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Science News for August 16, 2011


MIT: Oxygen's watery past

MIT researchers found evidence that tiny aerobic organisms may have evolved to survive on extremely low levels of oxygen in oceanic 'oxygen oases.' Laboratory experiments with yeast suggest early ancestors could have thrived with minimal O2, reconciling a debate over early Earth's atmosphere.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2011

Tsunami observed by radar

Scientists have successfully observed a tsunami using high-frequency radar, which can detect changes in ocean currents and track wave movement. This innovation could lead to improved early warning systems for coastal regions like Southeast Asia and the East Coast.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalRemote Sensing·DateAug 16, 2011

State of the art in health policy and systems research

The article critically examines the current challenges to the field of health policy and systems research (HPSR), emphasizing the need for exploratory and explanatory types of research. The authors call for greater attention to capacity building in low- and middle-income countries, supporting local policy development and health systems...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 16, 2011

Any prime-boost mix of injected or spray flu vaccine shields toddlers

A new study by NIH-funded researchers found that a prime-boost mix of injected or spray flu vaccine provides the broadest immune response in young children. The study also found that nasal spray vaccine stimulates a wide array of immune T cells, which may be important for protection against diverse flu strains.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 16, 2011

Cells derived from pluripotent stem cells are developmentally immature

Researchers found that human embryonic stem cell-derived cells bear striking differences from human tissue cells in gene expression, functionality, and appearance. The cells' developmental maturity is also a concern, particularly for transplantation and disease modeling, as they may not mature to the same levels as adult cells.

The burly bird catches the girl

Researchers found that male rock ptarmigans can run up to 50% faster than females due to superior physiology, enabling them to defend larger territories and successfully breed. This study highlights the importance of considering physiological factors in understanding animal behavior and breeding success.

A faster, cheaper way to diagnose TB

Researchers have developed a new method to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) that is faster and cheaper than current methods. The method uses microcalorimeters to detect the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, allowing for rapid diagnosis and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateAug 16, 2011

GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted Aug. 8, 2011

Recent studies in California's Poison Lake chain, the Kyushu region of Japan, and the Cuyama River in California have revealed diverse volcanic formations and complex tectonic interactions. In California, research suggests that discrete batches of basalt erupted along a short normal fault zone, while in Japan, volcano-tectonic processe...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateAug 16, 2011

Stress can affect future offspring

A new study found that stress experienced by young female rats can affect their future offspring, causing behavior impairments. However, providing an enriched environment can ameliorate some of the negative effects. The study also showed that offspring raised in enriched environments can offset inherited effects.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalDevelopmental Psychobiology·DateAug 16, 2011

Making a bee-line for the best rewards

Researchers found that bumblebees significantly reduced flight distances by learning and memorizing individual flower locations, prioritizing the shortest route. This innovative approach demonstrates that bees can solve complex routing problems without a sophisticated cognitive representation of space.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 16, 2011