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Science News Archive February 2010 - Page 10


Page 10 of 22

The carbon cycle before humans

Researchers studied organic carbon-rich sediments from an ancient seabed to learn about a devastating event when oxygen levels in the oceans dropped so low that one-third of marine life died. The studies found that volcanic activity triggered a biogeochemical cascade, leading to a decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 16, 2010

Split-course palliative radiotherapy confirmed as effective treatment for advanced NSCLC

Research found that split-course palliative radiotherapy reduced patients' symptoms by 52-84% and provided long-lasting relief in 58% of cases. Cancer survival rates were not adversely affected by a two-week break in treatment, demonstrating the regimen's potential as an optimal option for symptom management.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 16, 2010

Photons led astray

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light have demonstrated that quantum particles can take both possible paths simultaneously in a random walk, leading to interference patterns and increased intensity at the edges. This breakthrough could provide new insights into statistical processes like photosynthesis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 16, 2010

Caltech researchers create highly absorbing, flexible solar cells with silicon wire arrays

A team of scientists from Caltech has created a new type of flexible solar cell that enhances the absorption of sunlight and efficiently converts its photons into electrons. The solar cell uses only a fraction of the expensive semiconductor materials required by conventional solar cells, making it potentially cheaper to produce.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 16, 2010

AGU journal highlights -- Feb. 16, 2010

Scientists discover that tidal forces may have triggered the devastating Sumatra earthquake of 2004 and that rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are leading to ocean-basin-wide acidification. A new catalog of terrestrial gamma ray flashes has also been created, providing insights into these mysterious bursts of energy.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 16, 2010

Autism's earliest symptoms not evident in children under 6 months

A new study has found that autism symptoms do not appear abruptly at 6 months, but rather emerge gradually and become apparent during the latter part of the first year of life. By 12 months, children with autism showed significant declines in social communication and eye contact compared to typically developing children.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 16, 2010

Focus on EU-funded research projects in trust and security

The EU's Framework Programmes have been a driving force in ICT Trust and Security research, with six ongoing FP6-IST projects submitting their papers to the Journal of Computer Security. The projects aim to convert know-how into economic advantages, while advancing security, privacy, and trust in new technologies.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Computer Security·DateFeb 16, 2010