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Science News Archive June 2010 - Page 8


Page 8 of 24

Separation between Neanderthal and Homo sapiens might have occurred 500,000 years earlier

A study analyzing ancient teeth found that it's possible to correctly identify species with a success rate ranging from 60% to 80%. Computer simulation was used to observe the effects of environmental changes on morphology of the teeth. The research suggests that the common ancestor of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens may still be unknown.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateJun 23, 2010

Rice wins $3.7 million for cancer research

Rice University researchers, led by John McDevitt, have been awarded $3.7 million to develop a cost-effective Bio-Nano-Chip that can detect early warning signs of disease. The technology has the potential to cut treatment time and costs, enabling emergency medical technicians to perform tests at home or in an ambulance.

Swiss media likely to twist positive health messages

A study published in BMC Research Notes found that public health campaigns in Swiss media frequently featured negative threats despite a focus on positive, gain-framed messages. Regional newspapers played a crucial role in reporting the campaign, producing more detailed articles than other media outlets.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateJun 23, 2010

Selective estrogen targeting to protect the heart and blood vessels

Researchers discovered an estrogen-dendrimer conjugate that selectively targets heart-protective pathways in mice, promoting cardiovascular protection without stimulating uterine enlargement or breast cancer growth. The findings pave the way for potential therapeutic interventions targeting non-nuclear estrogen receptors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 23, 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