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Science News for June 22, 2010


Genome sequence may lead to better methods to target lice

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully mapped the genome of the body louse, a human parasite that spreads through contact. The study identified key receptors in the louse's nervous system, which could be targeted for developing new, effective insecticides to combat head lice resistance.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2010

Danish children at risk from psychotropic medicines

A study found that psychotropic medications were associated with 429 adverse drug reactions in Danish children under 17, with serious reactions including birth defects and neonatal withdrawal syndrome. The researchers called for tighter controls on the prescription of these medicines to pregnant women.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateJun 22, 2010

Genetic septet in control of blood platelet clotting

Researchers found a group of seven genes that significantly impact platelet clumping, offering new targets for developing diagnostic tests and treatments for arterial disease. The study used data from two large studies to identify the genetic factors behind blood clotting, providing insights into promoting healing and stalling disease ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 22, 2010

AGU journal highlights -- June 22, 2010

A recent study found that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) explanation for global warming is flawed, with ENSO contributing less than a third of the signal. Meanwhile, researchers question whether permafrost thaw poses a reduced risk to global warming due to its potential impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 22, 2010

Wireless vs. wireless

Researchers found that 3G networks benefit from increasing Wi-Fi coverage percentage, particularly in densely populated areas. Conversely, Wi-Fi has an advantage when market penetration rates are high but coverage areas are limited.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Mobile Communications·DateJun 22, 2010

Sequencing of the human body louse genome

The sequencing of the human body louse genome reveals a surprisingly complete insect repertoire despite its obligate parasitic lifestyle. The compact genome contains 10,773 protein-coding genes and 57 microRNAs, providing valuable insights into host-parasite interactions and potential control methods.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2010

Incidence and reproduction numbers of pertussis

Analyses of serological and social contact data reveal that childhood vaccination against pertussis has led to a shift in the disease's burden, with adolescents and adults becoming reservoirs for asymptomatic infection. The study suggests that life-long protection through a vaccine could potentially eliminate pertussis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 22, 2010

Environmental scandal in Chile

Researchers discover rapid expansion of salmon farms in Chile's protected National Park, posing a significant threat to native sea lions and the entire ecosystem. The farms' waste, medication, and noise pollution are causing devastating impacts on the region's biodiversity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2010

Report describes the physics of the 'bends'

A new study published in the Journal of Chemical Physics suggests that decompression sickness is caused by the formation and loss of small gas bubbles in soft tissues. The researchers propose a model where these bubbles are stabilized by pockets of reduced pressure, allowing them to persist despite their expected collapse.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 22, 2010

Growing brain is particularly flexible

The brain is highly flexible during growth, with neuronal connections restructured through self-organisational processes. The number of nerve cells remains unchanged, but non-neuronal cells increase, enabling the visual cortex to adapt to new experiences.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2010

Research from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor offers clues to Alzheimer's disease

A study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor Peter M. Tessier has found that an organic compound in red wine, resveratrol, can neutralize the toxic effects of proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The research provides insights into the structural differences between toxic and benign peptide arrangements.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 22, 2010

Turning off the air conditioning helps save fuel

A study by Empa found that car air conditioning systems account for up to 30% of fuel consumption in hot climates, but turning off the system when the temperature drops below 18°C can save two-thirds of this extra consumption. The study also found that diesel vehicles consume less fuel with air conditioning on than petrol engines.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 22, 2010

Adaptation is (not) in the eye of the beholder

Researchers used DNA barcoding to reveal that parasites infecting freshwater fish mostly specialize on specific hosts, except for those targeting the eyes which can infect many different species and even frogs. This discovery may have practical benefits for wildlife managers and fish farmers.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 22, 2010

Quantum gas in free fall

Scientists from the Max Planck Institute and University of Hanover generate a Bose-Einstein condensate in zero gravity, extending measurement time by over tenfold. The experiment uses an atom chip to study the effects of gravitational fields on quantum gases.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2010

No link between early childhood cancers and living near mobile phone base station during pregnancy, says study

A study by Imperial College London found no association between mothers living near mobile phone base stations during pregnancy and their child's risk of developing cancer before age five. The researchers analyzed data from almost 7,000 children and estimated radio frequency exposures to mobile phone base stations over nine months of p...

Inheriting and bequeathing in Europe

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law propose extending the right of bequeather to choose the governing law, making it easier for beneficiaries of migrant workers to settle their estates. The proposal aims to standardize international inheritance laws across EU countries.