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Science News Archive November 2010 - Page 23


Page 23 of 27

Electrical brain stimulation improves math skills

Researchers applied transcranial direct current stimulation to the parietal lobe, improving participants' ability to learn artificial numbers and processing relationships between them. The treatment had a lasting impact of up to 6 months, with potential implications for individuals with moderate to severe numerical disabilities.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 4, 2010

Yale journal explores new environmental applications of ICT

A special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology examines innovative ICT applications for energy efficiency, smart irrigation, and carbon reduction. The research assesses the environmental impacts of ICT and entertainment sectors, estimating their net environmental impact and potential for reducing carbon emissions.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateNov 3, 2010

UM dorms will go 'off the water grid'

The University of Miami College of Engineering is developing a self-sustaining water system for 20 students using new technologies to reduce energy and water demands. The project aims to promote sustainable development by treating wastewater as a resource, reducing the need for centralized treatment plants.

Volcanoes have shifted Asian rainfall

Scientists have found that large volcanic eruptions tend to dry up central Asia but bring more rain to southeast Asian countries. This contradicts climate models' predictions and highlights the complex interactions between natural and manmade forces.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 3, 2010

Higher medication spending doesn't indicate better prescribing quality

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that there is significant variation in prescription spending across hospital-referral regions in the US. Despite high spending, some areas still prescribe unnecessary medications to seniors, leading to complications and increased healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 3, 2010

Chromosome imbalances lead to predictable plant defects

A study by Purdue University researchers found that specific chromosome imbalances in plants can lead to predictable physical defects. The team used polyploid and aneuploid plants to identify easily measured characteristics associated with imbalanced chromosomes, offering insights into correcting genetic defects.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGenetics·DateNov 3, 2010

Levels of coumarin in cassia cinnamon vary greatly even in bark from the same tree

A recent study reveals significant variation in coumarin levels among Cassia cinnamon samples, with powder containing up to 63 times more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon. Researchers highlight the need for further research to identify factors influencing coumarin levels and potentially allow for lower-coumarin harvesting.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2010

Researchers expand cyberspace to fight chronic condition in breast cancer survivors

University of Missouri researchers are developing a virtual database to store, search, and review information on lymphedema treatment. The system aims to improve patient health by providing timely access to evidence-based research. Lymphedema is a chronic condition affecting physical, mental, and social health in breast cancer survivors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateNov 3, 2010

New 3-D model of RNA 'core domain' of enzyme telomerase may offer clues to cancer, aging

Researchers at UCLA have created a three-dimensional structural model of the RNA core domain of the telomerase enzyme, which plays a critical role in cancer cell immortality. The new model provides insights into how telomerase functions and could lead to new approaches for treating diseases associated with telomerase activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2010

Language appears to shape our implicit preferences

A study by Harvard University psychologists found that bilingual individuals' opinions of ethnic groups were affected by the language they spoke. The researchers used the Implicit Association Test to show that language can create and shape implicit attitudes, challenging the view that attitudes are stable.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateNov 3, 2010

Electrons get confused

Researchers at HZB observed exotic behavior in beryllium oxide when bombarded with high-speed heavy ions, causing electrons to forget material properties. The results show changes in electronic structure and ultra-fast melting processes around the firing line of the heavy ions.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2010

Main squeeze not needed for boa mom

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that female boa constrictors can reproduce asexually, producing all-female babies with rare genetic traits. The study found that these WW-chromosome females retained their mother's color mutation and lacked any male influence.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 3, 2010