has dedicated his career to patient care for over 60 years.

Cosmic 'dig' reveals vestiges of the Milky Way's building blocks

Astronomers have unveiled an extraordinary cosmic relic, Terzan 5, which formed in at least two different epochs, providing insights into the origin of the galactic bulge. The discovery suggests that Terzan 5 might be the surviving remnant of a disrupted dwarf galaxy contributing to the Milky Way's formation.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2009

Houses of the rising sun

Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified over 90% of Sicilian temples facing east, sparking new insights into Ancient Greek practices. The study suggests an 'astronomical fingerprint' may distinguish between Greek and native settlements.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 25, 2009

Startled flies may provide insight into ADHD

Researchers discovered two independent forms of arousal in fruit flies, with one mutation linked to increased startle response and decreased endogenous arousal. The findings suggest that environmentally stimulated arousal and sleep-wake transitions reflect distinct neural circuits, potentially shedding light on the neurobiology of ADHD.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 25, 2009

It's not just dirt!

Interactive e-lessons developed by soil science educators engage learners with active learning strategies, interactive Flash animations, and experiential activities. These lessons aim to help students and the public recognize the critical importance of soil in addressing various issues.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateNov 25, 2009