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Science News for August 23, 2010


Researchers gain focus on a bug with bifocals

The larvae of the sunburst diving beetle have been found to possess bifocal lenses in four of their twelve eyes, allowing for efficient switching between close-up and distance vision. This discovery has implications for biomedical engineering and imaging technology, with potential applications for humans.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 23, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that local fishermen exposed to oil clean-up efforts two years prior showed persistent airway injury, including increased prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms and biomarkers of pulmonary oxidative stress. The study suggests even short-term exposure to oil sediments may have detrimental health effects.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 23, 2010

Sensor important to understanding root, seedling development

A new biosensor developed at Purdue University can detect auxin movement in real-time, allowing scientists to better understand how the plant hormone regulates root growth. The sensor uses nanomaterials to create an electrical signal that measures auxin concentration, enabling instantaneous and continuous measurements during root growth.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateAug 23, 2010

Disasters especially tough on people with disabilities, mental disorders

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that disasters disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities and mental disorders, with significant barriers to housing, transportation, and disaster services still present two years after Hurricane Katrina. Researchers recommend case managers knowledgeable about ...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalRehabilitation Psychology·DateAug 23, 2010

Health diagnosis made simpler

Researchers at Arizona State University have created a new device that simplifies health diagnosis by detecting diseases quickly and at lower costs. The Integrascope uses superhydrophobic surfaces and LEDs to focus light on tiny particles, allowing for rapid detection of infectious agents or proteins in patient samples.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Precedings·DateAug 23, 2010

A cluster bomb for cancer care

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a nano-sized vehicle that can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into cancer cells while avoiding interaction with healthy cells. This technology has the potential to increase the efficiency of chemotherapeutic treatments while reducing their debilitating side effects.

Powerful new way to control magnetism

Scientists at Rutgers University discovered a material where an electric field controls the overall magnetic properties, leading to ultra-dense data storage. The effect could revolutionize small-scale magnetic bits and potentially lead to more dense storage devices than current terabyte discs.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 23, 2010

University of Colorado Denver Business School study shows failure better teacher than success

A new study by University of Colorado Denver Business School researchers found that organizations learn more from failure than success and retain that knowledge longer. The study's findings suggest that managers should treat failures as invaluable learning opportunities, encouraging the open sharing of information about them.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateAug 23, 2010

Visualizing viruses: new research pinpoints tiny invaders

Researchers have developed a new method for visualizing individual virus particles, enabling a more detailed understanding of these minute pathogens. The technique, known as surface plasmon resonance microscopy, allows for the detection and measurement of viral mass, with a detection limit rivaling conventional methods by three to four...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2010

New analysis weighs lost trade, costs to control invasive species against economic damages

Economists Santanu Roy and Lars J. Olson analyze the balance between controlling invasive species and free trade, finding that some restrictions may be necessary to prevent economic damage while allowing for entry when damages are low. Their study provides a qualitative framework for policymakers to determine optimal response strategies.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateAug 23, 2010

CSR origins earlier than supposed

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be traced to The World's Work magazine from November 1900. Arthur W. Page, editor of the magazine, advocated for sustainability, labor rights, and consumer education in his editorials. His actions as a vice president at AT&T further solidified CSR principles.

Polyphenol antioxidants inhibit iron absorption

Research by Penn State scientists found that certain polyphenols, such as grape seed extract and EGCG in green tea, inhibit iron absorption. The polyphenols bind to iron in intestinal cells, forming a complex that cannot be transported into the bloodstream.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 23, 2010

What the locals ate 10,000 years ago

Researchers at Brigham Young University have uncovered evidence of a new diet in the North Creek Shelter, a 10,000-year-old archaeological site on the Colorado Plateau. The study reveals that early humans in the region consumed small seeds, including sage brush seeds, as well as deer and other game.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalKIVA·DateAug 23, 2010