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Science News Archive December 2010 - Page 9


Page 9 of 21

Iridium memories

Researchers incorporated nanocrystals of iridium into flash memory designs, demonstrating excellent memory properties and thermal stability. Iridium's high work function and melting point make it an attractive option for improving nonvolatile memory with enhanced trapping ability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 14, 2010

A positive step in the face of uncertainty

ASU professors Patricia Gober and Craig Kirkwood assess the impact of climate change on water shortages in Phoenix. Their study provides options for solutions, including changing landscape type, limiting pools, and investing in leak fixes. By embracing uncertainty, residents can reduce risk and protect themselves from water scarcity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2010

Vaccine boosts your immune system

Researchers have discovered a protein that can prevent chronic tissue inflammation and boost the immune system. The therapeutic vaccine has been shown to effectively treat conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 14, 2010

Neonatal intensive care in Mexico is cost effective

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that neonatal intensive care provides substantial population health benefits in Mexico relative to its costs, even for very premature babies. The study suggests that including neonatal intensive care in Mexico's Seguro Popular program is highly efficient in terms of overall benefits provided com...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 14, 2010

Violent games not to blame for youth aggression

A new study published in Journal of Youth and Adolescence found no link between violent video games and serious acts of youth aggression or violence. Instead, depression was identified as a strong predictor of youth violence and aggression.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateDec 14, 2010

Go ahead, drink your milk

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no link between dairy consumption and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or total mortality. The research also revealed that drinking three glasses of milk per day may lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceGlobal Dairy Platform·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 14, 2010

Human umbilical cord blood cells found to enhance survival and maturation of key brain cells

USF researchers discovered that human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCB) promote the growth and differentiation of hippocampal neurons in both young and old laboratory animals. HUCBs have been found to enhance survival, maturation, and arborization of key brain cells, potentially benefiting treating brain injury and degenerative disease...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAging and Disease·DateDec 14, 2010

Team of scientists predicts continued death of forests in southwestern US due to climate change

A team of scientists predicts continued death of forests in the southwestern US due to climate change, with more severe fire events, higher tree mortality rates, and insect infestation. The study finds that warmer temperatures are negatively impacting tree growth, particularly in the spring and summer months.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2010

How Iapetus got its ridge

A team of researchers, including Washington University professor William B. McKinnon and associate professor Andrew Dombard, propose that Iapetus had a sub-satellite created by a giant impact, which eventually broke apart and formed the ridge. The study suggests that tidal forces played a crucial role in shaping the moon's unique feature.

Parkinson's disparities

A recent study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that African American patients and those with lower socioeconomic status have more advanced Parkinson's disease and greater disability when seeking treatment from specialists. This disparity is associated with earlier loss of independence and greater disease severity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateDec 13, 2010

Freshwater sustainability challenges shared by Southwest and Southeast, researchers find

Researchers found that both the Southwest and Southeast have insufficient water resources to support human needs, leading to a reliance on imported virtual water. The study highlights the need for new strategies in water storage and conservation across the US, particularly in regions with inland metropolitan areas.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2010

Research examines gender gaps in immigrant health

A new study by researchers at Duke University reveals that Mexican American men and women have different experiences with the US healthcare system, with men facing greater challenges as they age. Women, particularly those more recently arrived in the US, report poorer health due to their increased interactions with healthcare providers.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 13, 2010

USDA scientists discover how foot-and-mouth disease virus begins infection in cattle

Researchers discovered the FMD virus selectively infects epithelial cells in the nasopharynx after just six hours of exposure. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and potentially eradicate the disease, which causes significant economic losses globally.