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Science News for February 3, 2011


Understanding conflict

Researchers investigate how ritual contributes to intergroup conflict and violence in various regions, including Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Nepal, and Colombia. The project aims to better understand the forces that drive human groups, informing conflict prevention and resolution efforts.

Genetic study uncovers new path to Polynesia

A new genetic study has found that the DNA of current Polynesians can be traced back to migrants from the Asian mainland who settled in islands close to New Guinea around 6,000 years ago. The research challenges previous theories on human migration, suggesting a 'voyaging corridor' between Southeast Asia and the Pacific

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 3, 2011

Rheumatoid arthritis researchers redefine remission

Researchers redefine remission in rheumatoid arthritis by introducing two new provisional definitions that aim to standardize treatment goals. The new definitions focus on disease activity measures, including tender joint count, swollen joint count, and C-reactive protein levels.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 3, 2011

Death in the bat caves: Disease wiping out hibernating bats

A deadly fungus is decimating bat populations across North America, killing over 1 million bats. Researchers are racing to combat the disease, which infects and invades the living skin of hibernating bats, causing frequent arousals from hibernation and potential fat reserves depletion.

SourceWiley·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 3, 2011

Helping feed the world without polluting its waters

A detailed global map of critical phosphorus use and misuse has been produced, highlighting large imbalances in phosphorus application worldwide. The study reveals that both overuse and deficits occur in various regions, including sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2011

Coffee, energy drinkers beware: Many mega-sized drinks loaded with sugar, MU nutrition expert says

Many mega-sized coffee and energy drinks are loaded with sugar and calories, posing health risks to consumers. According to Ellen Schuster, a University of Missouri nutrition expert, these large drinks can lead to excessive calorie and sugar consumption, increasing the risk of weight gain and related health problems.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Extension·DateFeb 3, 2011

Brains need love, too

Research published in Developmental Psychobiology and Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience found that maternal care impacts stress response in adult offspring's brains. High-quality maternal milk and contact reduce vulnerability to stress, while low levels may lead to lower self-esteem.

SourceDouglas Mental Health University Institute·JournalJournal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience·DateFeb 3, 2011

Wolverine population threatened by climate change

Climate change is projected to reduce or eliminate springtime snow cover that wolverines rely on for newborn kits' protection. August temperatures may also increase dramatically, posing a significant threat to the species' survival. The study focused on mountainous regions of the Northwest and warned of potential habitat loss.

Country-by-country trends in obesity, cholesterol and blood pressure since 1980: Obesity has doubled, while Western wealthy countries have reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels

The prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled globally, with women more likely to be obese than men. Meanwhile, high-income countries have shown impressive reductions in mean blood pressure and cholesterol levels, with some countries performing better than others.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 3, 2011

For stem cells, a way to keep score

A new method allows for quick and comprehensive characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) and embryonic stem cell lines, enabling high-throughput assessment of quality and differentiation efficiency. The approach yields genome-wide reference maps detailing epigenetic and gene expression landscapes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 3, 2011

Northern Mars landscape actively changing

Scientists have found that the sand dunes in a vast area of northern Mars are changing with both sudden and gradual motions, contrary to previous assumptions. The changes were caused by seasonal carbon-dioxide ice and stronger-than-expected gusts of wind, resulting in sand avalanches and erosion.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateFeb 3, 2011

Adapting technology to elderly people

The myVitali system enables healthcare professionals to monitor and communicate with larger numbers of people, maintaining independence and quality of life for seniors. It also reduces doctor visits and provides personalized health records.

SourceEUREKA·DateFeb 3, 2011