Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2010 - Page 21


Page 21 of 21

Long term exposure to pesticides may be linked to dementia

A study of 614 vineyard workers in South West France found a link between long-term pesticide exposure and declining cognitive abilities, including lower scores on memory and recall tests. The researchers suggest that higher risks of dementia may be associated with pesticide exposure.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateDec 1, 2010

Discovery triples number of stars in universe

Astronomers at Yale University have discovered that small red dwarfs are much more prolific than previously believed, increasing the total number of stars in the universe. The discovery found 20 times more red dwarfs in elliptical galaxies than in the Milky Way, with potential implications for galaxy formation and evolution.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2010

Poor stream health imperils fish

The southeastern United States is home to a diverse array of fish species, but poor stream health poses a significant threat to their survival. The region's growing population and increasing demands on water resources have led to widespread degradation of aquatic habitats.

New psychology theory at Rensselaer enables computers to mimic human creativity

A new explanation of how humans solve problems creatively has been introduced, providing a roadmap for building systems that perform like humans. The theory proposes the coexistence of two types of knowledge and processing: explicit and implicit. By incorporating this principle, computers can now mimic human creativity in problem-solving.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPsychological Review·DateDec 1, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 1, 2010

Researchers identified a crucial protein, LXR-beta, involved in the negative side effects of glucocorticoid drugs. Targeting this protein may lead to safer drug designs. Additionally, TXNL2 is found to protect human breast cancer cells from oxidative stress, while mutations in SLC1A1 cause rare kidney disorder dicarboxylic aminoaciduria.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2010

Finger length points to prostate cancer risk

Men with longer index fingers are at a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, while those with shorter index fingers are more likely to be diagnosed. The study found that men aged under 60 were 87% less likely to have prostate cancer if their index finger was longer than their ring finger.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateDec 1, 2010