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Science News for November 5, 2009


Parents just don't understand

A study by Eva Pomerantz and Qian Wang found that parental control in Western countries can have negative effects on children's psychological development, while in East Asia, it may be more accepted due to cultural differences. The researchers recommend limiting parents' intrusiveness in their children's lives for both regions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateNov 5, 2009

Early scents really do get 'etched' in the brain

A brain imaging study found that first scents have a unique signature in the brain, regardless of whether they're pleasant or unpleasant. Early odor memories are more easily recalled, especially for bad smells, and can be predicted by brain activity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 5, 2009

Mom was right: Nice guys don't always finish last

Researchers at Binghamton University found that when water striders have the freedom to move between groups, females prefer to cluster around non-aggressive males. This suggests that a 'gentleman' approach to mating is beneficial for group productivity. In contrast, male psychopaths disrupt the group's dynamics and reduce fertility.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2009

All dressed-up and nowhere to go

A new study found that inadequate clothing can restrict children's outdoor physical activity, with three-quarters of children aged 3-6 years old spending time in childcare settings. The study suggests that parents may need education on the importance of active play for children's development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateNov 5, 2009

Why nice guys usually get the girls

A recent study found that female water striders prefer non-aggressive males over highly sexually aggressive ones when it comes to mating. In contrast, groups of low-key male water striders mated with more females than did groups of highly aggressive males.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2009

1930s drug slows tumor growth

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered a 1930s gonorrhea medication, acriflavine, that can halt the growth of new blood vessels in cancer cells. By inhibiting HIF-1, a protein essential for tumor growth, acriflavine may one day be incorporated into chemotherapy cocktails to fight cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2009

Babies' language learning starts from the womb

A new study found that infants as young as three to five days old produce cry melodies consistent with their native language. Researchers analyzed the cries of 60 newborns and discovered differences in melody contour based on mother tongue, suggesting an early impact of native language on sound production.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 5, 2009

AGU journal highlights -- Nov. 5, 2009

Research papers published in Geophysical Research Letters highlight regional warming trends in Antarctica, improved models for shoreline loss, and the contribution of reservoirs to triggering devastating earthquakes. Scientists have developed new methods to analyze climate data, storm impacts on shorelines, and natural hazards.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 5, 2009

How size matters for catalysts

Scientists at the University of Utah demonstrated a conclusive link between the size of catalyst particles on a solid surface and their ability to speed chemical reactions. The study focused on metal nanoparticles, finding that smaller sizes lead to increased electronic properties and catalytic activity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2009

Coral reefs inspire rare consensus -- just save them

A recent study in Hawaii found that tourists and recreation enthusiasts strongly support protecting coral reef ecosystems due to their exceptional beauty. The research suggests that public attitudes toward management are largely driven by the perceived health of coral reefs, with environmental conditions being more important than human...

Near vision research study

A research study is being conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational corneal inlay in reducing the need for reading glasses. The inlay, called AcuFocus Corneal Inlay (ACI), is intended to improve near vision in patients with presbyopia, a natural loss of near vision that occurs after age 45.

The first casualty of war

A study published in BioMed Central's Conflict and Health journal found that news reports on the Iraq conflict grossly underestimated civilian casualties. The researchers analyzed media coverage and found that US newspapers reported more Coalition fatalities than Iraqi civilians, while non-US newspapers showed a reversed pattern.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalConflict and Health·DateNov 5, 2009

Tackling new Arctic challenges from space

The ESA workshop explored the potential of space-based services to address Arctic challenges such as climate change, ocean traffic management, and environmental protection. Space assets can improve search and rescue operations, monitor sea ice and ocean changes, and facilitate sustainable development in the region.

Rice wins NIH funding for oral-cancer test

Researchers at Rice University are developing a rapid saliva test for oral cancer that can be performed by a dentist in under 30 minutes. The test uses a novel microchip, known as a lab-on-a-chip, to detect specific biomarkers in cells, allowing for early diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.