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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 236


Page 236 of 277

Building strong bones: Running may provide more benefits than resistance training, MU study finds

A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that high-impact activities like running can have a greater positive effect on bone mineral density (BMD) than resistance training. The research found that runners had greater spine BMD than cyclists, and that high-impact activity may override the benefits of lean body mass on BMD.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateFeb 27, 2009

Milestone achieved toward production of malaria treatment using synthetic biology and fermentation

Amyris Biotechnologies has successfully increased the production of amorphadiene to 25g/L through E. coli fermentations, a crucial step towards commercially producing artemisinin precursors. This achievement demonstrates the potential of synthetic biology and fermentation to create a consistent and affordable source of artemisinin for ...

SourceAmyris Biotechnologies·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2009

Purdue study projects weakened monsoon season in South Asia

A Purdue University study projects a weakened summer monsoon season in South Asia, potentially causing delayed onset and reduced precipitation. The research suggests that climate change could exacerbate seasonal flood risks and impact agricultural production, water availability, and hydroelectric power generation.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 27, 2009

Understanding natural crop defenses

Researchers found that reduced light quality leads to decreased sensitivity to jasmonic acid, a hormone involved in plant defense. This allows plants to redirect resources away from defense and towards growth, but may increase vulnerability to herbivores in densely planted crops.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2009

Muscling in on type 2 diabetes

A new study suggests that high levels of myostatin produced by muscle tissue in extremely obese individuals may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Muscle loss is a key indicator of this transition, and understanding its role in metabolism is crucial for finding effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalDiabetes·DateFeb 26, 2009

Researchers identify ALS gene mutation

A new gene mutation has been identified as a common cause of inherited ALS, affecting motor neurons in the central nervous system. This discovery is part of a national study led by Northwestern University, aiming to understand the triggers of motor neuron death and develop new treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateFeb 26, 2009

Team-based diabetes care fetches more value for dollar

A recent study found that team-based diabetes care improves health outcomes for Medicaid patients, including significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1C. However, the study suggests that this approach does not result in lower treatment costs under Medicare and Medicaid.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 26, 2009

Burn rehabilitation experts at UT Southwestern outline best treatments for post-burn itching

Burn rehabilitation experts at UT Southwestern recommend a hierarchy of treatment strategies to alleviate chronic itching caused by burn scars. Topical creams and ointments are often effective, while oral antihistamines may be necessary for more severe cases. Other non-medicinal treatments like lasers and massage can also provide relief.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateFeb 26, 2009

An impossible alloy now possible

Researchers at Uppsala University have successfully formed a substitutional alloy between Cerium and Aluminium under high pressure, defying previous limitations on element compatibility. The discovery opens up possibilities for creating new alloys with unique mechanical, electronic, and magnetic properties.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2009

This grass is still greener

A study by Clemson University researchers found that creeping bentgrass on golf putting greens can recover from winter damage caused by foot and equipment traffic. The study suggests that full recovery should be expected by summer, allowing course managers to minimize lost revenue and extend play during the winter months.

Statins lower stroke severity, improve recovery

Mayo Clinic researchers found that statin use reduced stroke severity and improved outcomes, even in patients with ideal cholesterol levels. The study suggests benefits beyond lipid lowering, including plaque stabilization and anti-inflammatory effects.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateFeb 26, 2009

Is HIV testing during labor feasible?

Research in Cameroon reveals that 88.3% of women are willing to accept HIV testing during labor, leading to a higher rate of detected infections compared to previously estimated rates. The study recommends an opt-out approach for HIV testing during labor to increase the number of mother-infant pairs receiving appropriate treatment.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateFeb 26, 2009

Supports Intensity Scale is effective for identifying needs in people with intellectual disability

The Supports Intensity Scale is a planning tool that assesses individual needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 85 life areas. A new study found SIS to be effective in predicting funding needs, providing a unique opportunity for services and funding decisions to be based on person-centered goals.

SourceAmerican Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·JournalAmerican Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateFeb 26, 2009

Georgia goes bananas

Researchers in a study published in HortTechnology identified two high-quality banana cultivars suitable for commercial production in southern Georgia: 'Manzano' and '1780'. These cultivars can produce over six suckers per plant, generating a potential income of over $60 per plant.

Do doodle: Research shows doodling can help memory recall

Research shows doodling while listening can significantly improve memory recall, with participants recalling an average of 7.5 names of people and places compared to 5.8 non-doodlers. Doodling helps maintain focus on the main task without affecting performance.

SourceWiley·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2009