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Science News Archive November 2010 - Page 3


Page 3 of 27

Marsupial embryo jumps ahead in development

Researchers found that marsupial embryos develop forelimbs earlier than expected, using a unique genetic program. This breakthrough suggests that developmental processes may be more flexible than previously thought, allowing for adaptability in marsupials.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopment·DateNov 29, 2010

Clarity in short-term memory shows no link with IQ

Researchers at the University of Oregon found that a person's ability to store more items in their short-term memory is linked to higher fluid intelligence as measured by IQ tests. In contrast, the clarity or resolution of those memories shows no relationship with fluid intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateNov 29, 2010

Please blow

A new generator has been developed to produce synthetic breath for evidential breath analyzers, reducing measurement uncertainty in alcohol concentration. The device can also be used to calibrate other sensors with different components.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalChemie Ingenieur Technik·DateNov 29, 2010

How to avoid employee depression in a recession

During economic recessions, anxiety affects job satisfaction and engagement, leading to negative impacts on companies. A model has been formulated to help managers identify and address employee anxiety, implementing actions that improve job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Management and Enterprise Development·DateNov 29, 2010

How well is your doctor caring for people with Parkinson's disease? New AAN tool helps measure care

The American Academy of Neurology has developed a new quality measures tool to help doctors gauge how well they are caring for people with Parkinson's disease, focusing on non-motor symptoms such as depression and falls. The measures aim to improve the quality of care for individuals with neurologic disorders like Parkinson's disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 29, 2010

Teenage girls face greater violence threat from poverty

A Cardiff University study reveals that living in a deprived area increases the risk of violence more sharply for girls than boys. The researchers found that assault injury rates were uniformly higher in the most deprived areas, and that the risk to girls was three times more sensitive to material deprivation.

SourceCardiff University·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateNov 29, 2010

Abnormal blood vessel function found in women with broken heart syndrome

Researchers found increased vascular reactivity and decreased endothelial function in women with broken heart syndrome compared to postmenopausal women and those who had regular heart attacks. This unique risk factor highlights the importance of mental stress in ABS syndrome, which may lead to the development of specific therapies.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 29, 2010

Superantigens could be behind several illnesses

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered that superantigens, produced by staphylococcus bacteria, can activate the immune system in more ways than previously thought. This complex interaction may be behind several illnesses, including long-term wound infections and autoimmune disorders.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2010

Whale-inspired ocean turbine blades

Researchers at US Naval Academy have designed novel blade modifications inspired by humpback whale flippers to improve turbine performance in converting low-velocity tidal flow energy into electricity. The modified blades proved effective in extracting energy at low speeds without degrading performance at high flow speeds.

A molecular switch for memory and addiction

Researchers have identified a key role for a protein called RyR2 in the development of long-term changes in brain connectivity associated with learning, memory, and addiction. By upregulating RyR2, nicotine can trigger the formation of new connections in the brain, leading to addictive behavior.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 26, 2010

More than 600,000 deaths per year worldwide -- 1 perecent of all deaths -- caused by passive smoking, and around 165,000 of these deaths are among children

A study published in The Lancet reveals that passive smoking claims the lives of over 600,000 people each year globally, mostly among children. The research found that children are more heavily exposed to second-hand smoke than other age groups, and their exposure can have devastating effects on their health.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 25, 2010

Google -- an engine of knowledge creation?

Academic users must be aware of how search engines operate to ensure quality sources are chosen. José van Dijck argues that Google Scholar is a co-producer of academic knowledge, not just a neutral tool. Its algorithm prioritizes quantitative citation analysis over relevance and truth-value.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalInternational Journal of Cultural Studies·DateNov 25, 2010

Will this be the end of hamburger disease?

A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology and Nature Reviews Microbiology reveals that E.coli O157:H7 can thrive in cow intestines due to its ability to scavenge ethanolamine, a nutrient not found by other bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to non-medical methods to eradicate the bug, reducing food contamination and hu...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateNov 25, 2010