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Science News Archive June 2011 - Page 10


Page 10 of 28

Cause of hereditary blindness discovered

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum discover that mutations in the CCDC66 gene are responsible for retinitis pigmentosa, a leading cause of inherited blindness. They also develop a genetic test for diagnosis and predictively breeding in dogs, with potential implications for human patients.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJun 22, 2011

Returnee migrants face cumulative health risks

Returnee migrants are exposed to health risks due to cumulative factors of the migration process. Policies should facilitate access to healthcare services and continuity of care across borders to improve their health outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 21, 2011

New study reduces threat level for caribou in Alberta's oilsands country

A new study has reduced the threat level for caribou in Alberta's oilsands country by revealing that their survival isn't as threatened as previously thought. The researchers found that it is not merely the presence of roads and cut lines, but the intensity of human activity such as noise levels that has the biggest effect on the animals.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 21, 2011

Breakthrough in the search for new treatments for MS

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have discovered a synthetic chemical compound that reduces MS severity by inhibiting pro-inflammatory signals while stimulating interferon-beta production. The findings highlight a potential new mechanism for treating the chronic inflammatory disease, which affects over 100,000 people in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBiological Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2011

Scientists reveal a first in Ice Age art

Researchers from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Florida have discovered a bone fragment with an incised image of a proboscidean, dated to around 13,000 years old. The engraving is significant as it provides evidence that people in the Americas during the last Ice Age created artistic images of animals they hunted.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 21, 2011

Diabetic kidney disease more prevalent in US

The prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the US has increased significantly over the past two decades, with a 34% rise from 1988-1994 to 2005-2008. The estimated numbers of persons with DKD have also increased, from 3.9 million in 1988-1994 to 6.9 million in 2005-2008.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 21, 2011

Surprises from the ocean: Marine plankton and ocean pH

A team of scientists has discovered that marine plankton, specifically coccolithophores, employ a similar pH-regulation mechanism as vertebrate cells to combat ocean acidification. The armour scales formed by these phytoplankton are found to be dependent on external pH levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 21, 2011

Putting a new spin on computing

Researchers develop protocol using existing technology to measure and manipulate magnetic spin of electrons for spintronics applications. This breakthrough aims to overcome limitations of conventional computing devices, such as power consumption and data loss.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 21, 2011

Do kids prefer playmates of same ethnicity?

A study by Concordia University researchers found that Asian-Canadian and French-Canadian preschoolers tend to interact more with children of their own ethnic group. The children were observed to be more competitive when playing with peers of the same ethnicity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEuropean Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateJun 21, 2011

New evidence of the benefits of home dialysis for kidney patients

Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that cells protecting blood vessels work better in patients undergoing nighttime home dialysis than those on standard hospital dialysis. This suggests that frequent nighttime dialysis might be beneficial for some patients with blood vessel damage, improving overall health outcomes.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 21, 2011

Flexible schedule is key to keeping working moms on the job

A Baylor University study found that flexible schedules play a crucial role in retaining working mothers, with job security and adaptability also contributing to reduced turnover and work-related stress. The research surveyed 179 full-time working mothers, highlighting the importance of supporting their mental and physical health.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJun 21, 2011

Water for future generations

DANA, a hybrid system developed by Aqwise and Westt B.V., treats industrial wastewater with lower costs and environmental footprint. The technology, facilitated by EUREKA's collaborative funding model, achieves significant financial savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

SourceEUREKA·DateJun 21, 2011

Marriage improves odds of surviving colon cancer

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that married individuals have a 14 percent lower risk of colon cancer death compared to unmarried patients. Married patients were also diagnosed at earlier stages of the disease and received more aggressive treatment, contributing to improved survival odds.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalCancer Epidemiology·DateJun 21, 2011

Smoking during pregnancy lowers levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol in children

Researchers found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in children. The study suggests that this could predispose them to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy had lower HDL cholesterol levels, wh...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 21, 2011

US National Fire Plan, return of Ozark lizard and the Arctic Tundra's fire regime

Researchers evaluate the U.S. National Fire Plan's effectiveness in restoring western U.S. forests and its impact on native lizard populations, including the return of the eastern collared lizard to the Ozarks. The study also examines historical fire records and sediment cores to better understand the Arctic Tundra's fire regime.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 21, 2011