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Science News for March 11, 2011


Host change alters toxic cocktail

A fundamental change in the genome of leaf beetles has emerged, resulting in the loss of salicylaldehyde-producing enzyme salicyl alcohol oxidase in birch feeders. This adaptation allows birch beetles to save resources by not producing the enzyme, which is only needed for willow feeders.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2011

Why are the elderly so vulnerable to pneunomia?

A study published in The Journal of Immunology reveals that the elderly are more susceptible to pneumonia and bacterial infections due to a decline in immune system cells. Researchers have found that macrophages and B cells, which fight bacteria, appear effective but are fewer in number, making them less effective. Developing targeted ...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 11, 2011

New technology to predict future appearance

A Concordia researcher has developed a highly effective computer program to age photographic images of people's faces, improving the accuracy of age-estimation for missing-child investigations and national security. The technique combines active appearance models and support vector regression to predict future facial appearance.

Extra iron doesn't help many pregnant women

A recent study found that daily iron supplements do not significantly increase hemoglobin levels in healthy pregnant women, but can help alleviate iron-poor blood conditions in Africa. Researchers followed over 1,000 pregnant women and discovered that all participants ended with similar iron levels after three months.

SourceInstitute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 11, 2011

Simple blood test detects early emphysema in smokers before symptoms appear

A new blood test measures destruction of lung air sacs and can detect early emphysema in smokers, potentially preventing disease progression. The test is a low-cost screening tool that could help the 20% of American adults who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke understand their risk of developing this progressive lung disease.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 11, 2011

Getting organized: Berkeley Lab study shows how breast cell communities organize into breast tissue

Researchers discovered that human mammary epithelial cells possess lineage-specific intrinsic abilities to self-organize into domains of lineage specificity, maintaining healthy bi-layered branching organization. The study provides insights into the coordination of stem cell differentiation and tissue architecture maintenance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2011

Keys to long life

A groundbreaking study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that personality characteristics and social relations from childhood can predict one's risk of dying decades later. The Longevity Project followed over 1,500 bright children for 20 years, revealing that prudence and persistence are key to a long life.