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Science News Archive September 2010 - Page 5


Page 5 of 27

'Louder at the back, please'

A new study found that playing white noise in class can improve the memory of schoolchildren with difficulties in paying attention. The researchers discovered a significant improvement in performance for inattentive children and a decline in performance for attentive ones as noise levels increased.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBehavioral and Brain Functions·DateSep 28, 2010

Digging deep for ways to curb ammonia emissions

Researchers from USDA's Agricultural Research Service found that subsurface injection of liquid manure can reduce ammonia emissions from dairy farms by 65% compared to surface broadcasting or shallow incorporation. This method limits manure nitrogen losses from volatilization, improving air quality and soil health.

Sneaking spies into a cell's nucleus

Researchers have successfully slipped silver nanoparticles cloaked in HIV protein into the nucleus of cells, where they can detect subtle light signals and deliver payloads. This innovation has potential implications for disease treatment and basic scientific research.

SourceDuke University·JournalNanomedicine·DateSep 28, 2010

Striding towards a new dawn for electronics

A team of McGill University researchers has developed a method to study energy transport along individual conductive polymer molecules, enabling the development of new technologies. By visualizing energy transport in various conformations, they aim to improve sensors and hybrid organic-inorganic light harvesting materials for solar cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2010

LA BioMed researcher to receive prestigious honor

Dr. Casaburi will receive the award on Oct. 8 at the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's annual meeting in Milwaukee, recognizing his many contributions to the field of respiratory research and pulmonary rehabilitation. He is a leading researcher at LA BioMed, directing the Rehabilitation Clinical Tria...

Mayo collaboration finds source of breast drug side effect

A Mayo Clinic collaboration identified four genetic variants on chromosome 14 associated with aromatase inhibitor-induced arthritis. These findings provide a new clue for identifying women at risk and developing treatments, allowing more women to take lifesaving breast cancer therapy.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 27, 2010

Red light regulates nectar secretion

Lima bean plants produce extrafloral nectar to attract ants, which defend against herbivores. Red light influences the production of this nectar through phytochrome, a photoreceptor that regulates the signaling molecule jasmonic acid. This light-dependent regulation enhances defense when herbivory is most likely.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

Insecticides from genetically modified corn present in adjacent streams

A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals that streams in the Midwest are contaminated with insecticidal proteins from genetically modified corn, which can persist in the landscape. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of agricultural practices on freshwater ecosystems.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

New oil detection technique

A new technique allows for fast and accurate detection of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and rock using a portable infrared spectrometer. This method reduces labor-intensive sampling and processing requirements, saving time and costs associated with assessing and remediating contaminated sites.

Fungal spores travel farther by surfing their own wind

A new study reveals that fungal spores travel farther by forming a plume that reduces drag to nearly zero, creating a wind that carries them up to 100 millimeters. By hydrodynamic cooperation, thousands of spores are ejected simultaneously, reaching speeds of 60 centimeters per second and covering distances of over a centimeter.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

Help for new food-zapping process

CSIRO has partnered with German organizations to develop low-energy electron beam processing technology, preserving food's flavor, odor, and nutrients without heat or chemicals. The technology has been successfully applied to Stahmann Farms, Australia's largest pecan nut processor.

'Gold' fish thrive, cancers die

Researchers at Rice University used gold nanoparticles with laser pulses to create tiny vapor bubbles that selectively destroyed cancer cells in zebra fish implanted with live human prostate cancer cells. This technique avoids damaging healthy tissue and demonstrates a new approach to cancer treatment.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 27, 2010

Complexity not so costly after all, analysis shows

A new analysis by Jianzhi Zhang and coworkers reveals flaws in models predicting the cost of complexity and finds that moderate complexity best enables organisms to adapt. The study challenged assumptions underlying traditional mathematical models, suggesting that a moderate amount of complexity is beneficial for adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

Baby boomers raise midlife suicide rate

Research by sociologists Ellen Idler and Julie Phillips found significant increases in middle-aged suicide rates, particularly among unmarried individuals and those without a college degree. The study suggests that chronic diseases and substance abuse may be contributing factors to the rising trend.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateSep 27, 2010

JCI table of contents: Sept. 27, 2010

Researchers discovered that Maf protein promotes osteoblast differentiation in mice, reducing bone formation and increasing fat cell generation with age. Additionally, studies found defective immune cells in patients with type 1 diabetes and suggested these cells could be a viable target for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010