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Science News Archive June 2009 - Page 13


Page 13 of 26

Common fish species has 'human' ability to learn

A new study suggests that common fish species, such as the nine-spined stickleback, can compare behavior and make choices based on personal experience, leading to better food supplies. This sophisticated social learning capability, called 'hill-climbing', challenges the idea that big brains are necessary for cumulative culture.

SourceDurham University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJun 16, 2009

Is the sky the limit for wind power?

A new study identifies New York and eastern U.S. cities as prime locations for exploiting high-altitude winds, which contain enough energy to meet world demand 100 times over. The regions match population centers and have high wind power densities, but fluctuating wind strength poses a challenge for large-scale exploitation.

Calcium -- the secret to honeybees' memory

Researchers have discovered that calcium modulation affects long-term memory specifically while leaving learning and short-term memory intact. The study found that increased calcium levels during learning led to stronger responses to olfactory stimuli associated with food, indicating improved memory performance.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 15, 2009

Show and prove

Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine has received a $650,000 NIH grant to test the effectiveness of a personalized, visual diabetic foot education strategy. The program aims to improve health literacy and empower patients to make better decisions about their foot care.

Hungry cells

Scientists have identified a new approach to detect and treat Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a rare inherited cancer syndrome, by exploiting tumors' weak spot in glucose metabolism. They found that targeting mTOR pathway with rapamycin can stop tumor growth, offering new treatment options.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2009

Gating the tides in yeast

Researchers have gained insight into the regulation of aquaporins in yeast cells, revealing a previously mysterious region that acts as a gate controlling water flow. This discovery may lead to the development of inhibitors for human aquaporins, which could slow down cancer tumor growth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2009

Scientists discover magnetic superatoms

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered a stable cluster of atoms that can mimic different elements of the periodic table, exhibiting strong magnetic properties. The discovery has potential applications in creating faster computers, larger memory storage, and molecular electronic devices.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2009

What limits the size of birds?

Research by Sievert Rohwer and colleagues reveals that maximum body size in birds is constrained by the molt process. As bird size increases, feathers wear out before they can be replaced, requiring alternative strategies to maintain aerodynamic support. This fundamental relationship ultimately limits the size of flying birds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2009

Gene evolution process discovered

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a key mechanism governing gene evolution, revealing that protein REST controls gene expression by binding to specific genetic sequences. This process has been shown to play a leading role in the evolution of intelligence in mammals, particularly in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJun 15, 2009

Stress puts double whammy on reproductive system, fertility

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have found a critical piece in the puzzle about how stress causes sexual dysfunction and infertility. Stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids like cortisol, inhibit the body's main sex hormone GnRH, while also increasing another hormone GnIH, which directly inhibits GnRH.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers investigated calcium supplementation's effect on obese patients' weight loss, found no benefits. Red yeast rice capsules improved LDL cholesterol levels in statin-intolerant patients without muscle pain side effects. Colonoscopy-related adverse events were low but increased with age and specific comorbid conditions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 15, 2009

As college drinking problems rise, new studies identify effective prevention strategies

Researchers found that brief motivational interviews and one-on-one counseling programs significantly reduced heavy drinking and improved behavior among high-risk students. Community-based initiatives, such as increased police patrols and online alcohol policies, also showed promise in reducing off-campus incidents involving students.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJun 15, 2009

New issue of Reproductive Health Matters on task shifting

The new issue of Reproductive Health Matters highlights the need for comprehensive efforts to strengthen public health systems and create a well-trained workforce. Mid-level providers are willing to take on increased workloads, raising questions about quality of care and financial remuneration.

SourceElsevier·JournalReproductive Health Matters·DateJun 15, 2009

U of Alberta study discovers how proteins help repair DNA

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered how proteins recognize and repair damaged DNA. The proteins bend the DNA double helix to amplify damage recognition, enabling the next protein to cut out the damaged section. This process can be used to develop new cancer treatments and disease prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2009