Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2010 - Page 5


Page 5 of 20

Monitoring peatland from Earth and space

Scientists develop a new technique to measure spatial patterning in peatland surfaces, enabling improved monitoring of damage caused by human activity. Airborne laser scanning instruments can detect fine-scale structures like hummocks and hollows, critical for tracking climate change.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJan 25, 2010

Scientists achieve first rewire of genetic switches

Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in regulating genes by hijacking riboswitches, opening doors for targeted drug discovery and synthetic biology. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses synthetic molecules to activate genes previously controlled by small naturally occurring molecules.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2010

JCI table of contents: Jan. 25, 2010

Researchers found that adding three specific molecules to a vaccine increased the effectiveness of protective T cell responses in mice. The quality, not just the quantity, of these responses was enhanced. This discovery could lead to new adjuvants for improving vaccine efficacy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2010

Natural pest control saves coffee berry

A previously unknown predatory thrips species, Karnyothrips flavipes, has been identified as a predator of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei. This discovery could have significant implications for integrated pest management in coffee-producing countries.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJan 25, 2010

8 global health agencies call for better global health data

Global health agencies urge stronger collection, analysis, and use of health data to evaluate the impact of health programs and policies. The eight agencies propose four actions to strengthen health data collection, including increasing investments in health information and developing a common data architecture.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 25, 2010

Superconducting hydrogen?

Scientists have modeled three hydrogen-dense metal alloys and found that superconductivity can be induced by high pressure, with transition temperatures as low as -423°F. The study suggests that the superconducting state comes from electron interaction with vibrational energy through the lattice.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2010

Men feel less guilt

Men experience lower levels of guilt compared to women, particularly in interpersonal situations, with a greater prevalence of anxious-aggressive guilt among women, especially those over 40. Educational practices and socializing agents can help reduce this trend.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalThe Spanish Journal of Psychology·DateJan 25, 2010

Sodium contents of processed foods decoded

Researchers from The George Institute for International Health conducted a systematic survey to monitor sodium content in Australian processed foods. The study provides valuable tools for continued monitoring and reformulation efforts to lower sodium levels, ultimately reducing the risk of elevated blood pressure among Australians.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition - 2017·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 25, 2010

How arthritis thrives

A Tel Aviv University expert reviews the links between autoimmune diseases, infections, genetics, and the environment. Environmental factors such as hairspray, lipstick, second-hand smoke, food chemicals, and UV exposure are found to trigger the onset of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAutoimmunity Reviews·DateJan 25, 2010

Insulin research points way to better diabetes treatments

Scientists have identified common features of super active insulins, shedding light on their molecular structure and interaction with insulin receptors. The research holds promise for developing more sophisticated treatments for Type I diabetes, potentially offering controlled or injection-free therapies.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2010

Gecko's lessons transfer well

A Rice University researcher has found a way to transfer forests of aligned carbon nanotubes from one surface to another in minutes. The technique uses water vapor to weaken chemical bonds between the tubes and the catalyst particles, allowing for precise control over the diameter of the nanotubes

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 25, 2010