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Science News for March 9, 2010


New study questions benefits of elective removal of ovaries during hysterectomy

A new study suggests that elective removal of ovaries during hysterectomy may not be beneficial and could even increase the risk of other health problems. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 women who underwent the procedure, finding a link between oophorectomy and increased risks of coronary artery disease and hip fractures.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology·DateMar 9, 2010

You have your MoM's ions

A study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found correlations between maternal and infant cobalt and chromium levels in patients with metal-on-metal hip implants. Elevated ion levels were detected in infants, suggesting the placenta modulates metal ion transfer to the fetus.

ARS study provides a better understanding of how mosquitoes find a host

Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have discovered how the yellow-fever-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito detects the specific chemical structure of octenol, a compound emitted by mammals. The study shows that mosquitoes tap into the 'handedness' of molecules to detect this compound.

From the desk lamp to the desktop?

Researchers from Germany have developed a way to encode wireless broadband signals using desk lamps, exploiting synergy between illumination and information. The system uses visible-frequency wireless with all the bandwidth one could want, achieving record speeds of up to 230 Mbit/s with commercial LEDs.

SourceOptica·DateMar 9, 2010

Vilcek prizes in biomedical science awarded

Dr. Alexander Varshavsky, a pioneer in ubiquitin research, receives the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for elucidating the process of regulated protein degradation. Dr. Harmit Malik, a young researcher, wins the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise for his innovative approach to genetic conflict and its implications for human diseases.

Papaya extract thwarts growth of cancer cells in lab tests

Researchers at the University of Florida have found that papaya extract thwarts the growth of cancer cells in lab tests, boosting the production of key signaling molecules and suggesting possible therapeutic strategies. The extract did not show toxic effects on normal cells, consistent with reports from indigenous populations.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Ethnopharmacology·DateMar 9, 2010

Divine intervention? New research looks at beliefs about God's influence in everyday life

A new study from the University of Toronto found that most Americans believe God is directly involved in their personal affairs, with 82% relying on God for help and guidance. Higher education and income levels are associated with lower beliefs in divine intervention, but surprisingly, more religiously active individuals in these group...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSociology of Religion·DateMar 9, 2010

Sources of pollution in waterways

A recent study found that stormwater runoff is the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants in the New York/New Jersey Harbor. The study estimated that stormwater runoff contributes about half of the total PAH load to the harbor. The researchers also identified gaps in data, particularly for stormwater runoff ...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 9, 2010

Decoding the long calls of the orangutan

Researchers decoded Orangutan long calls, discovering they convey individual identity and context. Females can distinguish between spontaneous and aroused calls, reacting differently to each. Long calls may serve to repel rivals or predators, a key finding that sheds light on Orangutan communication.

SourceWiley·JournalEthology·DateMar 9, 2010

NYU Courant professor wins NSF's Waterman Award

Subhash Khot, a NYU Courant professor, has received the NSF's Waterman Award for his work on computational complexity and its significance in computer security. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research on the Unique Games Problem, which sheds light on computationally intractable problems with far-reaching consequences.

Smelling the scenery in stereo

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered that desert ants can locate odour sources in a map-like manner and use this information for navigation. The ants need both antennae to smell the scenery in stereo, enabling precise location of their nests after foraging for food.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 9, 2010