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Science News Archive August 2011 - Page 20


Page 20 of 27

New technology revives biofuels

A consortium of universities, small companies, and bigger players in the energy sector has developed a novel approach to reviving biofuels. The project focuses on redesigning engines to adapt to non-conventional fuels, resulting in less noisy and longer-lasting engines.

SourceEUREKA·DateAug 9, 2011

Psychiatrists failing to adequately monitor patients for metabolic side-effects of prescribed drugs

A study published in Psychological Medicine found that psychiatrists are not regularly monitoring patients for metabolic complications associated with antipsychotic medication. The researchers reviewed over 300,000 individuals across five countries and found that only half of patients had blood pressure and triglyceride checks conducted.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateAug 9, 2011

Is this how simple life got complicated?

A new study using Saccharomyces cerevisiae found that yeast cells grow and reproduce better in multicellular clumps than singly, especially in dilute sugar solutions. This cooperative behavior increases the chances of each cell taking in enough nutrients to grow and divide.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 9, 2011

Can blaming others make people sick?

Concordia researchers Carsten Wrosch and Jesse Renaud find that persistent bitterness can lead to global feelings of anger and hostility affecting physical health. They propose recognizing bitterness as post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED), requiring therapeutic intervention for affected individuals.

Polar dinosaur tracks open new trail to past

Paleontologists have found over 20 polar dinosaur tracks in Victoria, Australia, offering insights into the animals' behavior during a period of pronounced global warming. The tracks belong to three different sizes of small theropods and may have been made by three species.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAlcheringa An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology·DateAug 9, 2011

August 2011 Geosphere highlights

The August 2011 Geosphere issue explores the tectonic influence on the Surveyor Fan and Channel system in the Gulf of Alaska and reviews advancements in measuring currents in submarine canyons. It also delves into the origin and evolution of the Sierra Nevada magmatic arc and the consequences of lithospheric removal in California.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateAug 9, 2011

No strong evidence to support aspirin use for IVF

A systematic review found that taking aspirin during IVF did not increase a woman's chances of becoming pregnant. There is limited evidence on the potential benefits and risks of aspirin use in IVF, with some studies suggesting improved blood flow to the womb and ovaries.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateAug 9, 2011

Fragile Earth explored

The special 'Fragile Earth' field guide examines records and recording tools of geological processes, including plate motions and deep crustal structure. The conference in Munich, Germany, focuses on global to local scales and associated hazards and resources.

Music reduces anxiety in cancer patients

A new Cochrane systematic review shows that music can reduce anxiety in cancer patients, with positive effects on mood, pain, and quality of life. The results also suggest that music therapy may increase patients' quality of life and have smaller beneficial effects on heart rate and blood pressure.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateAug 9, 2011

Hybrid solar system makes rooftop hydrogen

Duke University engineer Nico Hotz proposes a hybrid system that uses sunlight to heat water and methanol, producing hydrogen more efficiently than current technology. The resulting hydrogen can be stored and used as fuel, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels.

Authorship rules for medical journals flouted by pharma industry

The pharmaceutical industry is accused of manipulating medical journal authorship rules to conceal its contributions. Alastair Matheson argues that the current International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidelines allow for industry exaggeration and downplaying of commercial writers' roles.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 9, 2011

Forests absorb one-third of our fossil fuel emissions

New research reveals that established forests remove 2.4 billion tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere annually, equivalent to one third of current annual fossil fuel emissions. This is a significant breakthrough demonstrating how forests impact atmospheric CO2 levels through tree growth and expansion.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2011

Meteorites: Tool kits for creating life on Earth

Scientists have discovered nucleobases, building blocks of genetic material, in meteorites that suggest an extraterrestrial origin. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, indicate that certain meteorites brought these compounds to Earth, providing a possible source for life.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011

Chimpanzees are spontaneously generous after all

Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have shown that chimpanzees exhibit a significant bias for prosocial behavior, particularly towards partners who are patient. The study's findings confirm the altruistic nature of chimpanzees, suggesting human altruism may not be as rare as previously thought.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011

UCLA stem cell scientists uncover for the first time why the human heart can't regenerate itself

Researchers at UCLA have found that adult human cardiac myocytes lose their ability to proliferate due to their primitive state being incompatible with proper heart function. This knowledge could lead to reprogramming a patient's own cardiac myocytes to replace damaged heart muscle, potentially revolutionizing treatments for heart cond...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 8, 2011

Carpal tunnel syndrome patients prefer to share decision-making with their physicians

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that carpal tunnel syndrome patients prefer to share decision-making with their physicians. Patients who had undergone previous surgical procedures, had caregivers, or additional private insurance were more likely to assume an active role in the decision-making process.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 8, 2011

Mosquitoes can't spot a spermless mate

A new study reveals that female mosquitoes cannot detect the fertility status of their mates, making it difficult to control mosquito populations and prevent the spread of malaria. Researchers found that females will mate with both fertile and spermless males, leading to a loss of reproductive opportunities.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011

Peak oil and public health: Political common ground?

A recent study suggests that a spike in oil prices could bring together conservatives and liberals on energy policy due to its potential impact on public health. 76% of respondents believe oil prices are likely to triple in the next five years, with strong conservatives being the most sensitive to these risks.

SourceAmerican University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 8, 2011

Flowing structures in soft crystals

Tiny particles in liquids form cluster crystals that exhibit regular structures and flow like strings under mechanical strain, altering viscosity. The behavior is the same for all types of cluster crystals, with critical strains predicted using a simple theoretical model.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 8, 2011