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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 242


Page 242 of 277

Bacteria in urinary tract infections caught making burglar's tools

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that bacteria causing urinary tract infections produce compounds called siderophores to steal iron from their hosts. These tools provide a potential way to target bad strains of bacteria for eradication without affecting good strains. The discovery could lead to new treatment...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 19, 2009

Coffee cultivation good for diversity in agrarian settlements but not in forests

Research shows that coffee cultivation under shade trees can preserve forest plant and animal diversity in areas with deforestation. In contrast, growing coffee in forests leads to a decline in species richness of forest birds. This study highlights the importance of sustainable land use practices in conserving biodiversity.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 19, 2009

Business information services focus on added value to deal with difficult financial climate

The 2008 financial crisis has radically transformed the business information landscape, with senior information managers seeking to add value and manage costs. The survey found that companies are pushing for more strategic management of their information services, with a focus on appraising how to add value and managing vendors.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalBusiness Information Review·DateFeb 19, 2009

Fruit flies sick from mating

Researchers found that fruit fly females' genes are activated similarly to an immune reaction when they mate, leading to a heightened defense system. The cost of mating is also revealed to be high, as females produce fewer offspring due to male harassment and toxic sperm fluid.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 19, 2009

How Volvox got its groove

Researchers discovered that ancestors of Volvox algae transitioned to multicellularity at least 200 million years ago. This finding provides insights into the evolution of complex life forms, highlighting the importance of cooperation among cells in overcoming conflicts that hinder collective growth and reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2009

K-State marketing professor says online shopping will look something like Second Life in the future

A Kansas State University marketing professor says online shopping will borrow from Second Life, allowing shoppers to interact with virtual avatars and purchase items in a social setting. The future of e-commerce may also involve mobile devices, with research suggesting that gaming and chat features are key to attracting young customers.

SourceKansas State University·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing·DateFeb 19, 2009

'Neurological work-arounds' offer hope to people with monoamine-related disorders

Researchers have identified a way for the brain to compensate for problems with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, opening up new treatment options for addiction, depression, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. The discovery was made using fruit flies with a genetic mutation that disrupted monoamine neurotransmitter rel...

A budding role for a cellular dynamo

Researchers discovered protein Bud14 inhibits formin interactions, regulating actin filament length. This discovery advances understanding of cell division and development, with implications for human health conditions such as infertility and deafness.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 18, 2009