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Science News for June 25, 2010


Aggressive action to reduce soot emissions needed to meet climate change goals

Researchers found that eliminating soot pollution from diesel engines and coal sources would provide the world with an additional eight years to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This study aimed to standardize estimates of soot's contribution to global warming, emphasizing the need for further research.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2010

Wet era on early Mars was global

New research suggests that liquid water existed all over Mars during its early history, with studies of minerals found in craters revealing a global alteration by water. The discovery provides clues about the planet's potential habitability and suggests sites for future landers.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2010

Rushing too fast to online learning?

A new study by Northwestern University researchers suggests that online classes may have negative consequences for lower-performing and language minority students. The study found modest evidence that live-only instruction results in higher learning outcomes than internet instruction, particularly for relatively low-achieving students.

New diagnostic test for bladder cancer

Researchers have developed a novel assay to test for multiple tumor markers in bladder cancer using custom-designed MLPA with multiple short synthetic probes. The study found paired tumor and urine samples showed identical marker patterns, suggesting this assay may be used for non-invasive diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateJun 25, 2010

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers have made significant discoveries in the fields of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, revealing new insights into the role of neutrophils and hyperploidy. A study found that neutrophils contribute to atherosclerosis, while another discovered that hyperploid neurons are more prone to cell death in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 25, 2010

Down with jet lag

Researchers found that individual organs' internal clocks synchronize with the external time at varying speeds, leading to discoordination of physiological processes. The adrenal gland plays a key role in this adaptation, and manipulating corticosterone production can help rodents recover from jet lag faster.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2010