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Science News Archive July 2009 - Page 21


Page 21 of 23

A question of height

By analyzing the factors behind the Large Blue's extinction and success, researchers propose using modified countryside management techniques to mitigate climate change. These methods can include letting grass grow longer to maintain soil temperature, providing a breathing space for threatened species to adapt or migrate.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2009

The problem with self-help books: Study shows the negative side to positive self-statements

A recent study in Psychological Science found that repeating positive self-statements can have the opposite effect on individuals with low self-esteem. Those with high self-esteem experienced slight improvements, while those with low self-esteem felt worse about themselves. The researchers suggest that unreasonably positive self-statem...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 2, 2009

Mars data published in Science this week

The Phoenix Mars Mission provided new details about Mars' water history, including patterns in the ground near the landing site and surprising findings of perchlorate. Researchers discovered ice at varying depths and observed daily weather changes, revealing clues to Martian soil chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2009

Rampant helper syndrome

Researchers have discovered that the methane-producing molecule deazaflavin is also involved in DNA repair processes in eukaryotes. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that deazaflavin is unique to methanogenic bacteria, and has significant implications for our understanding of cellular metabolism and DNA repair.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2009

AGU journal highlights -- July 2, 2009

Climate model simulations suggest the Toba supervolcano's eruption caused a decade of severe volcanic winters, with devastating consequences for humanity and ecosystems. The study also analyzed fault movement during the Wenchuan earthquake, finding that simultaneous ruptures of two faults contributed to the disaster. Additionally, scie...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 2, 2009

Sexist jokes favor the mental mechanisms that justify violence against women

A recent study from the University of Granada found that sexist jokes can favor mental mechanisms that justify violence against women. The research involved a group of male university students who were shown two series of jokes, one with sexist content and another without. Those who watched the sexist jokes showed increased tolerance f...

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJul 2, 2009

Ben-Gurion U. researchers reveal connection between cancer and human evolution

A team of researchers from Ben-Gurion University discovered a link between the mitochondria genome and an increased susceptibility to complex diseases like cancer. The study analyzed 98 unrelated individuals and found that certain mutations, which were advantageous in ancestral environments, are now associated with disease.

New focus on the moon

The LROC camera system has taken its first images of the Moon, revealing detailed topography and subtle features. The instrument is performing exceptionally well, with a resolution of approximately 1.4-meters/pixel, and will soon begin mapping the lunar surface at 50-cm/pixel.

Gene's novel role may provide key to treating liver and neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers at the Bioprocessing Technology Institute discovered a novel function of the FAIM gene, which protects immune and liver cells from apoptosis. They propose that manipulating this process could lead to new treatments for liver cirrhosis and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateJul 2, 2009

LRO's first moon images

LRO's LROC cameras have returned the first lunar images since reaching the moon on June 23, capturing cratered regions in the highlands south of Mare Nubium. The images, taken along the terminator line, show a rugged surface with subtle topography exaggeration.

Learning from locusts

A Queen's University study found that locusts' brain disturbance during a coma-like state shares similarities with human migraines, strokes, and epilepsy. Researchers discovered that manipulating cellular signaling pathways in the brain could potentially modify the severity of these conditions.

Pacific Northwest forests could store more carbon, help address greenhouse issues

Scientists at Oregon State University found that Pacific Northwest forests have significant potential to increase carbon storage, with estimated increases of 15% if all forest stands were allowed to increase in age by 50 years. This region accounts for 14% of the live biomass in the entire US and has already sequestered 30-50% of emiss...

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 2, 2009

Researchers unite to distribute quantum keys

The network, built by 41 organizations, allows for secure transmission of data beyond classical methods using quantum cryptography. The researchers achieved a record-breaking transmission capacity of up to 8 nodes with links ranging from 20 to 83 kilometers.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJul 2, 2009

Natural compound stops retinopathy

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center discovered a natural compound that restores balance in the eye to stop diabetic retinopathy, a disease affecting five million Americans. The treatment prevents leakage, blocks inflammation, and stops unwanted blood vessel growth.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 2, 2009

UCLA scientists find molecular differences between embryonic stem cells and reprogrammed skin cells

Researchers found distinct gene expression signatures in embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, indicating they are not perfectly similar despite sharing potential to become all body tissues. The study aims to understand the biological significance of these differences and their impact on iPS cell function.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 2, 2009

Evolution: Crabs go deep to avoid hot water

A study reveals that king crabs' ability to live in low-temperature waters drove their evolution and spread globally, while also influencing the distribution of other marine species. The research, published in the Journal of Biogeography, highlights the importance of temperature in shaping the biology and ecology of deep-sea creatures.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJul 2, 2009