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Science News Archive November 2009 - Page 23


Page 23 of 24

Robot fish could monitor water quality

Scientists at Michigan State University are developing robotic fish that use advanced materials to swim like fish and monitor water quality. The robots will carry sensors recording temperature, dissolved oxygen, pollutants, and harmful algae, providing a high spatial and temporal resolution of data.

The new myths of gifted education

Researchers re-examined 15 myths of gifted education first identified in 1982 and found that all still exist, with several new ones emerging. The study aims to stimulate critical thinking and creative research in the field by helping to 'shake loose' common myths.

SourceSAGE·JournalGifted Child Quarterly·DateNov 2, 2009

Sights and sounds of emotion trigger big brain responses

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identified a brain region that strongly reacts to emotional faces and voices. The research found that the posterior superior temporal sulcus responds supra-additively to simultaneous visual and auditory emotional stimuli.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2009

New activity found for a potential anti-cancer agent

Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that PatA inhibits nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a mechanism that degrades damaged mRNA. This inhibition may lead to cancer cell apoptosis. The study also reveals the potential of a simplified derivative of PatA, DMDAPatA, as an anti-cancer agent.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2009

New genetic cause of a fatal immune disorder

Researchers have discovered a new genetic cause of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) type 5, a fatal immune disorder. The condition is caused by mutations in the Munc18-2 gene, leading to impaired release of death-inducing molecules from immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 2, 2009

The terrible teens of T. rex

Researchers discovered that adolescent tyrannosaurs, including the late juvenile T. rex Jane, engaged in intense combat, as evidenced by puncture wounds on her face. The injuries suggest that Jane was attacked by a fellow young dinosaur, possibly over dominance or territorial disputes.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalPalaios·DateNov 2, 2009

Green is cool, but US land changes generally are not

A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland and Purdue University found that most land-use changes contribute to warming, except for conversion to agricultural use, which results in relative cooling. The study used a novel analytical approach called OMR and confirmed its robustness.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateNov 2, 2009

Obesity significantly increases side effects of stereotactic body radiation therapy in lung cancer patients

A new study finds that obesity and diabetes increase the risk of chest pain and skin reactions after stereotactic body radiation therapy. Patients who receive a high dose of radiation to cancer close to the chest wall are more likely to experience these side effects, highlighting the need for further research into reducing radiation-re...

Glaciers subject of 3 Penn State grants

Researchers aim to correlate seismic activity with glacier slip using pump tests and measurements of natural seismicity. The projects focus on stability of ice stream grounding zones and role of active subglacial lakes in ice sheet loss.

Disrupting male fertility

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying the harmful effects of DES on male testis development and function. Neonatal exposure to DES leads to reduced fertility in mice, with NR0B2 deficiency protecting against these effects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 2, 2009

Navy researchers apply science to fire fighting

Navy scientists have successfully tested high expansion foam as a fire suppression system, finding it effective in fighting fires in obstructed spaces. The Navy is also developing alternative firefighting agents, including propelled extinguishing agent technology (PEAT), to replace halon systems and provide weight-saving options for fu...

New insights into Australia's unique platypus

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have published unique research data on the world's only monotremes, providing new light on the platypus sex chromosome system. The team discovered a complex mechanism where sex chromosomes pair during sperm development in platypus.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian Journal of Zoology·DateNov 2, 2009

Modified Bluetooth speeds up telemedicine

A modified version of the Bluetooth wireless protocol enables faster patient data transfer, reducing connectivity problems in telemedicine. This allows for quicker medical image transfers, such as CT scans, to healthcare providers' personal digital assistants.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateNov 2, 2009

Mending meniscals in children, improving diagnosis and recovery

Meniscal tears in children can often be repaired successfully with appropriate treatment, with a high success rate of 75-90%. Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications and promote long-term health. Diagnosing meniscal tears requires simple physical exams and imaging tests, such as MRI, to accurately assess the injury.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateNov 2, 2009