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Science News for February 18, 2011


Fountain of youth from the tap

Researchers found a correlation between lithium levels in tap water and lower mortality rates in Japanese municipalities. In experiments with the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, lithium treatment led to increased longevity. The findings suggest that low-dose lithium may have life-prolonging effects in humans.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateFeb 18, 2011

Universal flu vaccine study yields success in mice

A new study has successfully trialed a synthetic universal flu vaccine in mice, providing 100% protection against the H3N2 strain and 20% against the highly pathogenic bird flu. The vaccine uses peptides that trigger an immune response to a region of the flu virus present in all influenza A and B viruses.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateFeb 18, 2011

Bad news/good news

A study by Eric Lambin predicts the world may run out of productive agricultural land by 2050 due to rising global demand and land degradation. However, some developing countries have increased their forest cover while enhancing food production through innovation, sound policy, and good governance.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2011

Juggling languages can build better brains

Research suggests that bilingual speakers outperform monolinguals in certain mental abilities, such as editing out irrelevant information and prioritizing tasks. This 'mental juggling' skill allows bilinguals to better navigate between languages and enhances their cognitive flexibility.

1 person of 1,900 met AHA's definition of ideal heart health, says University of Pittsburgh study

According to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, only one out of 1,900 people met the American Heart Association's definition of ideal cardiovascular health. The study evaluated 1,933 participants and found that less than 10% met five or more criteria for heart-healthy behaviors.

What's new in hip care?

Studies analyzed Medicare beneficiaries who had elective primary THR for osteoarthritis and found the risk of revision was approximately two percent per year for the first 18 months post-surgery. High-performance hips with improved functional capacity are also being developed for active patients, offering more durable implants.

Back to the roots of the solar system

Two new observations reveal detailed structures in protoplanetary disks of two young stars, including a large gap similar to our solar system's. The images suggest the presence of one or more massive planets sweeping up material from the disk, potentially forming an entire planetary system.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 18, 2011

What a rat can tell us about touch

Researchers at Northwestern University are studying the rat whisker system to gain a better understanding of how animals perceive touch. By developing models and simulating the rat's behavior, they aim to unlock the secrets of neural processing and potentially create new technologies that can mimic the senses of mammals.

Brown scientists to discuss best practices for the oceans

Two Brown University scientists, Heather Leslie and Leila Sievanen, will discuss the importance of marine spatial planning, ecosystem-based management, and social science inclusion in managing the nation's oceans. Leslie will focus on understanding ocean ecosystems' resilience to variability and climate change, while Sievanen will high...

Depression symptoms increase over time for addiction-prone women

A new study found that depression symptoms increase over time for addiction-prone women, contradicting the common notion that these disorders are either genetic or caused by environmental factors. The research highlights the complex interplay between biological, social, and community-level factors that influence these disorders.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateFeb 18, 2011

Recipe for success

The University of Idaho will lead a five-year, $20 million USDA-funded project to study the impacts of climate change on Pacific Northwest wheat and barley production. The team will focus on cereal production systems and create a region-wide research, outreach, and education network to address complex issues raised by changing climate.

Competing risks analysis highlights new targets in preventing ESRD and death of diabetics

Researchers analyzed data from 592 patients with type 1 diabetes and macroalbuminuria to identify predictors of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and pre-ESRD mortality. The study found that poor glycemic control increases ESRD risk but not pre-ESRD mortality, while improved lipid management affects both outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 18, 2011

Doing good with operations research

Karen Smilowitz and her team are applying operations research techniques to promote welfare and equity through efficient delivery of goods and services. They have worked with organizations such as the Mobile C.A.R.E. Foundation to develop models for matching donors and recipients, as well as designing collection and delivery routes.