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Science News for November 3, 2009


Sun or shade: Pecan leaves' photosynthetic light response evaluated

A new study investigates the effects of light intensity on pecan leaves throughout the growing season. The research found that shade leaves are less effective in assimilating CO2 than sun leaves, but maintain late-season photosynthetic capacity. This discovery may help commercial growers develop new canopy and crop management practices.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateNov 3, 2009

New methods found useful for diagnosing myocarditis

Several new diagnostic methods, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are useful for diagnosing myocarditis. Endomyocardial biopsy is also used in certain cases. The study highlights the importance of these methods in improving diagnosis accuracy.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 3, 2009

Study sheds light on evolution of human complexity

Researchers found a mechanism that enables proteins to become more specialized over time, contributing to human biological complexity. Random genetic mutations in duplicate genes can lead to dosage imbalances, which can be alleviated through paralogization, allowing humans to maintain complex tissues.

SourceRice University·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 3, 2009

Capturing those in-between moments: NIST solves timing problem in molecular modeling

Researchers at NIST have developed a method to calculate the motions and forces of thousands of atoms simultaneously over longer time scales. This breakthrough enables modeling of atomic-scale processes that unfold over time, such as vibrations in crystals, and improves results in fields like nanotechnology and materials science.

NIST quantifies low levels of 'heart attack risk' protein

Researchers at NIST have developed a method to quantify extremely low levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a molecule that indicates cardiovascular disease risk. The new certified reference material will improve the accuracy of clinical laboratory tests for CRP, enabling more precise detection of individuals at high risk of heart attack.

Mobile microscopes illuminate the brain

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics create tiny laser-scanning microscope images brain cells in awake and moving animals, eliminating the need for electrodes. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how the brain generates an internal representation of the outside world.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2009

Preschoolers challenge stereotypical gender roles

Research from the University of Gothenburg reveals that preschool children actively challenge and redefine traditional gender structures. Despite teachers' biases, children often share play and learning activities, show concern for each other's well-being, and reformulate possibilities through child-led initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPedagogisk forskning i Sverige·DateNov 3, 2009

Long-term follow-up shows Mexico's conditional cash transfer program confers health benefits on children, especially those of mothers with no education

A long-term follow-up study found that Mexico's Oportunidades program conferred health benefits on children, particularly those whose mothers had no formal education. The additional 18 months of inclusion in the program reduced socioemotional problems and improved child growth, especially for those with mothers who were less educated.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 3, 2009

Study: Lap band surgery effective for morbidly obese children

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band) surgery improves the health of morbidly obese adolescents. The procedure led to significant weight loss and reduced the risk of developing insulin resistance, a key indicator of obesity-related illnesses.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 3, 2009

Sustainably grown garlic

A recent study identifies stable and variable traits in garlic cultivars, providing guidelines for farmers and new options for consumers. The research suggests that bulb size, color, and elemental composition are site-dependent and highly variable, offering promise for savvy consumers seeking locally grown garlic varieties.

New theory on fairness in economics targets CEO pay

A new theory proposes a method to determine fair CEO compensation using information theory and statistical thermodynamics. The ratio of CEO pay to the lowest employee salary has increased significantly in recent years, with US CEOs averaging around 344-to-1, raising questions about market efficiency.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEntropy·DateNov 3, 2009

Radiation therapy technique successfully treats pain in patients with advanced cancer

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute successfully treated pain in patients with advanced cancer using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The study found that SRS was a safe and effective treatment for patients with bone metastases, offering faster onset of pain relief and longer survival rates compared to conventi...

Longer toes, unique ankle structure aid sprinters

Researchers found that sprinters have significantly shorter lever arms in their ankles compared to non-sprinters. This allows muscles to produce greater force without sacrificing speed. The study suggests that a unique foot structure is essential for sprinting success, with longer toes providing an additional advantage.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 3, 2009