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Science News for November 16, 2010


Using plants against soils contaminated with arsenic

Researchers have identified two essential genes that control the accumulation and detoxification of arsenic in plant cells, providing a promising basis for reducing arsenic levels in crops from polluted regions. By controlling these genes, plants can be developed to prevent toxic metal transfer, limiting entry into the food chain.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2010

Phone-in doctoring fails to improve patient outcomes

A telephone call-in program designed to improve doctor-patient communication for heart failure patients failed to show improved patient outcomes, according to a Yale University study. The six-month study tested a telemonitoring system that allowed patients to send daily information about their condition to their doctor.

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 16, 2010

Tuesday news tips, Nov. 16, 2010

Researchers discovered reusing explanted ICDs with sterilized batteries is safe for patients. Shorter sleep duration linked to carotid artery thickening in men, while rapid body cooling improves heart function after CPR. Intravenous iron treatment boosts quality of life and kidney function in some chronic heart failure patients.

Structure of a protein related to heart and nervous system health revealed

Scientists have solved the structure of a protein integral to maintaining healthy hearts and nervous systems. The discovery of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) may lead to smarter drug design for better understanding of homocystinuria, a genetic disorder affecting cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2010

Sticky snack for elephant-shrews

A new study reveals that elephant-shrews consume the nectar of Pagoda lily flowers and pollinate them. The animals' long noses and tongues allow them to access the nectar without damaging the flowers. This discovery sheds light on the unusual group of non-flying mammals known for their pollination abilities.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateNov 16, 2010

Increased age of sexual consent in Canada may not protect teens at greatest risk: UBC study

A new UBC study analyzing British Columbia population-based data suggests that children under 13 are the most likely to report first sex with adults over 20 years older. The research challenges Canada's increased age of consent from 14 to 16 years, recommending additional strategies to safeguard vulnerable children and teens.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality·DateNov 16, 2010

Orangutans count on stats for survival

A Queensland University of Technology (QUT) statistician has found that villagers who live alongside orangutans are unaware of the laws protecting them, and many admit to killing the primates. The study suggests education campaigns tailored to specific areas and cultural groups can effectively target orangutan hunting.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalSignificance·DateNov 16, 2010

Your view of personal goals can affect your relationships

A study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science found that people with mastery goals are more open to hearing different perspectives and less deceitful, while those with performance goals are more competitive and less willing to share information. Balancing different levels of goals can help establish constructive work...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateNov 16, 2010

Aortic aneurysm treatable with asthma drugs

Researchers discovered that asthma drugs can block cysteinyl-leukotrienes, reducing vessel wall breakdown and dilation. This could lead to the development of new treatments for aortic aneurysms, potentially saving lives and reducing surgical complications.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2010

Getting bubbles out of fuel pumps

A team of researchers has developed a way to prevent cavitation damage in jet fuel pumps, essential components in modern aircraft. The study provides realistic data for computer models, enabling designers to create lighter, more efficient, and longer-lasting pumps.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 16, 2010

Bioengineers provide adult stem cells with simultaneous chemical, electrical and mechanical cues

UC San Diego undergraduate bioengineers develop a new microenvironment that provides all three types of cues necessary for stem cell growth and differentiation. The system uses a gelatin-like hydrogel bathed in an electrolyte solution, mimicking the natural environment to steer stem cells towards specific cell types.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 16, 2010

Brent geese show parents know best

A six-year study on migrating geese found that young birds learn their migratory destinations from parents, demonstrating a high concentration of related birds. This cultural inheritance may provide advantages such as better access to food and reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 16, 2010

You are not what you eat

A study led by Howard Ochman found that host species, rather than diet, have the greatest effect on gut bacteria diversity in great apes. The researchers discovered that bacterial populations assorted to species and matched the relationships of their host, indicating a long history of co-evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 16, 2010

Imaging tool may aid nanoelectronics by screening tiny tubes

Researchers have developed an advanced imaging technology to rapidly screen single-wall carbon nanotubes, which could be used in creating a new class of computers and electronics. The technique, called transient absorption, measures the metallicity of the tubes and may be combined with another laser to zap unwanted metallic nanotubes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 16, 2010