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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 275


Page 275 of 277

China's food economy benefits small, poor farmers

A recent study in the Review of Agricultural Economics reveals that China's horticultural economy has contributed to poverty reduction among small and poor farmers. Despite the emergence of modern supply chains, ensuring food safety remains a challenge due to lack of contractual relationships and accountability.

SourceWiley·JournalReview of Agricultural Economics·DateJan 7, 2009

Risk management critical to corporate strategy

A recent study assesses how risk management impacts corporate growth and value, highlighting the importance of equity cushions in capital structures. Risk managers often focus on measurement rather than management, leading to inadequate advice for managing risks.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Corporate Finance·DateJan 7, 2009

Cost containment focus could have consequences for health care delivery

Physicians warn that assigning monetary value to every aspect of a doctor's time could impair quality and increase costs. Experiments show money-primed subjects are less willing to help others in need. A new trend in primary care, the 'patient-centered medical home,' aims to restore balance by compensating for unreimbursed time.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 7, 2009

P2P traffic control

Researchers propose a wireless peer-to-peer network to exchange timely information about traffic conditions, incidents, and accidents. The Autonet system uses local-area wireless technology to form an ad hoc network that can handle measurements for approximately 3,500 traffic incidents.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Vehicle Information and Communication Systems·DateJan 7, 2009

Lost in translation

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the ribosome recognizes and corrects errors during protein synthesis. The discovery reveals a critical 'proofreading step' in protein production, showcasing the cell's strict adherence to high-fidelity synthesis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2009

Absence of CLP protein can be indicative of oral cancer

A new study published in the Journal of Prosthodontics found that the absence of Human calmodulin-like protein (CLP) in oral epithelial cells may indicate oral cancer. The researchers used staining to compare CLP expression in normal and cancerous tissues, revealing a significant decrease or complete lack of CLP in malignant regions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Prosthodontics·DateJan 7, 2009

Spookfish uses mirrors for eyes

The four-eyed spookfish uses mirrors to focus light in its eyes, producing bright and high-contrast images. This unique adaptation gives the fish an edge in the deep sea, where spotting brief flashes of bioluminescent light can mean the difference between eating and being eaten.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 7, 2009

Logical reversal

Reverse logistics allows companies to recycle and remanufacture used products, reducing waste and environmental damage. This process provides companies with a financial return through refurbished goods sales and capitalizes on their 'green' credentials in marketing terms.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development·DateJan 7, 2009

Studies examine genetic determinants of ADHD

Two studies examine over 600,000 genetic markers in ADHD patients, finding that multiple genes contribute to the disorder. The findings highlight the need for larger studies to fully understand the genetic mechanisms underlying ADHD and to develop more effective treatments.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateJan 7, 2009

Angina: New drug gets right to the heart of the problem

Researchers discover novel compound F15845 that targets persistent sodium current, causing permanent excess sodium influx in heart cells. The drug has shown promising results in animal studies, with acceptable bioavailability when given orally.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJan 6, 2009

Physical activity may not be key to obesity epidemic

Researchers from Loyola University Health System found no significant difference between African American women in metropolitan Chicago and Nigerian women in terms of calories burned during physical activity. The study suggests that dietary intake may be more important than energy expenditure level in the rising rates of obesity.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalObesity·DateJan 6, 2009