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Science News for March 17, 2009


Big and small dents

The GOCE satellite will study global ocean currents, ocean topography, and the structure of the Earth's crust with unprecedented precision. The satellite's high-resolution gravity mapping will enhance our understanding of climate change.

Grand prizes might help induce sports 'hot streaks'

A forthcoming study by North Carolina State University economists found that players who perform well early in the season have an incentive to maintain their high level of performance into the middle part of the season. This is because they are competing for a top-30 finish and a spot in the Tour Championship, which guarantees them mon...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateMar 17, 2009

Early detection of second breast cancers halves women's risk of death

A recent study found that early detection of second breast cancers in women who have already had the disease can significantly improve their chances of survival. The research revealed that mammography was more sensitive than clinical examination for detecting second cancers, with a sensitivity of 86%. Early detection at an asymptomatic...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMar 17, 2009

Regulatory molecule for tumor formation or suppression identified by Singapore, US researchers

Researchers at Singapore's Genome Institute of Singapore and the US have identified microRNA-125b as a novel regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. The study found that this microRNA keeps p53 levels low during embryonic development, but allows for an increase in p53 to prevent tumor formation if DNA is damaged. Elevated levels of...

Love at first aria

Researchers discover that opera fans learn to appreciate the art form by forming emotional connections and decoding its meaning. Through social interaction and personal experience, fans develop a deeper understanding of opera's nuances, ultimately becoming passionate advocates for the art.

SourceSpringer·JournalQualitative Sociology·DateMar 17, 2009

London murders: Stats theory shows numbers are predictable

A recent report by Professor David Spiegelhalter suggests that London's murder numbers follow a predictable pattern, with certain aspects being statistically expected. The study found that the number of murders in London is not unusually high and has remained stable over the past five years.

SourceWiley·JournalSignificance·DateMar 17, 2009

Goodbye needle, hello smoothie

A researcher at Northwestern University has developed a new oral vaccine using probiotics that induces a powerful immune response, protecting against diseases such as anthrax and breast cancer. The vaccine harnesses the body's primary immune force in the small intestine, bypassing traditional injection methods.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2009

Stevens faculty release study on free-space optical communication in Optics Express

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have made significant breakthroughs in free-space optical communication by demonstrating a unique atmospheric effect called scavenging, which improves the system's performance in adverse weather conditions. The study shows that mid-infrared QCL systems can deliver up to 300% greater throug...

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 17, 2009

Lehigh researcher awarded $1.8 million NIH grant

The five-year grant will enable the researcher to further explore how inhibitory components influence sound localization circuitry in vertebrate systems. The study aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of sound localization circuitry that can contribute to clinical applications, such as improving cochlear implants.

New study shows that in horse play, adult-to-young ratio is key

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the adult-to-young ratio plays a critical role in the social development of horses. The research revealed that groups with low adult-to-young ratios had younger horses exhibiting more aggression and forming tighter bonds with each other, potentially reducing their interaction with adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 17, 2009

Brothers in arms

A joint study from Helmholtz-Centre and immunologists found that flu infection facilitates and intensifies pneumonia bacteria infections. Researchers discovered that lack of immune cells does not cause increased susceptibility to superinfections.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 17, 2009

Researchers clone key sperm-binding proteins

Scientists at the University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre have cloned human sperm-binding protein BSP, which may improve fertility treatments and male contraception. The researchers successfully purified the protein after decades of trying to isolate it from human sources.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Human Reproduction·DateMar 17, 2009

MRSA study suggests strategy shift needed to develop effective therapeutics

Researchers found that USA300 and its forefather USA500 are nearly identical in virulence and have similar levels of virulence gene production. They also discovered that alpha toxin and alpha-type phenol-soluble modulins play a crucial role in determining the severity of community-associated MRSA infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2009

Elephant shark genome sequence leads to discovery of color perception in deep-sea fish

A research team from Singapore and London has discovered that the elephant shark, a primitive deep-sea fish, possesses three cone pigments for color vision similar to humans. The finding suggests that gene duplication played a crucial role in this process, which may provide valuable insights into human genome evolution.

Vitamin D may not be the answer to feeling SAD

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found no clear association between depressive symptoms and vitamin D levels in blood. The researchers tested over 3,000 participants and recruited community residents aged 50-70 from China, discovering low levels of vitamin D may not be connected to depression.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateMar 17, 2009

New strategy to weaken traumatic memories

Researchers develop a novel approach to treating PTSD by selectively disrupting traumatic memories with a cortisol-blocking drug. The treatment's effectiveness is linked to the intensity of the initial trauma and can be administered shortly before recalling the memory.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 17, 2009