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Science News for November 23, 2010


'Russian doll' galaxy reveals black holes' true power

Scientists have found a miniaturized galaxy with a single massive black hole, which produces radio jets that are much more efficient than previously thought. The discovery was made using CSIRO's Compact Array radio telescope and reveals that black holes can be both more powerful and more efficient.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 23, 2010

Dealt a bad hand: Pathological gamblers are also at risk for mental health disorders

A recent study by University of Montreal researchers found that pathological gamblers are three times more likely to commit suicide than non-gamblers due to co-occurring personality disorders. The study also showed that these individuals rarely seek health professional help, exacerbating their financial and emotional problems.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateNov 23, 2010

Secrets of sharks' success

Flexible scales on sharks' bodies allow for change in direction while swimming at full speed by controlling water flow separation. This discovery has implications for designing more efficient aircraft, wind turbines, and other systems prone to flow separation issues.

A step-change in sustainable urban transport

Researchers at the University of Leeds and Manchester are conducting a £1.5 million project to inform sustainable urban transport planning by 2050. The STEP-CHANGE project will gather data on household travel behavior and analyze it with historical records to develop new tools for sustainability.

Hormone's crucial role in 2 anemic blood disorders

Researchers found that boosting hepcidin levels may directly affect relieving anemic patients of their body's iron overload. Two studies illustrated a potential new dietary treatment for patients with hemochromatosis by increasing hepcidin levels and reducing iron absorption from the gut.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 23, 2010

Jellyfish-inspired pumps

Caltech researchers have designed jellyfish-inspired pumps that utilize flexible designs and adaptable tissue composition to create efficient fluid transport systems. The pumps are optimized for medical applications, such as delivering medication or removing excess fluids from the body, without causing damage to surrounding tissues.

DNA uncovers 1 of the world's rarest birds

A team of Australian researchers has identified a new, critically endangered species of ground parrot in Western Australia, using DNA from museum specimens up to 160 years old. The discovery highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect the remaining 110 birds in the wild, which are confined to a single national park.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalConservation Genetics·DateNov 23, 2010

Generating form and function: Imaging development featured in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols

Two methods for culturing and imaging Caenorhabditis elegans embryos are described, enabling researchers to visualize dynamic form and function of molecules, cells, tissues, and whole embryos. Meanwhile, a method for isolating and culturing early mouse embryos is also presented, allowing time-lapse imaging of cell movements.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols·DateNov 23, 2010

What makes flies attack?

New research reveals that pheromonal cues alone can label another fly as a competitor, leading to male aggression. Behavioral cues also play a crucial role, with males attacking both male- and female-like flies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 23, 2010

When bird meets machine, bioinspired flight

Researchers have modeled and mimicked the natural designs of falling geckoes, gliding snakes, and flying birds to improve air vehicle design. The special edition, 'Bioinspired Flight', reveals innovative approaches for controlled hovering, forward flight, and exploitation of thermal updrafts.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateNov 23, 2010

Expecting? Don't neglect your teeth

During pregnancy, pregnant women can experience significant changes in their oral health, including gingivitis, pregnancy tumors, and mild to severe gingival enlargement. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene can help alleviate gum inflammation and prevent worsening of conditions.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateNov 23, 2010

Battle of the sexes, fruit-fly style

Researchers found that fruit flies will attack females who smell and taste like males, and will court males with female-like patterns of behavior. By manipulating a gene that governs pheromonal profiles and behavioral cues, the study reveals the importance of behavioral feedback in aggression.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 23, 2010

Shrubby crops can help fuel Africa's green revolution

A Michigan State University study suggests that rotating corn with shrubby legume mixtures, such as pigeonpea, can increase nutrient-enriched grain productivity. This approach has the potential to enhance food and environmental security in Africa by reducing reliance on starchy cereals and expensive fertilizers.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2010

CONRAD applauds results of global iPrEx study

The Global iPrEx study found that daily use of the oral antiretroviral combination pill was 44% effective in reducing risk of HIV infection in men who have sex with men. Risk of HIV infection fell by 50.2% among participants who took the pill at least 50% of the days.

SourceCONRAD·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 23, 2010

Developing countries often outsource deforestation, study finds

A new study found that reforestation at home often leads to deforestation abroad in developing countries. International trade in forest products increased the demand for imported timber and agricultural products, contributing to net deforestation. Strengthening cooperation and certification systems can help mitigate this issue.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2010

Plant-derived scavengers prowl the body for nerve toxins

Researchers at Arizona State University have successfully produced plant-derived human butyrylcholinesterase, a bioscavenger that can neutralize organophosphate toxins. This breakthrough holds promise for protecting the nervous system from pesticide and nerve agent poisoning, as well as treating related diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2010

Self-assembly of nano-rotors

Researchers have successfully self-assembled rod-shaped molecules into small rotors within a two-dimensional network, forming a hexagonal lattice. The rotors exhibit unique energy thresholds and can maintain their structure even when exposed to thermal energy, enabling potential applications in optical or electronic switching.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2010

Optimizing large wind farms

Charles Meneveau and Johan Meyers develop a model to calculate optimal turbine spacing for large wind farms. They find that energy production depends less on horizontal winds and more on entraining strong winds from higher in the atmosphere, leading to an optimal distance of about 15 rotor diameters.

Sour research, sweet results

Researchers at USC College have made a groundbreaking discovery about sour flavors, revealing that protons from acids directly activate taste cells. This finding has important implications for understanding how different tastes interact and may lead to practical applications in cooking and food industry.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2010

Tobacco: Out of sight, out of mind?

Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered that removing tobacco displays in shops can change young people's attitudes towards smoking. The number of teenagers who recalled tobacco displays dropped from 81% to 22%, and fewer believed smoking was widespread among their peers.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalTobacco Control·DateNov 23, 2010

Scientists question fisheries health test

A widely used biodiversity indicator in fisheries is found to be an ineffective guide to trends in marine ecosystems, according to a new study published in Nature. The researchers recommend more direct monitoring and the development of trend-detection methods to better assess the impacts of fishing on marine biodiversity.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2010

Registered dietitians play essential role in effective management of diabetes in adults

A systematic review of American Dietetic Association Nutrition Practice Guidelines provides recommendations for registered dietitians to support people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The guidelines emphasize consistency in carbohydrate intake, insulin dose adjustment, and cardioprotective nutrition interventions.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateNov 23, 2010