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Science News Archive December 2010 - Page 17


Page 17 of 21

Challenging HIV through social networking

A study by Young and Rice found that online social networking has both positive and negative effects on sexual risk behaviors in homeless youth, with potential for increased risks but also opportunities for effective health communication and information portals.

SourceSpringer·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateDec 6, 2010

Brand recognition can help hotels survive economic downturns

Research by Penn State and University of Gothenburg found that brand named hotels outperformed independent hotels in economic downturns. Branded hotels registered significantly higher net operating income during recessions due to increased occupancy, while independent hotels charged higher room rates due to perceived uniqueness.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateDec 6, 2010

A DEDD cert to support embryo development

A recent study has identified DEDD protein as essential for the formation of a functional decidua in mice. Defective DEDD function may be responsible for female infertility. The researchers suggest further investigation into the relationship between DEDD dysfunction and infertility in women.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2010

Peer pressure can keep you healthy

A study of 3610 Australian women found that social norms play a significant role in promoting physical activity and healthy eating behaviors. Women who surrounded themselves with friends who engaged in healthy behaviors were more likely to adopt similar habits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateDec 6, 2010

Learning the language of bacteria

Researchers have discovered a class of molecules that can target quorum sensing, a key mechanism used by bacteria to communicate and coordinate their behavior. By blocking this system, scientists hope to develop new drugs that can prevent bacterial infections without promoting resistance.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalChemBioChem·DateDec 6, 2010

Scientists announce discovery of first horned dinosaur from South Korea

The newly identified genus Koreaceratops hwaseongensis is the first ceratopsian dinosaur from the Korean peninsula, featuring a parrot-like face and unique fan-shaped tail. It lived approximately 5-6 feet long and weighed around 60-100 pounds, indicating it was relatively small compared to its giant relatives.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateDec 6, 2010

New microscopic life aboard the RMS Titanic

Researchers have identified a new bacterium that contributes to the deterioration of the RMS Titanic's exterior, accelerating metal corrosion. The novel Halomonas titanicae has been found to adhere to steel surfaces, creating corrosion products.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateDec 6, 2010

Early physical therapy for low back pain associated with less subsequent health care utilization

A new study published in Spine found that patients who received early physical therapy after an episode of low back pain were less likely to receive epidural steroid injections, lumbar surgery, and frequent physician visits. This suggests that prompt access to physical therapy can lead to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

University of Miami Rosenstiel School professor receives prestigious geophysics award

Tim Dixon received the 2010 George P. Woollard Award for his groundbreaking research in space geodesy, which has paved the way for studying earthquake hazard, volcanic processes, and climate change. His work has also contributed to understanding subsidence in Mexico City and the melting of the Greenland ice cap.

Seeing the world differently

Researchers found that individual volunteers' perceptions of optical illusions varied greatly due to differences in brain size. The primary visual cortex area affects the extent to which we see visual illusions.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 5, 2010

The LouseBuster returns

A new study by the University of Utah found that the LouseBuster is highly effective in killing head lice and nits, with 94.8% mortality rate. The device uses warm air to dry out lice and nits, making it a safe and easy treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateDec 5, 2010