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Science News for June 18, 2010


Surveillance may be suitable treatment option for patients with low-risk prostate cancer

A new study found that active surveillance is a suitable treatment option for patients with low-risk prostate cancer, resulting in lower mortality rates compared to radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. After a median follow-up of 8.2 years, the surveillance group had a higher percentage of deaths from competing causes.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 18, 2010

New role for ancient clock

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a direct link between the pancreas' molecular clock and insulin production, highlighting its role in regulating glucose homeostasis. The findings suggest that faulty clocks may contribute to the development of diabetes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2010

Scientists see billions of miles away

A team of scientists led by Jay Pasachoff observed the shiniest object in the solar system, 2002 TX300, a fragment of Haumea, using a network of telescopes. The measurements reveal its icy surface and size, confirming it as a small, reflective body with an age estimated to be around a billion years.

SourceWilliams College·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2010

Retooling the ocean conveyor belt

Researchers are rethinking the ocean conveyor belt model due to its limitations in accounting for eddies and wind field. The overturning of ocean waters may vary between ocean basins and be influenced by climate change, highlighting the need for a revised understanding of this critical process.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2010

Like fireflies, earthquakes may fire in synchrony

Researchers have discovered synchronized faults in California's Mojave Desert and Nevada's mountains, which can lead to simultaneous big quakes. This phenomenon occurs when faults are near their breaking points and aligned in their seismic cycles, changing the way we assess earthquake hazards.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 18, 2010

The key role of the oceans' subpolar regions in the climate control of the tropics is confirmed

A study published in Science reveals that the Northern Pacific and Southern Atlantic's subpolar regions have played a crucial role in shaping tropical climates. This research provides empirical evidence that high-latitude oceans can influence tropical climate patterns, with potential implications for future global warming scenarios.

Fly cells flock together, follow the light

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used a laser beam to activate a protein that makes a cluster of fruit fly cells behave like a school of fish, following the lead of one stimulated with light. This study holds potential importance for understanding embryonic development and tumor metastasis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 18, 2010

Are school wellness policies stuck in the Ice Age?

A study of Mississippi elementary teachers reveals that teachers feel little involvement in implementing their school wellness policies, leading to inadequate nutrition education. Researchers recommend involving teachers in policy making and providing resources to help them incorporate nutrition competencies into their lessons.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 18, 2010