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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 53


Page 53 of 311

The Lutetia asteroid – a prehistoric relic

Researchers found that the Lutetia asteroid is a dense, intact relic dating back to the solar system's formation. The asteroid's density was calculated using a mathematical method developed by Professor Mikko Kaasalainen, revealing a large and metallic core surrounded by a more porous outer layer.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2011

Sexism and gender inequality

A new study published in Psychological Science found that an individual's sexism leads to gender inequality in society, with the largest study to date examining 57 countries. The research suggests that changing individual attitudes is crucial for achieving greater equality.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 28, 2011

An antibiotic effect minus resistance

Researchers have discovered a compound that shuts off the DNA valve allowing bacterial invasion and infection, effective against two virulent bacteria affecting plants and humans. The work has attracted interest from private companies testing its commercialization for treatments in plants, animals, and people.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateOct 28, 2011

Study finds no link between elderly patient activity and hospital falls

A new study from University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that elderly patients who suffered in-hospital falls actually moved around no more than those who did not fall. The researchers analyzed the mobility patterns of patients fitted with electronic devices and found no statistical difference in walking between the groups.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateOct 28, 2011

How biological capsules respond under stress

Researchers developed a new statistical method to assess the bending elasticity of biological membranes, improving accuracy by up to 80%. The method uses Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and has potential applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 28, 2011

Zoning boundaries can make good neighbors in conservation

A recent study from Michigan State University reveals that zoning can be an effective tool for balancing human activities with wildlife habitat. The analysis of a nature reserve in southwestern China shows that zoning ordinances are helping protect endangered giant pandas, but also highlights critical weaknesses such as ambiguous rules...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 28, 2011

How to unbalance nothingness

Researchers from Jena and Graz calculated the time evolution of the vacuum decay, revealing that particles of matter and antimatter behave in a novel self-focusing way. This breakthrough increases the possibility of discovering these particles in super strong electric fields.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 28, 2011

Aspirin reduces colorectal cancer rates by around 60 percent in those with increased hereditary risk, providing clear case for using aspirin for prevention

A randomized controlled trial has shown that long-term use of aspirin can reduce colorectal cancer incidence by over 60% in patients at genetically increased risk. The study involved nearly 1,000 patients with Lynch Syndrome and found a significant reduction in cancer incidence after five years of aspirin treatment.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 27, 2011

Insects are scared to death of fish

Researchers at the University of Toronto found that juvenile dragonflies exposed to predatory fish had survival rates 2.5 to 4.3 times less than those not exposed. This stress caused more dragonflies to fail metamorphosis and die, with 11% of larvae dying during this process.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2011

Stem cells repair lung damage after flu infection

Researchers have identified adult stem cells that can regenerate lung tissue, providing hope for new treatments of acute and chronic airway diseases. The findings suggest that the lungs have a remarkable ability to regenerate after infection, with stem cells proliferating rapidly and assembling into alveolar-like structures.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 27, 2011

Lupus classification system too complicated

The current classification system for lupus nephritis is too detailed and may make it harder for clinicians to treat kidney problems in patients with lupus. A new study analyzing data from 86 patients found no significant difference in health outcomes between segmental and global forms of class IV lupus nephritis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 27, 2011

Belief in God cuts two ways, study finds

A study by Kristin Laurin found that reminding people of God decreases their motivation to pursue personal goals, yet improves their ability to resist temptation. Participants who believed in an omniscient entity watching over them were more likely to resist temptations and achieve major life goals.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 27, 2011

Different paths to drug resistance in Leishmania

Researchers found that Leishmania parasites have almost identical DNA sequences within species populations, suggesting a small number of genes cause different symptoms. The parasite's evolutionary success may be driven by genetic abnormalities leading to copy number variation, which increases understanding of drug resistance mechanisms.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 27, 2011

Rice's Barron wins World Technology Award for Materials

Andrew Barron, Rice University's Charles W. Duncan, Jr. -- Welch Chair of Chemistry, is honored with the prestigious World Technology Award for Materials for his groundbreaking nanotechnology research in energy and health. His work has led to projects involving down-hole sensors, carbon dioxide mitigation, and cancer treatment.