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Science News Archive September 2009 - Page 9


Page 9 of 24

Race has little effect on people's ability to spot family resemblances

Researchers found that French and Senegalese participants could detect kinship with the same rate of success, regardless of their own racial background or exposure to other cultures. This contradicts previous theories suggesting that exposure plays a crucial role in facial recognition, particularly across different racial groups.

Nationwide study examines youth access to indoor tanning

A nationwide study found that many indoor tanning facilities allow young people to tan more than the recommended amount, with some states having strict laws in place. The study, published in Archives of Dermatology, suggests that stronger regulations are needed to reduce the risk of skin cancer among youth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateSep 21, 2009

November/December 2009 GSA Bulletin highlights

Recent studies published in the November/December 2009 GSA Bulletin reveal insights into the Cenozoic tectonics of Nicaragua and the Median Trough, as well as the stratigraphic signature of late Cenozoic Antarctic Ice Sheets. The research also explores bivergent thrust wedges surrounding oceanic island arcs in the northeastern Caribbea...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateSep 21, 2009

Insufficient levels of vitamin D puts elderly at increased risk of dying from heart disease

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals that older adults with insufficient vitamin D levels are more likely to die from heart disease. The research analyzed data from over 3,400 participants and found that those with low vitamin D levels were three times more likely to die from heart disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 21, 2009

Echoes of phlogiston in stem cell biology

Stem cell biology faces challenges in defining molecular characteristics, with potency and self-renewal not exclusive to stem cells. A new perspective suggests considering 'stemness' as a system property, rather than individual cell traits, which may lead to improved understanding of cancer stem cells.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateSep 21, 2009

Seasonality of mortality: Summer vacation link?

Researchers suggest a link between lower mortality rates in September and the preceding summer vacations in Mediterranean countries. The study found that extreme heat and cold are associated with increased risk of death, but also noted a physiological effect of increased vitamin D synthesis and stress-relieving benefits of time off.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 21, 2009

Radiologists find a technique to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography

Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin used prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography. The study compared retrospective and prospective ECG gating techniques, finding that image quality was equivalent but radiation doses differed substantially.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 21, 2009

How proteins talk to each other

Scientists at Burnham Institute identified novel cleavage sites for the caspase-3 enzyme, revealing that it targets α-helices as well as unstructured loops. This discovery challenges current dogma and offers new insights into protein signaling pathways.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 21, 2009

'Evolutionary forecasting' for drug resistance

Rice University biochemists are developing a system of 'evolutionary forecasting' to better understand the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. By sequencing genomes and analyzing molecular changes, they hope to identify patterns and rules governing how bacteria evolve to become drug-resistant.

A recipe for controlling carbon nanotubes

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a method to control the structure and function of single-walled carbon nanotubes. By varying the composition of a metal catalyst, they can produce semiconducting nanotubes with desired properties, opening up new possibilities for applications such as medicine delivery and en...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 20, 2009