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Science News Archive August 2010 - Page 9


Page 9 of 23

Less is more for a hungry bat

Researchers discovered that the barbastelle bat can catch earless moths by using an unusual whispering strategy. By producing quieter echolocation calls than other bats, the barbastelle can hear unsuspecting moths before they become aware of its presence, giving it an advantage in hunting.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 19, 2010

Proof that a gut-wrenching complaint -- irritable bowel syndrome -- is not in your head

Biologists at TUM have discovered mini-inflammations in the gut mucosa that upset the balance of the bowel and cause IBS symptoms. The team's research suggests that treating IBS with antihistamines may improve symptoms by normalizing nerve activity. Successful identification of physical causes could lead to effective treatments for IBS.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 19, 2010

Maslow's pyramid gets a much needed renovation

Researchers at Arizona State University update Maslow's pyramid to reflect new findings on evolutionarily fundamental motives. The revamped pyramid places parenting atop the hierarchy, alongside mate acquisition and mate retention, shifting away from self-actualization as a top need.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateAug 19, 2010

Galactic super-volcano in action

Astronomers studying a galactic black hole have found similarities between its eruption and the Eyjafjallajokull volcano on Earth. The cosmic eruption prevents hundreds of millions of new stars from forming by lifting cooler gas upwards.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 19, 2010

How flies set their cruising altitude

Fruit flies establish a fixed height by tracking horizontal edges and fly at the same altitude as these features. The researchers used a virtual-reality space to track the flies' movements and confirmed that edge tracking is the primary mechanism.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 19, 2010

Addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy for stomach cancer extends survival by nearly 3 months, but is it cost effective?

A phase 3 trial found trastuzumab improves median survival to 13.8 months for HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer patients, with a 26% reduction in death rate compared to chemotherapy alone. The treatment's cost effectiveness is questioned due to its estimated £13,857 per patient cost and $55,000 cost per life-year gained.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 19, 2010

Black women with SLE develop cardiovascular disease at early age

A recent study found significant racial disparities in the age of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients at the time of hospital admission for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and CVD-related death. Black women were youngest to both be admitted with CVD and to have an in-hospital death due to CVD.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateAug 19, 2010

Scientist IDs genes that promise to make biofuel production more efficient, economical

A University of Illinois scientist has identified four genes that increase alcohol tolerance in yeast, leading to higher ethanol yields and productivity. The discovery aims to make biofuel production more efficient and economical by reducing the toxic effects of biofuels on yeast.

Homework wars: How can parents improve the odds of winning?

According to a study at the University of Michigan, children who see homework as an investment rather than a chore are more likely to spend time on it. The researchers found that students who expected to have a job dependent on their education were more likely to invest time in homework and had better grades over time.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateAug 19, 2010

Discovery opens door to therapeutic development for FSH muscular dystrophy

A recent study has revealed a model for understanding Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), which is linked to the generation of toxic RNA that damages muscle cells. Variations in chromosome 4 play a crucial role in this process, and researchers have identified potential new treatments by silencing the effects of this RNA.