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Science News Archive August 2010 - Page 22


Page 22 of 23

Oxygen fuels the fires of time

Scientists from The Field Museum and Royal Holloway University of London have discovered that high atmospheric oxygen concentrations in the past led to the evolution of new plant groups, such as conifers and flowering plants. This, in turn, may have promoted large and frequent wildfires, with implications for Earth's climate history.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 2, 2010

Students get a feel for soil-water relationships

A simple and inexpensive demonstration of soil water retention and field capacity helps students visualize and understand these concepts. The demonstration uses PVC rings, a trashcan, and a scale, illustrating the influence of soil texture, structure, and depth to the water table on soil water content.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateAug 2, 2010

Pilot safety protocol could help dentists reduce errors

A pilot-dentist duo proposes adapting airline crew resource management principles to dental offices, aiming to reduce human errors and improve patient safety. By implementing standardized safety procedures and empowering team members with CRM checklists, dentists can significantly reduce complications and deaths in surgical settings.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateAug 2, 2010

Women attracted to men in red, research shows

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that wearing red or being bordered by the color increases a man's attractiveness and sexual desirability among women. The researchers attribute this effect to the cultural association between red and high status, as well as biological roots in human behavior.

Boosting the efficacy of anticancer vaccines

Researchers developed an alphavirus vector to overcome neutralizing antibodies and Tregs, inducing clinically relevant immune responses in patients with metastatic cancer. Repeated administration led to longer overall patient survival, making the approach a promising therapeutic option.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 2, 2010

Purdue-IU team uncovers potential prostate cancer marker

A Purdue University-led team has found a molecular compound that appears to be useful in identifying cancerous and precancerous tissue in the prostate. The compound, cholesterol sulfate, is absent in healthy prostate tissue but present in prostate cancer tumors, making it a potential marker for the disease.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateAug 2, 2010

Pathological internet use among teens may lead to depression

A study of 1,041 Chinese teens found that pathological internet use was associated with a higher risk of developing depression. The research suggests that early intervention and prevention strategies targeting at-risk groups could reduce the burden of depression on young people.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 2, 2010

Is biochar the answer for ag?

A long-term study found that biochar can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by up to 73% and ammonium leaching by up to 94%, with reductions occurring over time due to 'ageing' of the biochars in soil. The research highlights the potential of biochar as a tool to mitigate climate change.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 2, 2010

Our brain can be taught to control cravings, Yale researcher finds

A new study by Yale University researcher Hedy Kober shows that smokers can control their cravings with the help of cognitive strategies, increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex and decreasing craving-related brain activity. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be an effective tool in treating substance use disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2010

Exercise and caloric restriction rejuvenate synapses in lab mice

Harvard researchers have found that exercise and caloric restriction can reverse the deterioration of nerve connections in older mice, a potential explanation for their age-related benefits. The study reveals that these lifestyle factors can attenuate or even reverse the decline in synapses, which are crucial for brain function.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2010

Researchers develop advanced search tool to help physician's sort and retrieve vital EMR data

Researchers have developed an advanced search tool called QPID to assist radiologists in extracting useful data from patients' electronic medical records. The system has already been implemented at Massachusetts General Hospital and is expected to have a significant impact on various departments within the hospital and outpatient clinics.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateAug 2, 2010