Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2011 - Page 9


Page 9 of 25

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.

Male fertility is in the bones

Researchers found that osteocalcin produced in bone enhances testosterone production in testes, supporting sperm survival. This discovery links the skeleton to male fertility and may provide insights into unexplained infertility cases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 17, 2011

Choose less contaminating products thanks to eco-labeling

A researcher has developed an eco-labeling system to provide environmental information on product carbon footprints, enabling consumers to make informed choices. The system, based on a method composed of financial accounts, estimates the ecological and carbon footprint of goods and services throughout their life cycle.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·DateFeb 17, 2011

Children in public housing play outdoors more

Researchers discovered that young children living in public housing spend more time playing outdoors than their peers, with a significant link to lower body mass indexes (BMIs). Mothers' perceptions of neighborhood environments also played a key role in predicting children's outdoor playtime and TV watching habits.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2011

Ben-Gurion U. research leads to improved calcium supplement derived from crustacean shells

A team of BGU researchers has created a unique calcium supplement form that provides higher biological absorption and retention rates. The supplement, derived from unstable calcium carbonate, showed significant benefits in laboratory animals, with improved blood and bone absorption rates.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 17, 2011