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Science News for March 2, 2011


Nature study: Jefferson researchers unravel protein's elusive role in embryo and disease development

Scientists from Thomas Jefferson University have discovered that the protein FADD controls multiple cell death pathways, which could lead to better treatment options for autoimmune diseases and cancer. The study found that FADD regulates apoptosis and keeps necrosis at bay, allowing researchers to develop more targeted drugs with fewer...

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

2 languages in peaceful coexistence

A study published in New Journal of Physics analyzed the pattern of populations speaking Castilian and Galician languages in Spain. The researchers found that levels of bilingualism can lead to the steady co-existence of two languages in a stable population.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 2, 2011

Lithosphere: New research posted Feb. 10

Two studies published in Lithosphere suggest the existence of a pre-3.3 billion year old continent in the East Indian Shield, implying a possible original supercontinent. Additionally, measurements of SKS splitting in South America indicate that asthenospheric flow plays a significant role in shaping the upper mantle's anisotropy.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateMar 2, 2011

Effectiveness of wastewater treatment may be damaged during a severe flu pandemic

A study finds that widespread discharge of inefficiently treated wastewater into rivers could occur if existing plans for antiviral and antibiotic use are implemented during a pandemic. This could lead to water quality deterioration at drinking water abstraction points, potentially causing eutrophication and environmental toxicity.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 2, 2011

New interpretation of Antarctic ice cores

Researchers at Alfred Wegener Institute expand prevailing theory on climate history by showing local climate changes in southern hemisphere can trigger temperature fluctuations in Antarctica. The study, published in Nature, suggests alternative explanation for historical Earth climate data from Antarctica.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

UK youth are happy after all?

A study of 40,000 UK households reveals that children living in households with the bottom fifth income have similar average life satisfaction scores as those in the top fifth. Family relationships, particularly mother-child relationships, play a significant role in determining young people's happiness.

How much can a cell uptake?

A new study has found that macrophages have a seven-cell uptake threshold, governing the healing process. The researchers also discovered substances informing cells on tissue repair rates and accelerating macrophage transition to immune organs.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateMar 2, 2011

JQI physicists demonstrate coveted 'spin-orbit coupling' in atomic gases

Physicists at JQI successfully demonstrated spin-orbit coupling in a gas of bosonic rubidium atoms, opening new possibilities for studying fundamental physics. The technique also showed promise for creating novel interactions between fermions, which could lead to breakthroughs in topological quantum computation and superconductivity.

Trust, clarity and openness in the workplace

A study by D. Keith Denton highlights the importance of creating an atmosphere of trust in the workplace to improve communication and reduce dissatisfaction. Face-to-face communication is found to be more effective than other channels, allowing for true dialogue to occur.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Productivity and Quality Management·DateMar 2, 2011

4 new species of Zombie ant fungi discovered in Brazilian rainforest

Four new species of fungus have been discovered in the Brazilian rainforest, infecting ants and manipulating their behavior to secure prime locations for spore dispersal. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between parasites and fragmented habitats, providing tools for further research into disease dynamics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Solar mystery solved

Computer simulations suggest that changes in plasma flow within the Sun, which resembles ocean currents, contribute to prolonged solar minima. The team discovered that a faster flow during the first half of the solar cycle can lead to an extended period without sunspots and weak polar magnetic fields.

Clouds amplify ecological light pollution

Research by physicists and ecologists found that overcast skies are up to three times brighter than clear nights, amplifying ecological light pollution in urban ecosystems. The study highlights the need to consider cloud cover when assessing biological impact of light pollution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Parents rationalize the economic cost of children by exaggerating their parental joy

A study by Richard Eibach and Steven Mock found that parents who focus on the financial costs of parenthood tend to idealize parenting more, while those considering both costs and benefits report lower enjoyment in other activities. The researchers suggest this myth is a modern psychological phenomenon linked to changing societal values.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 2, 2011

An appeal to the caregiving values of rural women for breast cancer prevention

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs found that rural Appalachian women are more likely to perform breast health self-examinations and seek medical attention when their caregiving responsibilities are recognized. The research suggests that appealing to their strength as caretakers encourages them to take care of themsel...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateMar 2, 2011

Dude, you throw like a crybaby!

A UCLA study found that body language is more likely to be judged as masculine when it conveys anger and as feminine when it conveys sadness during baseball tosses. Researchers used technology to disguise the actors' sex and presented videos to observers, who made judgments about their emotions and gender.

Study in PLoS: Intensive adherence counseling to HIV treatment improves patient outcomes

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that intensive adherence counseling significantly reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure in patients with HIV. Patients receiving counseling were 29% less likely to experience poor adherence, and those receiving early counseling had a 59% lower risk of viral failure.