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Science News for February 9, 2011


The recycled port

The STABCON project developed a cost-effective solution for treating polluted sediments in ports, using the stabilisation and solidification method. The method involves mixing contaminated sediments with products that bind them to create a solid material containing hazardous substances, reducing environmental harm and costs.

SourceEUREKA·DateFeb 9, 2011

Personal well-being is linked to national satisfaction, especially when times are tough

A new study of people from 128 countries found that those who are satisfied with their country tend to have better lives, especially those with low incomes or living in poor countries. For people with high incomes and Western countries, well-being is linked to personal factors like health, standard of living, and job satisfaction.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 9, 2011

The 'new' kilogram is approaching

The Avogadro project has achieved a milestone in measuring the Avogadro constant with unprecedented precision, using a highly enriched single crystal of silicon-28. The measurement uncertainty has been reduced to 3 × 10^(-22), enabling a more accurate definition of the kilogram based on fundamental constants.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 9, 2011

Key to better health care may be a walk in the park

Investing in public parks and recreational services can lead to increased physical activity, better health outcomes, and a less strained healthcare system. The research suggests that the quality of these services has a direct impact on resident fitness levels and overall well-being.

Drug-eluting stents are preferred therapy for revascularization of chronic total occlusions

A systematic review found drug-eluting stents (DES) reduce restenosis and target revascularization in chronic total occlusions, offering a safe approach with similar adverse events as bare metal stents. DES implantation is associated with significant reductions in angiographic and clinical restenosis compared to bare metal stents.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateFeb 9, 2011

Searching for the soul of the genome

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, develop novel method to detect long-distance chromosomal interactions and find association with CAD risk from altered inflammatory signaling response. The study identifies 33 regulatory elements in the 9p21 interval involved in cellular signaling and response to inflammation.

Extra testosterone reduces your empathy

A new study from University of Cambridge found that testosterone administration negatively affects women's ability to mind read, an indication of empathy. The effects are predicted by a fetal marker of prenatal testosterone, the 2D:4D ratio.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2011

Fetal surgery takes a huge step forward in treating children with spina bifida

A landmark study by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia shows fetal surgery for spina bifida can improve outcomes for children with the condition. Fetal surgery significantly reduced the need to divert fluid from the brain, improved mobility, and increased the chances that a child will be able to walk independently.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2011

Photodynamic therapy against cancer

Researchers found that photodynamic therapy can eliminate tumor-associated lymphatic vessels and in-transit tumor cells, reducing metastasis. This approach could be combined with existing surgical techniques to destroy lymphatic vessels draining from tumors.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2011

Memory problems may be sign of stroke risk

A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with memory problems are at a higher risk for stroke. The research used two simple tests to evaluate brain function and found that those who scored in the bottom 20% were 3-9 times more likely to experience a stroke, depending on age.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 9, 2011

Neural mechanisms linked with vulnerability to anxiety

A study published in Neuron reveals that individual differences in amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex function are independently associated with anxiety vulnerability. High trait anxiety individuals show enhanced amygdala response and faster fear acquisition, while vmPFC recruitment is linked to reduced fear responses in fear-...

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 9, 2011

Delving into manganite conductivity

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding manganite conductivity by linking it to the Jahn-Teller effect. At ambient pressure, manganites exhibit insulating properties, but applying intense pressure causes them to transition to a metallic state, which conducts electric charges.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 9, 2011

AGU journal highlights -- Feb. 9, 2011

A new study suggests the Arctic Ocean ice may not reach a catastrophic tipping point due to climate change. Microearthquakes could help evaluate potential carbon sequestration sites by detecting fractures in rocks. This technique could pinpoint unknown fractures that could lead to long-term storage of carbon dioxide.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 9, 2011

Tobacco companies expand their epidemic of death

The tobacco industry is expanding its sales in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with Imperial Tobacco and Phillip Morris reporting increases in cigarette sales. The Lancet Editorial criticizes the companies' 'selling, addicting, and killing' business model, describing it as 'morally repugnant'.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 9, 2011

Challenges for biofuels: New life cycle assessment report from Energy Biosciences Institute

A new life cycle assessment report from the Energy Biosciences Institute identifies seven grand challenges for biofuels, including understanding farmers, feedstock options, and land use, as well as characterizing tailpipe emissions and their health consequences. The report aims to provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating the en...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateFeb 9, 2011

Everolimus improves progression-free survival for patients with rare pancreatic cancer

A Phase III trial found that everolimus significantly improved progression-free survival for patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, reducing the risk by 65% and increasing median progression-free survival by over six months. Common side effects include stomatitis, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and infections.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2011

Understanding patterns of seafloor biomass

A comprehensive database analysis found a strong positive relationship between surface production and organic matter export, driving predicted patterns of seafloor biomass. Seafloor biomass is highest around the poles and equator due to nutrient-rich upwelling waters, while central abyssal plains exhibit consistently low values.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2011