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Science News Archive October 2010 - Page 17


Page 17 of 25

Microbial hair: It's electric

Researchers have discovered that specialized bacterial filaments, known as nanowires, can conduct electricity, allowing microbial colonies to thrive. The findings suggest a new way for bacteria to transfer electrons and support each other, potentially leading to breakthroughs in biofilm resistance and sustainable energy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Population trends: Another influence on climate change

A new study found that a slowing of population growth could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with slower growth paths by 2050 accounting for 16-29% of necessary emissions reductions. Urbanization and aging also play significant roles in shaping future emissions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Hormone therapy after menopause might increase risk of kidney stones

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that hormone therapy after menopause increases the risk of developing kidney stones by approximately 20 percent. The research calls into question the long-held belief that estrogen protects women from the disease, and clinicians need to consider the risks and benefits of hormone ...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 11, 2010

Intriguing viral link to intestinal cancer in mice

Research by Sergio Lira at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that HCMV-infected mice develop intestinal tumors as they age, with increased tumor growth compared to normal mice. The study suggests a potential viral link to intestinal cancer in humans, although further work is needed to confirm the association.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 11, 2010

Modeling shows that factors beyond crowding affect how molecules interact within cells

Using large-scale computer simulations, researchers at Georgia Tech have identified hydrodynamic interactions as a dominant factor in intracellular diffusion, accounting for much of the reduction in molecular movement. This finding has significant implications for understanding disease states and developing therapeutic drugs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Dogs may be pessimistic too

A new study by the University of Bristol has found that dogs with separation-related behaviors tend to make more pessimistic judgments, suggesting a cognitive bias. The research provides insight into animal emotions and highlights the importance of addressing underlying negative emotional states in dogs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 11, 2010

Re-evaluating the time of your life

Prof. Dov Shmotkin's research investigates how people's well-being is tied to their concept of time trajectory, which encompasses past, present, and future. The study found that a stable time trajectory is associated with higher well-being in older adults, particularly those who can contrast their present with past traumatic experiences.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAging & Mental Health·DateOct 11, 2010

University of Illinois College of ACES receives $9 million to modernize Extension in poor countries

The University of Illinois College of ACES will strengthen rural farmers' livelihoods by modernizing agricultural Extension systems in 20 poorest developing countries. The five-year project aims to transform these systems to increase farm incomes and improve rural poverty, using sustainable natural resource management practices.

Young people with mental health problems at risk of falling through 'gap' in care services

A recent study found that only 58% of young people with mental health problems successfully transitioned to adult care services, highlighting a significant gap in provision. The research team identified key factors contributing to the poor transition experience, including inadequate information transfer and inconsistent documentation.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 11, 2010

Screen time linked to psychological problems in children

A study of over 1,000 children found that excessive screen time is related to higher psychological difficulty scores, regardless of physical activity. Children who spent more than two hours per day on screens had better psychological scores, while those with moderate physical activity fared better in certain areas but worse in others.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 11, 2010

Whale poop pumps up ocean health

Scientists have discovered that whales' feces pump up ocean productivity, increasing phytoplankton growth and secondary productivity. This boost has a significant impact on fisheries, resulting in bigger fisheries and higher fish abundances.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2010

Planar power

Researchers at PNNL have redesigned sodium-nickel chloride batteries to deliver 30% more power at lower temperatures, making them safer and cheaper to manufacture than lithium-ion batteries. The planar design enables compact stacking, improving the battery's performance for large-scale energy storage.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalECS Transactions·DateOct 11, 2010

Adding topotecan to standard treatment for ovarian cancer does not improve progression-free survival

A randomized study found that adding topotecan to carboplatin and paclitaxel did not improve progression-free survival in patients with ovarian cancer, but increased toxicity. The standard regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel remains the best care for epithelial ovarian cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 11, 2010

Meta-analysis shows no heart benefits for folic acid supplements

A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials found that folic acid supplements did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, cancer, or death over a five-year period. The study showed a significant reduction in homocysteine levels with folic acid supplementation but no corresponding benefit for cardiovascular health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 11, 2010

Cartilage comeback

Materials scientists from Jena University have created a cellulose implant that can trigger the regeneration of cartilage produced naturally in the body. The implant, which consists of a sponge-like structure with two different surfaces, is designed to adhere to bone and stimulate cartilage growth.