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Science News for January 8, 2009


How Martian winds make rocks walk

Researchers discovered that Martian winds create pits and hills, causing small rocks to roll forward into the wind. The process is repeated, forming regular patterns, with clusters of rocks adapting by shielding the middle or outer rocks from the wind.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateJan 8, 2009

Help for the overweight could be at the end of a phone

A Dutch study published in BMC Public Health found that phone and internet counselling is effective for weight management in overweight workers. The study compared counselling via phone and e-mail with standard practice and found significant weight loss in all groups, with those in the phone group losing the most weight.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJan 8, 2009

January Geology media highlights

Research on submarine displacement rates reveals some of the highest strike-slip rates on Earth, with implications for plate boundary deformation. Volcanic ice-slurry flows are also studied, showing extreme mobility and hazards at snow-capped volcanoes, with insights into their kinematic properties.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 8, 2009

Displacing petroleum-derived butanol with plants

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a way to produce higher concentrations of butanol using microorganisms. The mutant strain can use five or six carbon sugars, making it more versatile and efficient. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a second-generation strain with targeted genetic alterations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 8, 2009

Spirituality may help adolescents cope with chronic illness

Researchers found that adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who have a stronger sense of spirituality tend to experience fewer depressive symptoms and better emotional well-being. In contrast, patients with IBD are at risk for numerous psychosocial difficulties, including increased mental health problems and social stigma.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 8, 2009

How cheating ants give themselves away

A new study reveals that cheater ants give away their fertility status through unique chemical signals, allowing peers to swiftly attack and restrain them. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony in ant societies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 8, 2009

Heavy pyridine crystallizes differently

Researchers have discovered that deuterated pyridine adopts a different crystalline form than its normal counterpart, only achievable under high pressure. This finding has implications for the development of more specific and effective pharmaceutical agents.

SourceWiley·DateJan 8, 2009

Study finds more effective treatment for pneumonia following influenza

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a more effective treatment for secondary pneumonia following influenza, using antibiotics like clindamycin and azithromycin. These treatments inhibit protein synthesis, reducing inflammation and improving survival rates in mice infected with both conditions.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 8, 2009

New tool enables powerful data analysis

A new algorithm developed by scientists at University of California, Davis, can extract features and patterns from huge data sets using minimal computing power. The algorithm has been successfully applied to analyze complex phenomena represented by billions of data points.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateJan 8, 2009

Reactions to racism not as strong as we think

A new study published in Science found that people's reactions to racist comments are much more muted than anticipated. The study, led by York University researchers, revealed that students were more likely to choose a partner who made a racist comment as a workmate, despite the comment being perceived as offensive.

SourceYork University·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2009

Spirituality is key to kids' happiness

A new study published in Springer's Journal of Happiness Studies found that children who develop a strong sense of personal worth and deep relationships, measures of spirituality, are happier. The study suggests that strategies like expressing kindness and volunteering may help increase happiness in children.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJan 8, 2009

Sea level rise of 1 meter within 100 years

Researchers used historical data and ice core analysis to calculate the relationship between global temperature and sea level over 2000 years. The new model predictions indicate a sea level rise of 0.9-1.3 meters, exceeding IPCC estimates due to faster-than-expected ice sheet melting.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJan 8, 2009

Floods to become commonplace by 2080

New research by Newcastle University forecasts that UK flooding events will increase in intensity and frequency, with a predicted 30% rise in extreme rainfall by 2080. Northern and western regions are expected to be worst hit, with major implications for flood risk management.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateJan 8, 2009