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Science News Archive June 2011 - Page 2


Page 2 of 28

Sea urchins see with their whole body

Researchers found that sea urchins have photoreceptors on the tip and base of their tube feet, allowing them to react to light and potentially use the shadow cast by their skeleton for direction. This unique system enables sea urchins to navigate and function in their surroundings despite lacking eyes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2011

Takeoffs and landings cause more precipitation near airports

Researchers discovered that aircraft takeoffs and landings under certain atmospheric conditions can cause a small but measurable increase in rain and snow near airports. The study used satellite images and weather forecasting models to examine the occurrence of inadvertent cloud seeding within 62 miles of six commercial airports.

Novel analysis method organizes genomic cancer data

Researchers developed a novel analysis method to organize genomic cancer data, revealing previously unknown genetic connections and similarities among different types of cancers. The approach uses multiplicity to create three-dimensional models, potentially leading to trials of already approved drugs for additional cancers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBMC Medical Genomics·DateJun 30, 2011

Key ingredient: Change in material boosts prospects of ultrafast single-photon detector

Researchers at NIST have developed a tungsten-silicon alloy that significantly improves the efficiency of ultrafast single-photon detectors, enabling their use in quantum communications and computing systems. The new detection method can capture photons across longer wavelengths, including those used in telecommunications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 30, 2011

Research finding suggests way to make bladder cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy

A recent study published in International Journal of Cancer found that boosting the production of a specific microRNA, miR-34a, increases sensitivity of bladder cancer cells to chemotherapy. The study suggests that miR-34a may be used as a predictor of response to chemotherapy and a target for new drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJun 29, 2011

Growing plants on oil-contaminated land

A Lithuanian company, Biocentras, has developed a three-stage process that transforms contaminated soil into usable land for growing plants. The process uses biosurfactant and micro-organisms to break down oil pollutants, making it an efficient and natural solution.

SourceEUREKA·DateJun 29, 2011

IASLC welcomes publication of CT screening results from National Lung Screening Trial

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) welcomed the publication of positive results from the National Lung Screening Trial, which showed a 20% reduction in lung cancer deaths and a 7% decrease in all-cause mortality among heavy smokers screened with low-dose spiral computed tomography. The trial followed ove...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011

Workplace mental health disability leave recurs sooner than physical health leave, CAMH study shows

A CAMH study reveals that mental health disability leaves cost approximately $51 billion a year in Canada and recur sooner than physical health leaves. Workers who have had a previous mental health episode are at higher risk of having another one, highlighting the need for effective prevention programs to help people stay at work.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011

ESC calls for greater awareness of potential for adverse events from bleeding as a result of PCI

Emerging evidence suggests a strong association between bleeding and adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Strategies to minimize bleeding include radial access and adjusting anticoagulant doses based on body weight, age, and renal function.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 29, 2011

Men play post-op catch-up

Women show greater improvements in function and reduced pain than men at three and six months post-surgery. After a year, men recover as well as women, indicating that gender-specific knee implants may not be necessary.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJun 29, 2011

Studying solar wind

The study found that rocky planets, including Earth, are enriched in 17O and 18O by about 6% relative to 16O. This supports the 'isotopic self-shielding' mechanism, where photolysis of carbon monoxide liberates oxygen atoms that are sequestered into water molecules.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateJun 29, 2011