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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 39


Page 39 of 277

Why nice guys usually get the girls

A recent study found that female water striders prefer non-aggressive males over highly sexually aggressive ones when it comes to mating. In contrast, groups of low-key male water striders mated with more females than did groups of highly aggressive males.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2009

1930s drug slows tumor growth

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered a 1930s gonorrhea medication, acriflavine, that can halt the growth of new blood vessels in cancer cells. By inhibiting HIF-1, a protein essential for tumor growth, acriflavine may one day be incorporated into chemotherapy cocktails to fight cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2009

Babies' language learning starts from the womb

A new study found that infants as young as three to five days old produce cry melodies consistent with their native language. Researchers analyzed the cries of 60 newborns and discovered differences in melody contour based on mother tongue, suggesting an early impact of native language on sound production.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 5, 2009

AGU journal highlights -- Nov. 5, 2009

Research papers published in Geophysical Research Letters highlight regional warming trends in Antarctica, improved models for shoreline loss, and the contribution of reservoirs to triggering devastating earthquakes. Scientists have developed new methods to analyze climate data, storm impacts on shorelines, and natural hazards.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 5, 2009

How size matters for catalysts

Scientists at the University of Utah demonstrated a conclusive link between the size of catalyst particles on a solid surface and their ability to speed chemical reactions. The study focused on metal nanoparticles, finding that smaller sizes lead to increased electronic properties and catalytic activity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2009

Coral reefs inspire rare consensus -- just save them

A recent study in Hawaii found that tourists and recreation enthusiasts strongly support protecting coral reef ecosystems due to their exceptional beauty. The research suggests that public attitudes toward management are largely driven by the perceived health of coral reefs, with environmental conditions being more important than human...

Near vision research study

A research study is being conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational corneal inlay in reducing the need for reading glasses. The inlay, called AcuFocus Corneal Inlay (ACI), is intended to improve near vision in patients with presbyopia, a natural loss of near vision that occurs after age 45.

The first casualty of war

A study published in BioMed Central's Conflict and Health journal found that news reports on the Iraq conflict grossly underestimated civilian casualties. The researchers analyzed media coverage and found that US newspapers reported more Coalition fatalities than Iraqi civilians, while non-US newspapers showed a reversed pattern.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalConflict and Health·DateNov 5, 2009

Tackling new Arctic challenges from space

The ESA workshop explored the potential of space-based services to address Arctic challenges such as climate change, ocean traffic management, and environmental protection. Space assets can improve search and rescue operations, monitor sea ice and ocean changes, and facilitate sustainable development in the region.

Rice wins NIH funding for oral-cancer test

Researchers at Rice University are developing a rapid saliva test for oral cancer that can be performed by a dentist in under 30 minutes. The test uses a novel microchip, known as a lab-on-a-chip, to detect specific biomarkers in cells, allowing for early diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

NIAID announces new human immunology research awards to help fight emerging infectious diseases

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded approximately $208 million to two programs that support research on the human immune response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. This funding aims to identify new vaccines and drug targets, with a focus on developing prevention tools and therapeutics.

Gastroenterology/hepatology societies release report evaluating fellowship training curriculum

A new report from gastroenterology/hepatology societies emphasizes the importance of competency-based curriculum and disease-specific training in improving patient outcomes. The report recommends changes to GI training programs, including pairing of GI/hepatology training and enhanced training in specific disease areas.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 4, 2009