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Science News Archive November 2009 - Page 3


Page 3 of 24

Oceanic crust formation is dynamic after all

Researchers have observed dynamic upwelling in the underlying mantle beneath a spreading center, leading to new crust formation. This finding resolves a long-standing debate regarding the relative importance of passive and dynamic upwelling in oceanic crust creation.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2009

Improving household energy efficiency would reduce emissions and improve public health in both richer and poorer nations

In low-income settings, household energy interventions have greater potential to improve public health than those in high-income countries. In the UK, combined insulation and behavioral changes can avert 5,500 premature deaths and save 41 megatonnes of CO2. In India, introducing efficient cooking stoves can benefit up to 87% of househo...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 25, 2009

1 of LA BioMed's founders to be honored

The American College of Physicians has awarded the Ralph O. Claypoole Sr. Memorial Award to Dr. Melvin R. Kaplan, one of LA BioMed's founders and a renowned internist. Dr. Kaplan has dedicated his career to patient care for over 60 years.

Cosmic 'dig' reveals vestiges of the Milky Way's building blocks

Astronomers have unveiled an extraordinary cosmic relic, Terzan 5, which formed in at least two different epochs, providing insights into the origin of the galactic bulge. The discovery suggests that Terzan 5 might be the surviving remnant of a disrupted dwarf galaxy contributing to the Milky Way's formation.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2009

Houses of the rising sun

Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified over 90% of Sicilian temples facing east, sparking new insights into Ancient Greek practices. The study suggests an 'astronomical fingerprint' may distinguish between Greek and native settlements.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 25, 2009

Startled flies may provide insight into ADHD

Researchers discovered two independent forms of arousal in fruit flies, with one mutation linked to increased startle response and decreased endogenous arousal. The findings suggest that environmentally stimulated arousal and sleep-wake transitions reflect distinct neural circuits, potentially shedding light on the neurobiology of ADHD.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 25, 2009

It's not just dirt!

Interactive e-lessons developed by soil science educators engage learners with active learning strategies, interactive Flash animations, and experiential activities. These lessons aim to help students and the public recognize the critical importance of soil in addressing various issues.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateNov 25, 2009

Computerized order entry/decision support systems: Effective solution to managing imaging utilization

Computerized provider order entry/decision support systems offer an education-focused method of utilization management, tracking physician performance and comparing scores to peers. This approach has been shown to reduce imaging utilization by 2.75%, 1.2%, and 1.3% for CT, MRI, and ultrasound respectively.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateNov 25, 2009

Study sheds light on brain's fear processing center

A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that breathing carbon dioxide can trigger panic attacks by increasing brain acidity, which activates a brain protein involved in fear and anxiety behavior. The study suggests new approaches for treating panic and anxiety disorders by targeting the brain protein ASIC1a.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCell·DateNov 25, 2009

New data emerges on liver transplant survival rates

Researchers found no statistically significant differences in post-transplant survival rates between cirrhotic patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcoholic liver disease. However, NASH patients were at increased risk for metabolic syndrome complications, including cardiovascular mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateNov 25, 2009

Reduced skin infections in Northern Australian Aboriginal children

A three-year study in remote communities found a significant reduction in skin sores among Aboriginal children, with over 6000 assessments conducted on nearly 2500 children. The program's success highlights the importance of local education and treatment, but ongoing efforts are needed to address underlying causes such as poor housing ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 24, 2009