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Science News Archive March 2009 - Page 16


Page 16 of 26

Main federal disaster relief law has fallen behind modern threat levels, NYU professor finds

A new study by NYU Professor Mitchell Moss suggests that the Robert T. Stafford Act is out of date and requires revision to provide rapid financial assistance after a catastrophe. The act's failure to recognize 21st-century threats and its lack of distinction between rural and urban disasters are major concerns.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management·DateMar 13, 2009

New Madrid fault system may be shutting down

A new study from Purdue and Northwestern universities suggests the New Madrid fault system is less active than expected, with reduced surface movement indicating a possible shutdown. The team analyzed GPS data for eight years, finding the ground surrounding the fault system is moving at a rate of less than 0.2 millimeters per year.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2009

Cracking the spatial memory code

Scientists have discovered that the hippocampus works in a structured and predictable way, enabling them to predict where someone is standing within a virtual reality room based on brain activity. The findings offer compelling evidence for mindreading and could potentially decode individual episodic memory traces from human brain imaging.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 12, 2009

Work stress associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes in police officers

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that work stress among urban police officers is significantly associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and intimate partner abuse. The study identified five major categories of stressors, including exposure to criti...

Researchers progress toward AIDS vaccine

Researchers at Rutgers University have made significant progress in developing an HIV vaccine by identifying a crucial part of the virus that is common to most varieties. They created a method to immunize animals with this target, resulting in antibodies that can stop a diverse set of HIV isolates.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 12, 2009

Studying the female form

Researchers developed a technique to extract body shape components from 3D data, classifying trunk shapes into five types. The study aims to improve clothing fit, comfort, and safety, with potential implications for body image disorders and ergonomics.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Applications in Technology·DateMar 12, 2009

Treatment of European coronary patients fails to meet standards of international guidelines

The third EUROASPIRE survey found that European coronary patients are failing to meet lifestyle, risk factor, and therapeutic targets set out in international guidelines. Key findings include high rates of smoking and obesity, as well as inadequate management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation·DateMar 12, 2009

A diet rich in calcium aids weight loss

A 15-week weight loss program found that obese women who consumed less than 600mg of calcium per day lost nearly 6kg, compared to 1kg for those in the control group. Sufficient calcium intake stiffs desire to eat more, aiding weight loss success.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateMar 12, 2009

Stem cell infusion and hyperbaric oxygen treatment improve islet function in diabetes

Researchers found significant benefits in glycemic control and reduced insulin requirements in patients with type 2 diabetes who received stem cell infusion and hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The combination therapy showed promising results in decreasing type 2 diabetes morbidity and mortality.

Researchers take first look at the genetic dynamics of inbreeding depression

Researchers found that a significant amount of inbreeding depression is due to key genes affecting other genes, particularly those involved in metabolism and stress. The study also identified distinct gene expression changes across different chromosome regions, suggesting a complex interplay between genetic mechanisms.

Rabies deaths from dog bites could be eliminated

A team of scientists from McMaster University and around the world analyzed rabies transmission data and found evidence for low levels of transmission, suggesting that elimination of canine rabies is a realistic goal. Achieving vaccination coverage of 60% or more in dog populations in Africa would be feasible through annual campaigns.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 12, 2009

Multiple route bone marrow stem cell injections show promise to treat spinal cord injury

Researchers reported on eight patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) who received multiple route bone marrow stem cell injections, showing functional improvements such as bladder control. The study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of multiple route administration of bone marrow-derived stem cells for SCI treatment.

A sustainable water supply for Brasilia

The IWAS Àgua DF project aims to develop a water management concept for Brasilia, addressing the city's growing population and climate change challenges. By integrating technical solutions with improved policy approaches, the project seeks to ensure a sustainable water supply for millions of inhabitants.

A walk through Gaelic history and culture

The article discusses a new book by Joseph Murphy that weaves together Gaelic history, culture, and language with sustainable development and walking. The book tells the story of a 1500 km walk along the Atlantic coast from Ireland to Scotland, combining local experiences with broader themes.

AGU journal highlights -- March 12, 2009

Researchers investigated coral skeleton formation and found systematic compositional variations, complicating paleoenvironmental change proxies. Meanwhile, a study on Venus' vortices revealed similarities with terrestrial hurricanes, potentially aiding atmospheric superrotation understanding.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 12, 2009

Physicists offer new theory for iron compounds

Researchers propose a theoretical framework to explain the complex quantum behavior of iron pnictides, a class of high-temperature superconductors. The theory predicts specific changes in electron-electron interactions and phase transitions, opening up new avenues for studying quantum criticality.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2009

Survey explores medical care for children with autism using complementary alternative medicine

A national survey found primary care physicians are more likely to inquire about complementary alternative medicine (CAM) use in children with autism. The study also revealed a desire for specific CAM education tailored to this population. CAM therapies have become increasingly common among children with autism, highlighting the need f...

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 12, 2009

Tracking tigers in 3-D

Researchers use new software to rapidly identify individual tigers and estimate populations by matching unique stripe patterns from camera trap photos. The software is up to 95% accurate in identifying tiger species from scanned photos, aiding tiger conservation efforts.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 12, 2009