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Science News Archive February 2011 - Page 7


Page 7 of 25

Plankton key to origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere

Researchers studying the origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere have found that ancient plankton played a critical role in providing oxygen. This discovery builds on earlier work that showed a reverse-greenhouse effect cooled the oceans, spawning giant plankton blooms and sending oxygen into the atmosphere.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2011

AAAS news briefs from UC Davis

Researchers at UC Davis are presenting innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, including electrification of vehicles and producing biofuels. The university is also exploring celestial superfluids, which offer potential breakthroughs in materials science and technology.

Lesbian moms vulnerable when abused, reluctant to seek help

A study by University of Illinois professors reveals that lesbian moms who experience intimate partner violence are often reluctant to seek help due to fear of losing custody. The researchers found that these women assume people are prejudiced against them and may try to solve the problem alone or hide their abuse from others.

JCI table of contents: Feb. 21, 2011

Researchers have discovered a new cellular mechanism underlying hydronephrosis, a common congenital defect in the kidney. They found that the Hedgehog signaling pathway controls the development of cells required for urine flow, and genetic mutations can impair this process. The study also suggests potential therapeutic targets and gene...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2011

Study shows rapamycin reverses myocardial defects in mouse model of LEOPARD syndrome

A new study reveals that rapamycin can reverse cardiac muscle damage in a mouse model of LEOPARD syndrome, a rare congenital heart disease. The research demonstrates the importance of targeted therapies in managing congenital diseases and offers a potential new treatment option for patients with LEOPARD syndrome.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2011

Cold winters mean more pollution

Researchers found a strong link between climate and air pollution in Gothenburg, where extreme cold air from Siberia leads to high nitrogen oxide concentrations. The study, published in Atmospheric Environment, shows that air quality standards were exceeded more frequently during negative NAO phases.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateFeb 21, 2011

Floating spores kill malaria mosquito larvae

Researchers have developed a method to disperse pathogenic fungi as a means of preventing malaria spread, using synthetic oil to increase dispersal effectiveness. The fungi cause muscardine disease in mosquito larvae, killing up to 50% more larvae than untreated spores and reducing pupation levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateFeb 20, 2011

How to leave your body

Researchers can manipulate the brain's perception of its own body, allowing for new prosthetic limbs and virtual reality experiences. This technology has significant implications for fields like medicine, psychology, and robotics.

Trichinosis parasite gets DNA decoded

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have decoded the genome of Trichinella spiralis, a parasite that causes trichinosis, identifying unique features and novel genes that could lead to effective treatments. The study has implications for understanding parasitic diseases worldwide.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 20, 2011