Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2010 - Page 19


Page 19 of 27

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

Infectious virus hidden in chromosomes during latency can be passed from parents to children

A team of researchers at the University of South Florida discovered that a common herpesvirus can integrate its DNA into human chromosomes, allowing it to be passed down through generations. This finding raises concerns about disease risk and the potential for viral reactivation in individuals born with the virus's DNA in every cell.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2010

New insight on how fast nicotine peaks in the brain

Nicotine takes much longer to reach peak brain levels in smokers, contradicting traditional puff-by-puff spikes, and may depend on overall rate of accumulation, habit, and sensory cues. Smokers who eventually experience high nicotine levels without becoming addicted still lack clear explanations for their non-addictive status.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2010

Farm-to-school programs motivate school food service professionals

A study of farm-to-school programs reveals that school food service professionals are motivated by factors such as student enthusiasm and price, leading to improved nutritional offerings. The programs also benefit farmers by providing a stable market for locally grown produce, helping to promote healthful eating habits among children.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 8, 2010