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Science News Archive September 2010 - Page 18


Page 18 of 27

If the water looks and smells bad, it may be toxic

A USGS study found that taste-and-odor compounds are commonly associated with cyanotoxin presence, highlighting the need for increased surveillance and public alert systems. Cyanotoxins can be poisonous to people, aquatic life, pets, and livestock, causing symptoms like skin rashes, stomach upset, seizures, or death.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 13, 2010

September/October 2010 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Research reveals nearly half of patients who initiated biennial fecal occult blood test screening did not adhere to subsequent colorectal screening. In contrast, depression management programs delivered promising long-term results for chronically depressed primary care patients. The study also found modest reductions in branded drug us...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 13, 2010

New insight into 'accelerated aging' disease

A study published in Developmental Cell sheds light on Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare genetic disease causing premature aging. Researchers discovered that defects in the extracellular matrix and Wnt signaling pathway contribute to progeria's characteristic symptoms.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 13, 2010

Wives as the new breadwinners

Research suggests wives are more likely to enter labor force when husbands stop working during economic downturn, highlighting shifting gender roles in families. Jobs in health and education industries provide a reliable source of income for families during recession.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateSep 13, 2010

Your body recycling itself -- captured on film

McGill researchers discovered how cells identify and recycle proteins by capturing an image of the UBR box component. This finding holds promise for understanding and treating Johanson-Blizzard syndrome, a rare disease causing deformations and mental retardation.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 13, 2010

After the Millennium Development Goals: Lessons learned and future goal setting examined in the Lancet-London International Development Centre Commission

The Lancet-London International Development Centre Commission recommends five principles for goal development: holism, equity, sustainability, ownership, and global obligation. These principles aim to create synergies between sectors and promote sustainable and equitable access to improved wellbeing.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 12, 2010

Female marine snails trick amorous males

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg discovered that female rough periwinkles conceal their gender identity to avoid excessive copulation. This results in females copulating less frequently, which is beneficial for their survival. The study highlights a case of sexual conflict where females attempt to conceal their gender.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2010

Program to improve palliative care falls short of hopes

A recent study published by the American Thoracic Society found that an intervention designed to improve palliative care in ICU settings was ineffective in improving family satisfaction after a loved one's death. The program aimed to enhance communication between doctors, nurses, and families but failed to make a significant impact.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 10, 2010

Untiring dedication to solar energy

Prof. Dr. Hans-Werner Schock received the prestigious Becquerel Prize for his outstanding work in solar energy technology, particularly in developing efficient thin-film solar cells. His research has led to significant advancements in solar cell efficiency and material combinations, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.

Flying fish glide as well as birds

A study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology found that flying fish can glide better than insects and as well as birds like petrels. The research revealed that the fish's lift-to-drag ratio increased when gliding near the surface, allowing them to cover longer distances.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 10, 2010

Many roads lead to superconductivity

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) have discovered a universal magnetic signature among all iron-based superconductors. Despite differences in magnetism, these materials display the same magnetic resonance signal as their parent compounds, hinting at a new understanding of how superconductivity arises.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 10, 2010

Graphene may hold key to speeding up DNA sequencing

Researchers at Harvard University have demonstrated that graphene can act as an artificial membrane separating two liquid reservoirs, enabling the measurement of ion exchange and the detection of single molecules of DNA. The graphene membrane's atomic thickness makes it a novel electrical device with potential applications in chemical ...

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2010

Sizing up stockpiles of children's vaccines

Researchers developed a mathematical framework to optimize vaccine stockpile levels, balancing objectives such as minimizing shortages, maintaining coverage, and reducing costs. The model demonstrates that one-size-fits-all approach may not work, and optimal stockpiles depend on disease importance and initial conditions.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalJournal of Industrial and Management Optimization·DateSep 10, 2010

Shenk wins AGHE's Friedsam Award

Dena Shenk, PhD, of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has been awarded AGHE's Friedsam Mentorship Award for her contributions to gerontological education through outstanding mentorship. She is a cultural anthropologist focusing on aging cross-culturally and director of UNC Charlotte's Gerontology Program.

Scientists of Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen and TU Muenchen elucidate structure details of protein Sam68

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen and TU Muenchen used NMR spectroscopy to determine the spatial structure of Sam68's Qua1 region, essential for dimerization and biological function. The study sheds light on Sam68's role in cell cycle regulation and cancer pathogenesis.

A tectonic zip

The February earthquake in Concepción, Chile, followed a predictable pattern of stress accumulation, correlating highly with GPS observations. This study offers an optimistic perspective on the predictability of earthquake magnitudes and fracture patterns, reducing the likelihood of future tremors in the region.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2010