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Science News Archive June 2010 - Page 10


Page 10 of 24

Cycad pest uses small size to hide from predators

Researchers have found that a tiny alien insect pest called cycad aulacaspis scale (CAS) can hide in hard-to-reach areas of native cycad plants, allowing it to evade natural enemies. The study's findings suggest the need for a new biological control organism that can target CAS in its secret hiding places.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalHortScience·DateJun 21, 2010

Ear tubes appear safe for children with cochlear implants

A study found that ear tubes do not increase the risk of complications in children with cochlear implants. The authors suggest that ear tube management does not adversely affect outcomes in pediatric ears. The study included 78 ears from 62 children, with no cases of meningitis or removal of cochlear implants due to infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJun 21, 2010

Ocean stirring and plankton patchiness

Computer simulations reveal how ocean stirring and mixing create filamentary structures in plankton patches, resisting dispersal. The research, supported by the Natural Environmental Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, provides new insights into plankton patchiness.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 21, 2010

Humans have a mighty bite

A new study found that early modern humans didn't need tools or cooking to process hard foods; instead, they may have lost ability to eat tough items like tubers or leaves. Modern humans have efficient bites using less-powerful jaw muscles, contrary to previous suggestions about a weaker bite in favor of a larger brain.

Increasing potato production

Researchers found that improving soil structure was a significant variable contributing to positive potato yield. Supplementing traditional soil sampling with spectral measurement provided detailed insights into how the potato crop interacts with its environment.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJun 21, 2010

More than skin deep, tanning product of sun's rays

Researchers found that tanning is a response to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation, particularly in middle and high latitudes. This adaptation helps protect humans from harmful effects of sunlight, including vitamin D deficiency and folate destruction.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2010

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute develop new method for mass-producing graphene

A new technique enables large-scale production of high-quality graphene at room temperature using a molecular wedge, resulting in undamaged graphene dispersed in water. The researchers used the graphene to build chemical sensors and ultracapacitors with high-performance applications in environmental sensing and energy storage.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 21, 2010

Harmful bacteria carried by pigeons

Researchers found Campylobacter jejuni and Chlamydophila psittaci in 69.1% and 52.6% of pigeons in Madrid, respectively. These bacteria can cause diarrhea in humans through aerosols, direct contact, or contaminated food and water.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalActa Veterinaria Scandinavica·DateJun 21, 2010

Physician-journalist guidelines proposed in wake of Haiti earthquake

The article proposes three rules for physician-journalists covering disasters, including prioritizing medical emergencies over reporting duties and seeking parental consent before featuring children on news reports. These guidelines aim to balance the dual responsibilities of physician-reporters and protect their patients from exploita...

SourceSAGE·JournalElectronic News·DateJun 21, 2010

New drugs to relieve cancer pain

Researchers have discovered a new group of drugs that could provide effective cancer pain relief with minimal side effects. The drugs, developed in collaboration between the Universities of Leicester and Ferrara, act on two targets simultaneously to reduce tolerance.

Country action is needed for maternal and child health in Africa

Two new articles analyze the current status of maternal, newborn, and child health in Africa, identifying interventions that hold the greatest potential for preventing maternal and child deaths. The studies conclude that prioritizing high-impact outreach interventions could save millions of lives and cost an estimated $1.21 per capita.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 21, 2010

JDR increases its 5-Year SIF and remains number one dental journal of 64 in its category

The Journal of Dental Research (JDR) has maintained its number one ranking in the 'Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine' category, according to the new 2009 Five-Year Scientific Impact Factor (SIF) rankings. The JDR's SIF increased from 3.966 to 4.195, demonstrating its continued importance and relevance in the field.

Seasonality of child abuse a myth

A new study of child homicides found that fatalities are evenly distributed across all months, contradicting widespread notions of increased risk during winter holidays. Experts emphasize that prevention efforts should be a year-round priority, as common stressors on caregivers like tantrums and accidents occur throughout the year.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 21, 2010