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Science News Archive August 2009 - Page 15


Page 15 of 22

Round Goby invade Great Lakes

A team of scientists from the University of Toronto identified a drastic invasion of round goby into many Great Lakes tributaries, including areas known as 'species-at-risk' hot spots. The impact on native fish and mussel species is likely to be serious, with up to 89% of fish species and 17% of mussel species affected.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBiological Invasions·DateAug 11, 2009

Antibodies to strep throat bacteria linked to obsessive compulsive disorder in mice

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have found a link between antibodies to strep throat bacteria and the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder in mice. The study suggests that an inappropriate immune response to the bacteria may trigger psychiatric symptoms, providing new insights into identifyi...

Discovery of genetic mutation in Leigh syndrome

A genetic mutation in the TACO1 gene has been identified as underlying late-onset Leigh syndrome, a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by central nervous system degeneration. The study provides insights into cell biology and will lead to diagnostic and predictive tests for family and genetic counseling.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 11, 2009

New laser technique may help find supernova

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have created a laser technique that can help identify a rare isotope called 182Hf, which would prove that a supernova once exploded near our solar system. The technique uses negative ions and laser light to detach an extra electron from some elements while leaving others intact.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPhysical Review A·DateAug 11, 2009

The ugly truth about one night stands

A recent study by Dr. Achim Schützwohl found that men are more likely to engage in casual sex than women, and that they have lower standards for attractiveness. In contrast, women place a greater emphasis on their partner's physical appearance, preferring to engage in casual sex with exceptionally attractive individuals.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateAug 11, 2009

What is alternative treatment for irritable bowel syndrome when conventional therapy has failed?

A randomized controlled trial found that low-dose imipramine improved global symptoms and quality of life in patients with IBS who had failed conventional therapy. The study, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, is the largest ever conducted on the use of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in IBS patients.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateAug 11, 2009

Ytterbium gains ground in quest for next-generation atomic clocks

A new experimental atomic clock using ytterbium atoms has achieved accuracy comparable to the nation's civilian time standard, while ongoing comparisons with other clocks will help determine the most accurate option for future time and frequency standards. This development supports advancements in technologies such as high data rate te...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2009

Caltech scientists help launch the first standard graphical notation for biology

The Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) provides a standardized visual language for representing biological information, making it easier to exchange complex information. The new standard will benefit systems biologists working on various biochemical processes, including gene regulation, metabolism, and cellular signaling.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 11, 2009

Mysterious charge transport in self-assembled monolayer transistors unraveled

A recent study reveals that monolayer coverage and channel length set the mobility in self-assembled monolayer field-effect transistors, leading to the development of cost-effective chemical sensors. The research team's findings were published in Nature Nanotechnology and provide a widely applicable two-dimensional percolation model.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 11, 2009

Discovery to aid study of biological structures, molecules

Researchers discovered that an atomic force microscope's behavior changes when used in water, enabling the study of biological molecules' mechanical properties. The findings reveal details about a bacterial membrane and a virus called Phi29, shedding light on their intrinsic variations in local stiffness.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 11, 2009

Cardiac arrest resuscitation: Passive oxygen flow better than assisted ventilation

A new study from Arizona suggests passive oxygen flow is more effective than assisted ventilation in treating patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. The modified protocol, called Cardiocerebral Resuscitation, resulted in higher survival rates compared to conventional bag-valve-mask ventilation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 11, 2009

Where science feeds action, leopards win

A six-year study led by Panthera demonstrates that conservation strategies can significantly increase leopard populations and reduce human-cat conflict. The study, published in Biological Conservation, found that implementing regulations to disperse hunting pressure across a province helped stabilize the population, leading to increase...

SourcePanthera·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 11, 2009

Life and death in the living brain

Scientists have demonstrated a direct link between the death of old neurons and their replacement by newly born ones in a living vertebrate. The study found that introducing a chemical inhibitor to slow apoptosis resulted in fewer new neurons being formed, providing insights into age-related diseases.