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Science News for December 16, 2011


New Geology science posted online Dec. 8-16 2011

The article discusses the discovery of missing mid-Cenozoic sediments in the Lomonosov Ridge drilling, the variation in the Intertropical Convergence Zone's (ITCZ) position with global climate changes, and the decoupling of taxonomic and ecological severities of major mass extinctions. The ITCZ's position was more southward than today ...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateDec 16, 2011

Traumatic experiences may make you tough

Research suggests that small amounts of trauma can help individuals develop resilience, contrary to the common notion that traumatic experiences are always detrimental. People who have experienced some negative life events tend to have better outcomes than those with no adverse experiences or those with excessive adversity.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 16, 2011

Advantages and motivations uncertain behind use of brachytherapy for breast cancer radiotherapy

A study found APBIb use increased from 0.4% to 6.6% between 2000 and 2007, with wide regional disparities and racial/ethnic differences in utilization. The authors suggest unwarranted variation in practice may be present, highlighting the need for further research on APBI effectiveness.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 16, 2011

GDP up, happiness down

A team of scientists from the University of Vermont measured global happiness using Twitter data over three years. The trend shows a gradual downward trend, with drops in happiness following major events and weekly patterns. The researchers propose a tool for real-time monitoring of collective emotions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2011

No brakes on breast cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a microRNA, miR-520, that suppresses NFkappaB and TGF-b signaling pathways in breast cancer cells. This finding suggests that miR-520 may act as a tumor suppressor and could lead to new treatment options for ER-negative breast cancer.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalOncogene·DateDec 16, 2011

Study suggests early ART in recently HIV-infected patients preferable to delayed treatment

A new study suggests that immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) is more beneficial for recently infected HIV patients than deferred treatment. The study found that participants who received ART immediately had better outcomes and were protected from disease progression not only during treatment but also after treatment was stopped.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 16, 2011

Can science predict a hit song?

Researchers at the University of Bristol used musical features and machine learning algorithms to predict song hits in the UK singles chart. They found that danceability increased in popularity from the late 1970s and that slower styles, such as ballads, were more likely to become hits in the 1980s.

Remote wilderness polluted by humans

A comprehensive study of 36 lakes in the USA, Canada, Greenland, and Svalbard reveals that biologically active nitrogen from human sources can be traced back to the end of the 19th century. The rate of change has accelerated over the past 60 years, coinciding with the commercialization of artificial fertilizer production.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2011

Novel device removes heavy metals from water

The cyclic electrowinning/precipitation (CEP) system removes heavy metals from water by increasing their concentration, making it possible for a proven metal-removal technique to take over. The automated CEP system can remove up to 99% of copper, cadmium, and nickel, returning the contaminated water to federally accepted standards.

SourceBrown University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateDec 16, 2011