Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2010 - Page 19


Page 19 of 26

Minilab can quickly identify antibiotic residues in milk, before it leaves the barn

A fully automated minilab developed by Munich researchers can quickly identify antibiotic residues in milk, providing a fast and simple solution to the current laborious and expensive testing method. The system takes just under six minutes to produce a result, reducing production losses and disposal costs for the dairy industry.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMay 7, 2010

Older people in assisted-living facilities sleep poorly

A study of 121 older adults in Los Angeles ALFs found that 65% had clinically significant sleeping problems, associated with lower quality of life and increased depression. Poor sleep was also linked to a worsening of health-related quality of life and more symptoms of depression over time.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 7, 2010

How does ice flow?

Researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute have developed a novel vibroseismic measurement method to investigate the internal structure of Antarctic ice shelves. This technique allows for more efficient and environmentally friendly data collection, enabling better forecasts of future sea level changes.

Slimming aid from the cell laboratory?

A study by the Helmholtz Association found that COX-2 inflammation enzyme increases in white fat tissue after cold exposure, stimulating the formation of brown fat cells. The scientists also discovered that boosting COX-2 production in mice leads to a 20% reduction in body weight.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2010

Is it necessary to prevent venous thrombosis after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma?

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that antithromboembolic prophylaxis is not necessary for cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resection, as the risk of venous thromboembolism is low. However, the presence of esophageal varices may contraindicate prophylaxis due to increased risk of postoperative hemorrhage.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 7, 2010

42,226 daily temperature readings, and counting

A rare weather station has recorded daily temperatures for 114 years, confirming a warming climate. The Mohonk Preserve's consistent temperature records show a rise of 2.63 degrees Fahrenheit, matching global measurements and tracking the expected land trend closely.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateMay 7, 2010

Ancient leaves help researchers understand future climate

By studying fossil plant remains, scientists can gain insights into past temperatures and environmental conditions. The researchers found that water availability and plant type significantly impact the exchange of carbon isotopes between plants and the atmosphere.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2010

Endometrial stem cells restore brain dopamine levels

Researchers successfully transplanted endometrial stem cells into the brains of mice with a Parkinson-like condition, restoring partially dopamine levels. This finding raises the possibility of women serving as their own stem cell donors and banks being established for men and women with Parkinson's disease.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateMay 6, 2010

Social context may be a better indicator of obesity disparities than race

Researchers found comparable obesity rates in white and black women living in similar social conditions. The study suggests that socioeconomic status and environmental factors play a significant role in explaining obesity disparities. Policies focusing on modifying social aspects of the environment may help reduce disparities among low...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMay 6, 2010

Peptides may hold 'missing link' to life

Researchers at Emory University have discovered that simple peptides can organize into bi-layer membranes, a 'missing link' between pre-biotic Earth's chemical inventory and the scaffolding essential to life. This finding may also shed light on protein assemblies related to Alzheimer's disease, Type 2 diabetes, and other serious ailments.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 6, 2010

Shape up the quick way

A new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that losing weight quickly, rather than gradually, is associated with larger long-term weight losses and reduced risk of weight regain. Women who lost weight at a faster rate were more likely to achieve clinically significant weight loss and maintain their ...

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateMay 6, 2010

New genes involved in human eye color identified

A genome-wide association study has identified three new genetic loci significantly associated with quantitative eye colour variation, explaining over 50% of the trait's variance. The study used high-resolution full-eye photographs to quantify human eye colour along multiple dimensions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 6, 2010