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Science News Archive February 2010 - Page 15


Page 15 of 22

Urbanization, export crops drive deforestation

A new study reveals that urban growth and agricultural exports are major drivers of tropical deforestation, contrary to previous assumptions. The study found that industrial-scale clearing in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Cambodia is driven by demand for products like palm oil, soybeans, and meat.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 9, 2010

Brain scans track hoop fans' happy memories

Researchers at Duke University used brain scans to study the emotional impact of sports on memory. The study found that fans remember successful shots by their own team better than misses or opposing team successes. Positive emotion improves memory and activates multiple brain areas, including the amygdala and hippocampus.

New UC Davis study: Climate 'tipping points' may arrive without warning, says top forecaster

A new UC Davis study finds that sudden shifts in Earth's natural systems can occur with no warning, making it difficult to prevent or prepare for major changes. The study suggests that some effects of climate change on ecosystems may only be seen once the effects are dramatic, making return to a desirable state nearly impossible.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 9, 2010

Predicting effectiveness of flu vaccination campaigns

A new study predicts the impact and cost-effectiveness of different vaccination options for pandemic influenza, revealing that prioritizing high-risk individuals is likely very cost-effective. The model was applied to the 2009 H1N1 outbreak and accurately predicted when the epidemic would peak and who should be vaccinated.

SourceElsevier·JournalVaccine·DateFeb 9, 2010

March/April 2010 GSA Bulletin Highlights

This article highlights new findings on late Cenozoic deformation in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, an important structure in the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone. The study also reports on a crucial upper age bound for the disappearance of the North Tian Shan Ocean and collision between the Yili and Junggar blocks in western China.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateFeb 9, 2010

Cells can read damaged DNA without missing a beat

Researchers found that cells' DNA-reading machinery can bypass certain types of damaged DNA, leading to mutagenesis and potential antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This discovery has important implications for understanding how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2010

SAGE to publish the Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry

The Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry will be published by SAGE beginning with volume 59 in 2011. The journal focuses on significant advances in visual techniques providing biochemical and molecular information about cells, tissues, and organs.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry·DateFeb 9, 2010

Resistant wheat goes for the gut to protect against Hessian flies

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that resistant wheat plants stave off attacks by Hessian fly larvae by destroying their midgut and preventing nutrient absorption. The study found that the midgut disruption is caused by a toxic substance called lectin, which is produced by the plant in response to the fly's presence.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Insect Physiology·DateFeb 9, 2010

IQ among strongest predictors of CVD -- second only to cigarette smoking in large population study

A large population study found that lower IQ scores were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and total mortality, surpassing the risk linked to smoking. The study also identified other risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, and low physical activity.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation·DateFeb 9, 2010

Great tits: birds with character

Researchers found a strong association between the DRD4 gene and novelty seeking behavior in great tits, but results varied across different populations. The study's findings mirror those of human research, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role in shaping personality traits.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 9, 2010

Handling emergencies online

Research suggests that online social networking sites can facilitate faster information dissemination, provide timely information sources, and re-connect people affected by disasters. However, concerns about technology failure, credibility, and usability issues need to be addressed in developing emergency online networks.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Management·DateFeb 9, 2010

The Glass Cliff: Female representation in politics and business

Research by Dr. Michelle Ryan found that women are more likely to be appointed to powerful leadership positions when an organization is in crisis or high-risk circumstances, a phenomenon known as the 'glass cliff'. This stereotype is often reinforced and self-perpetuating, with women continuing to face challenges in politics and business.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateFeb 9, 2010

Study: Cell-phone bans while driving have more impact in dense, urban areas

A new study analyzing the impact of hand-held cell phone legislation on driving safety concludes that usage-ban laws had more of an impact in densely populated urban areas with a higher number of licensed drivers than in rural areas. The study found lower fatal accident rates and personal injury accidents in counties with high driver d...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateFeb 8, 2010

Chocoholic mice fear no pain

A study found that stressed mice seek chocolate despite painful consequences, mirroring human compulsive eating behavior. Researchers trained mice with a history of hunger to overcome their fear of certain foods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateFeb 8, 2010