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Science News Archive February 2011 - Page 2


Page 2 of 25

Free radicals may be good for you

A new study reveals that free radicals act as signal substances that increase the heart's contractions with the correct force. Persistent stress can lead to chronic levels of free radicals, potentially contributing to heart failure.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 28, 2011

A research study reveals deterioration in Mediterranean farmland patrimony

A research study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid finds that traditionally irrigated Mediterranean landscape has suffered loss of cultural and ecological patrimony due to modernization. The study highlights the need for multifunctionality in hydraulic policy and conservation efforts to preserve these valuable landscapes.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalScripta Nova Revista Electrónica de Geografía y Ciencias Sociales·DateFeb 28, 2011

Older patients confused about multiple drug dosing

A new Northwestern Medicine study shows that standardized medicine prescriptions into doses at four clearly identified periods of day, can improve health outcomes for older patients. The study found that low health literacy was the greatest predictor of patients taking their medications more times per day.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2011

'Stupid strategies' could be best for the genes

A study published in Ecology Letters found that seemingly mindless survival strategies can be more effective than adapting to changes. This 'multiplier effect' states that individuals will thrive in their optimal environment if they follow what their parents did, leading to the success of their genes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 28, 2011

University of Miami scientists track great hammerhead shark migration

A study led by University of Miami scientists successfully tracked a great hammerhead shark for 62 days, revealing its northeast journey from South Florida to the Atlantic Ocean. The shark's movement provides new insight into its migratory patterns and habitat use, shedding light on conservation efforts.

Who's the best tennis player of all time?

A Northwestern University researcher developed a novel ranking system that evaluates male tennis players through network analysis. According to the study, Jimmy Connors ranks on top due to his long career and matches against other strong opponents. The rankings will be reassessed in 10 years to reflect changes in competition.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2011

Fingerprints of a gold cluster revealed

Scientists have successfully characterised the absorption spectrum of a gold cluster, shedding light on its electronic properties. The research provides valuable insights for future applications in catalysis, sensing, and molecular electronics.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 28, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers find that oral steroids improve symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis, while surrogate treatment decisions have a significant negative emotional impact on healthcare providers. The Hepatitis B vaccine has reduced infections in children, but targeted efforts are needed for adults. The USPSTF is updating its scree...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2011

How education can save your life

A new study reveals that education is inversely correlated with high blood pressure, with educated individuals experiencing a significant decrease in blood pressure over time. The research also found that higher levels of education are associated with lower BMI, smoking rates, and alcohol consumption.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2011

Advanced degrees add up to lower blood pressure

A study led by Brown University researcher Eric Loucks found a significant correlation between advanced education and lower blood pressure in both men and women. Women who completed 17 years of schooling or more had systolic blood pressure readings that were on average 3.26 mmHg lower than those who did not finish high school.

SourceBrown University·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2011

Immune molecule regulates brain connections

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals a potential link between immunity, infectious disease, and conditions such as schizophrenia and autism. Researchers found that an immune molecule called Major Histocompatibility Complex type 1 (MHC type I) regulates brain connections during early postnatal development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 27, 2011

Transmitted drug resistant HIV (Europe/USA) significantly increases likelihood of treatment failure: this can be minimized by testing for resistance before starting therapy

A recent study found that transmitted drug-resistant (TDR) HIV significantly increases the likelihood of treatment failure, with patients more than three times as likely to experience virological failure. However, pre-treatment genotypic testing and use of ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors can minimize this risk.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 27, 2011

Floating solar panels

The AQUASUN project develops a new paradigm in energy production by floating solar panels on water, reducing the need for land-based installations. The technology combines solar cells with a cooling system using water to increase efficiency and reduce costs, while maintaining environmental sustainability.

SourceEUREKA·DateFeb 25, 2011

Mission to extra-solar planets approved

The European Space Agency has approved a £400 million mission to study extra-solar planets, led by UCL, to look for signs of life in nearby star systems. The Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO) will use a 1.2 meter telescope to analyze the atmospheres of habitable planets and search for biomarkers.

Listening to music is biological

Researchers studied 437 family members aged 8-93, finding a strong link between active music listening, creativity, and genetic variations associated with AVPR1A gene. The study provides molecular evidence of sound's role in social communication and attachment behavior.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2011