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Science News for October 20, 2010


CSIRO 'hot rods' old telescope

CSIRO has upgraded a radio telescope at the University of Sydney, boosting its sensitivity and bandwidth to three times more than before. The upgrade demonstrates Australia's technological capabilities and will inform the design of the country's own ASKAP telescope.

Eating mostly whole grains, few refined grains linked to lower body fat

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals who consume several servings of whole grains per day and limit their intake of refined grains appear to have less visceral adipose tissue, a key factor in cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study observed a 10% lower VAT volume in...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 20, 2010

Clearing the cosmic fog

A European team of astronomers has confirmed that the UDFy-38135539 galaxy is the most remote object identified so far in the Universe. By analyzing its light's redshift, they found that it was seen just 600 million years after the Big Bang, providing valuable insights into the era of reionisation and galaxy formation.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2010

Measuring changes in rock

A research team developed tools to study supercritical CO2's impact on minerals, which could be affected by stored carbon dioxide. The new high-pressure atomic force microscope can observe changes at the atomic scale, addressing a key question about the feasibility of carbon capture and storage.

A new way to weigh planets

A new way to weigh planets has been developed using radio signals from small spinning stars called pulsars, providing an independent check on previous results. The measurements of planet masses made this new way could feed into data needed for future space missions.

Going high-tech to probe deeper into oceans

The new IMOS ocean-observing array will use advanced technologies like autonomous floats, marine mammals with satellite tags, and underwater gliders to study the open ocean. This data will help scientists understand how the ocean's physical properties influence the marine ecosystem.

Exploring Africa's success stories

The African Successes project identifies and analyzes African successes, focusing on economic and political improvements, transparency, and freedom of press. Researchers are studying successful initiatives such as an anti-malaria campaign in Zambia and a cellphone-based money transfer system in Kenya.

The real 'mommy brain': New mothers grew

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that new mothers' brains grew in areas linked to motivation and behavior, particularly in those who showed intense affection for their babies. The researchers suggest that this growth may be due to hormonal changes after birth, which trigger active brain building.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2010

JIPH accepted for MEDLINE indexing

The Journal of Infection and Public Health (JIPH) has been selected for inclusion in the US National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE database. This recognition increases the journal's visibility and impact on international readership, making it easier for authors to publish their work and be cited more widely.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Infection and Public Health·DateOct 20, 2010

Star, not so bright

Researchers create model of M33 X-7's evolutionary history and formation to explain its observational characteristics. The model sheds light on massive star evolution and black hole formation physics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2010

A forest of nanorods

By using glancing-angle deposition, researchers can create a forest of nanorods on a target surface, which offers a range of potential applications including nanosensors and fuel-cell cathodes. This technique extends shadowing effects to higher temperatures, leading to larger-diameter nanorods with unique properties.

Berkeley Lab scientists open electrical link to living cells

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have designed an electrical link to living cells, allowing for the transfer of electrons across a cell membrane. This breakthrough could yield cells that can read and respond to electronic signals, leading to new biotechnologies such as self-replicating solar batteries and more efficient energy production.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2010

New regulator of circadian clock identified

Researchers at Concordia University have discovered how the brain chemical dopamine regulates daily sleeping and eating patterns by altering PER2 protein activity. The study, published in Journal of Neuroscience, may have implications for individuals with Parkinson's disease who experience disrupted 24-hour rhythms.

'Reaper' protein strikes at mitochondria to kill cells

Researchers found that the Reaper protein triggers apoptosis by interfering with inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and delivering its death sentence to the mitochondria. By targeting the protein to the mitochondrial membrane, it can be made more effective at killing cells, providing a potential new approach for cancer treatments.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 20, 2010

Study shows malaria deaths in India massively underestimated by WHO; figures for adult malaria deaths worldwide now need urgent revision

A new study reveals that malaria deaths in India are 13 times higher than currently estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The research suggests that approximately 205,000 malaria deaths occur annually in India before age 70, with a cumulative probability of death from malaria at 1.8% for individuals under 70 years old.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 20, 2010

Psychologists at the forefront of weight management

The authors highlight the importance of mental health care providers in addressing eating and weight-related problems in young people. Family-based behavioral interventions are considered the first-line treatment for pediatric overweight, promoting small changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings·DateOct 20, 2010