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Science News for April 16, 2010


Improving network firewalls

Researchers have developed a method to analyze corporate firewall logs to identify errors and omissions. This approach, called traffic mining, can determine the actual rules applied by firewalls to incoming and outgoing network traffic.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Internet Protocol Technology·DateApr 16, 2010

Lunar polar craters may be electrified

Researchers found that solar wind flowing over lunar polar craters creates a complex electrical environment, affecting surface chemistry and dust cling. The team's calculations reveal that the inside walls and floor acquire a negative electric charge due to electron-ion separation, posing challenges for future exploration.

Diagnosis murder

A study by researchers at The University of Nottingham reveals the devastating impact of supermassive black holes on galaxies. These behemoths strip massive galaxies of cool gases required for new stars, causing ageing red giants to dwindle in existence.

Chinese scientists discover marker indicating the developmental potential of stem cells

Researchers have identified a cluster of small RNA that correlates with pluripotency in induced-pluripotent stem cells, enabling the distinction of more viable cell lines. This discovery is expected to improve the production of full pluripotent iPS cells and their application in disease therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 16, 2010

You've come a long way on film, baby!

The rise of female-driven movies marks a significant shift in Hollywood, with films like Precious and Sex and the City receiving critical acclaim. This change is attributed to a shift in identity from traditional 'chick flicks' to more topical and relevant stories for modern women.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe Journal of Popular Culture·DateApr 16, 2010

New insights into treatment options for patients suffering from severe alcoholic hepatitis

Results from two French studies presented at the International Liver CongressTM 2010 show that early liver transplantation can be proposed to non-respondents to steroids, while treatment with combined corticoids plus N-acetyl cysteine (C+NAC) increases survival rates in patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis. The studies add to growin...

Lionfish invasion continuing to expand

Scientists from Oregon State University are trying to address a looming crisis caused by the lionfish invasion in the Caribbean Sea. The invasive species is eating its way through entire ecosystems, reducing small fish populations by up to 79 percent and disrupting delicate ecological balances.