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Science News Archive August 2010 - Page 8


Page 8 of 23

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

ASIR technique reduces radiation dose associated with coronary CTA by 27 percent

The adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique has been shown to reduce the radiation dose associated with coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) by 27 percent. This novel method allows for a reduction in tube current while maintaining diagnostic image quality, demonstrating an additive effect on existing te...

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 20, 2010

Oxytocin: It's a mom and pop thing

Researchers found that oxytocin levels in fathers were not different from those in mothers, suggesting that other aspects of parenthood stimulate oxytocin release in fathers. Oxytocin was also linked to parent-specific styles of interaction, with mothers showing more affectionate parenting and fathers exhibiting more stimulatory contact.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 20, 2010

Electronic tracking system can improve follow-up after an abnormal Pap test

Using an electronic medical record (EMR) tracking system can improve follow-up after an abnormal Pap test, leading to increased diagnostic resolution and faster treatment times. The study found that physicians who used this tracking system had significantly shorter times to diagnosis compared to traditional methods.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 20, 2010

Juelich researchers take a look inside molecules

Researchers at Juelich have developed a method to study the inner structure of molecules using a scanning tunneling microscope, revealing detailed information on atomic irregularities and charge distribution. The technique uses a small molecule with deuterium atoms to enhance sensitivity for organic molecules.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 2010

Cigarette smoke causes harmful changes in the lungs even at the lowest levels

A new study found that even low levels of secondhand smoke and infrequent smoking can cause harmful genetic changes in the lungs, leading to an increased risk of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research suggests that no level of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke is safe.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 20, 2010

A stable office for the IMU

The Weierstrass Institute at Berlin has been selected to host the permanent office of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), ending a years-long moveable office. A Committee reviewed proposals from institutions worldwide and recommended the Weierstrass Institute as the ideal location for the stable office.

People don't really like unselfish colleagues

Research found that unselfish workers who volunteer for tasks and take on details are also among those most wanted to be voted off a team. This phenomenon occurs because others perceive these individuals as setting an unrealistic standard, making themselves appear worse by comparison.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 20, 2010

Winners of the 2010 IMU prizes

The 2010 International Mathematical Union prizes were awarded to four mathematicians: Elon Lindenstrauss, Ngô Bảo Châu, Stanislav Smirnov, and Cédric Villani. Lindenstrauss received the Fields Medal for his work on measure rigidity in ergodic theory and its applications to number theory.

Surfing for earthquakes

Researchers have developed a web portal that allows seismologists to study noise for analyzing the Earth's structure, leading to better understanding of earthquakes. The system enables smaller groups to perform complex analysis previously limited to large organizations.

New molecular signaling cascade increases glucose uptake

Researchers identified a novel protein called SNARK, which plays a key role in regulating glucose transport during muscle contraction and exercise. The study shows that SNARK mediates contraction-stimulated glucose transport, providing an alternative pathway for increasing glucose uptake in individuals with insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2010

Street outreach workers an important tool for violence prevention and intervention

A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers finds that street outreach workers are a crucial tool for preventing and intervening in youth violence. The program, run by the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC), incorporates elements like peacemaking, resource provision, and community partnerships to achieve success.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProgress in Community Health Partnerships Research Education and Action·DateAug 20, 2010

September 2010 Geology and GSA Today highlights

This article highlights various scientific discoveries in September 2010 Geology, including a study on Neoproterozoic ice ages and their impact on the environment. Researchers also investigate stress-driven failure during fracture array growth and explore the relationship between Antarctic glaciation and tropical rain belt migration.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateAug 20, 2010