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Science News Archive May 2010


Page 1 of 26

Warmer climate makes Baltic more salty

A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that climate change could lead to a decrease in river runoff and an increase in salinity in the Baltic Sea. This change could have significant consequences for the region's sensitive ecosystem, which relies on a delicate balance between salt and fresh water.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateMay 31, 2010

Powerful genome barcoding system reveals large-scale variation in human DNA

A powerful new genome barcoding system has revealed large-scale structural variations in the human genome, including variations of thousands to hundreds of thousands of DNA's smallest pieces. This technology allows for a comprehensive view of the human genome and may lead to breakthroughs in disease treatment and personalized genomics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2010

Breakthrough in stem cell culturing

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully cultured human embryonic stem cells under chemically controlled conditions without the use of animal substances. This breakthrough enables large quantities of human embryonic stem cells to be produced in a completely defined environment, paving the way for future clinical uses.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 31, 2010

Educational researcher devotes May issue to 'Report of the National Early Literacy Panel'

The May issue of Educational Researcher provides a significant scholarly review of the National Early Literacy Panel (NELP) Report, which presents findings on early literacy measures correlating with later literacy achievement. The report also examines teaching methods and language development in preschool and kindergarten settings.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateMay 31, 2010

Antidepressants in pregnancy increase risk of miscarriage

A new study published in CMAJ found a significant association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. The study, which analyzed data from over 5,000 women, found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, particularly at higher doses.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 31, 2010

New answers on rare childhood disease

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute created a new mouse model of multiple hereditary exostoses, a rare childhood disease characterized by abnormal bone growths. The study reveals the molecular basis of the disease and provides a tool to screen new treatments.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2010

The crime of mental illness

The article highlights the prevalence of mental health issues among prisoners and emphasizes the importance of training correctional staff, treatment programs, and community prevention programs. The editorial argues that society's values and understanding of mental health disorders contribute to this issue.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 31, 2010

Perspectives on computational biology methods

The Journal of General Physiology presents Perspectives on computational biology methods, including ab initio simulations and all-atom molecular dynamics. These approaches provide insights into membrane proteins and ion channels, highlighting the importance of multi-scale analysis in understanding physiological processes.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateMay 31, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Research reveals that group visits can significantly improve blood pressure in diabetics with hypertension but not blood sugar levels. Colorectal cancer risk increases with age and birth cohort, suggesting a potential burden to society. Opioid treatment agreements may not reduce misuse, and a new complication from contaminated cocaine ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 31, 2010

What happens when we get angry?

A new investigation reveals that anger provokes profound changes in the state of mind of individuals, as well as psychobiological parameters. Heart rate, arterial tension, and testosterone increase, but cortisol levels decrease. The study also highlights the complexity of emotions, with anger exhibiting unique patterns.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateMay 31, 2010

Liquid method: pure graphene production

Researchers have developed a liquid-based method to produce high-quality graphene, which could lead to novel carbon composites and more affordable touch screens. The new technique yields very pure material and has the potential to drive down costs in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 30, 2010

Put more nitrogen into milk, not manure

A study by US Department of Agriculture researchers found that only 20-35% of nitrogen fed to dairy cows is converted into milk, with 16-77% necessary for grass and other pasture plants. The research provides tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency, promoting better practices for farmers and reducing environmental impact.

Zeroing in on quantum effects

Physicists use iron oxychalcogenides to study Mott localization in undoped pnictide parent compounds, providing further evidence that these systems are on the verge of Mott localization. This proximity to Mott localization endows the system with strong quantum magnetic fluctuations.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 28, 2010

Following the sugar right from the start

Researchers have successfully attached imaging probes to glycans in zebrafish embryos just seven hours after fertilization, allowing for the first-ever images of glycan activity on embryonic cells. This new technique enables scientists to study physiological changes during embryogenesis without damaging the embryos.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2010

Yale researchers develop test to identify 'best' sperm

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a method to select sperm with the highest DNA integrity, comparable to the egg's natural selection abilities. The test identified a biochemical marker that allows clinicians to choose the best sperm for fertilization, improving male fertility rates.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Andrology·DateMay 28, 2010

Post-mortem of a comet

Researchers at the University of Leicester have dissected comet samples to reveal their true composition, shedding light on the Solar System's early stages and water delivery. They found unexpected signs of high-temperature iron oxides, raising questions about comet formation.

Novel protein essential for successful pregnancy

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel protein called Preimplantation Factor, which is crucial for successful pregnancy. The protein modulates maternal immunity and promotes early embryo attachment, influencing uterine cell remodeling.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 28, 2010

First horned dinosaur from Mexico

The newly discovered Coahuilaceratops magnacuerna is a rhino-sized plant-eater with massive horns up to 4 feet long and weighs around four to five tons. The species provides fresh insights into the Late Cretaceous period in Mexico, offering a new perspective on western North America's ecosystem.