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Science News for March 17, 2011


Self-administered light therapy may improve cognitive function after traumatic brain injury

A new study found that daily application of light therapy via LEDs on the forehead and scalp improved cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury. The treatment led to substantial improvements in memory, inhibition, and attention, enabling one patient to return to full-time work.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery·DateMar 17, 2011

Study provides new tool to monitor coral reef 'vital signs'

A new study provides a new tool to monitor coral reef vital signs, allowing scientists to assess the impacts of climate change and other threats on coral reef health. By measuring biological productivity, researchers can better understand the balance between coral production and consumption rates.

Human prejudice has ancient evolutionary roots

A new study led by Yale researchers found that monkeys treat individuals from outside their groups with suspicion, similar to human behavior. The findings suggest that the roots of human intergroup conflict may be evolutionarily quite ancient, dating back at least 25 million years.

SourceYale University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 17, 2011

Neuropsychological treatment reduces after-effects in patients with acquired brain injury

Researchers at the University of Granada have found that early neuropsychological rehabilitation significantly reduces cognitive, emotional, and behavioral after-effects in patients with acquired brain injury. The study proves that treating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral skills simultaneously improves patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalArchives of Clinical Neuropsychology·DateMar 17, 2011

Upgrading the vanadium redox battery

Researchers have improved the performance of vanadium redox batteries by modifying their electrolyte solution, increasing energy storage capacity by 70 percent. The upgraded battery can now operate in a wider temperature range and reduce cooling costs, making it more suitable for grid reliability and renewable power sources.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 17, 2011

New targeted drug helps smokers stub it out

Researchers at the Academy of Finland have developed a new targeted drug that slows down nicotine metabolism, aiming to aid in smoking reduction therapy. The drug inhibits the CYP2A6 enzyme, which metabolizes nicotine, and is being explored as a potential alternative to traditional anti-smoking treatments.

ATS issues joint statement on the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

The American Thoracic Society has released updated guidelines for diagnosing and managing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and progressive lung disease. The new guidelines emphasize evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies, and palliative care.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 17, 2011

Chemical-free pest management cuts rice waste

A collaborative EUREKA project developed an integrated pest management system, reducing rice waste by over 95% through sustainable technologies. The system uses electronic insect traps, aeration, and modified atmosphere to protect rice during storage, improving quality and food security.

SourceEUREKA·DateMar 17, 2011

A new evolutionary history of primates

A new evolutionary history of primates reveals complex patterns of species divergence and gene sequence evolution. The analysis provides a validated framework for understanding human adaptation and disease, and sheds light on zoonoses and primate conservation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 17, 2011

Today's children do engage in active play

Research suggests that actively engaging children in leisure time can boost their physical activity levels. However, the study found that boys and girls have different preferences for active play due to societal pressures. The researchers also noted that boys tend to have more freedom to roam during active play.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateMar 17, 2011

AGU journal highlights -- March 17, 2011

Researchers discover unique ocean current rings off Brazil's coast, with properties including size, speed, depth, and rotation velocity. Additionally, scientists capture detailed profiles of ice water content in the Martian near-surface atmosphere, revealing thickest concentrations at 50 meters above the surface.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 17, 2011