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Science News Archive November 2011


Page 1 of 28

Petroleum-eating mushrooms

Researchers B. Franz Lang and Mohamed Hijri have identified mushroom species that can consume petroleum, offering a breakthrough in soil decontamination. The discovery is based on phytoremediation principles, where microorganisms play a key role in degrading contaminants.

MAKS: Drug-free prevention of dementia decline

Researchers found that a year-long Maks therapy, combining motor stimulation, cognitive exercises, and daily living activities, halted the progression of dementia in patients. This therapy showed similar results to cholinesterase inhibitors, but with twice as much effect on daily living tasks.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 30, 2011

UBC study explores distrust of atheists by believers

A UBC study explores the social psychological processes underlying anti-atheist sentiments, finding that religious believer's distrust is central to prejudice against atheists. The research suggests that outward displays of belief may be viewed as a proxy for trustworthiness, leading to disapproval and mistrust of atheists.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 30, 2011

Lithosphere highlights for Dec. 2011

Research highlights the age of continental crust, with over 60% originating in the Archean, 2.5 billion years ago. A new paleomagnetic pole for chron 32 corrects for spreading-rate dependence, improving skewness data accuracy. Seismic ambient noise analysis reveals structural alignments in the Chile Ridge Subduction Region.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateNov 30, 2011

Researchers' new recipe cooks up better tissue 'phantoms'

Scientists have created a novel combination of additives that enable gelatin to mimic the acoustical and optical properties of soft tissue in humans. The resulting tissue 'phantoms' can be used to test photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging technologies, which are increasingly being used in clinical applications.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 30, 2011

Is transparency bad for science?

The article discusses the controversy surrounding science transparency, with some scientists arguing that data sharing and freedom of information can hinder their work. Researchers like Fred Pearce argue that openness would have prevented time-consuming debates between climate deniers and scientists.

SourceSAGE·JournalIndex on Censorship·DateNov 30, 2011

Bush embryonic stem cell lines different from newly derived cell lines

Researchers found that newly derived human embryonic stem cell lines have a better molecular signature than established lines, indicating higher quality and potentially better performance in disease modeling. The study suggests that maintaining the original state of X chromosome inactivation could be crucial for achieving optimal results.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 30, 2011

Chemical warfare of stealthy silverfish

Researchers found that silverfish steal the ant's scent to avoid being killed or rejected from the nest. By continually updating this scent, the silverfish remain protected from ant aggression. This co-evolutionary arms race highlights the ants' complex scent recognition system and the silverfish's elaborate behavioral adaptations.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateNov 30, 2011

Health-care providers should be alert to risk of suicide among pregnant women and new mothers

A University of Michigan Health System-led analysis of federal data found that over half of women who killed themselves had a known mental health diagnosis, with mood disorder being the most common. The study highlights the importance of identifying risk factors in pregnant and postpartum women to intervene and prevent suicide.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry·DateNov 30, 2011

Stronger corn? Take it off steroids, make it all female

Researchers at Purdue University have found a naturally occurring mutation in corn that eliminates the need for detasseling, a labor-intensive process. The mutation, which affects brassinosteroids, results in plants that produce only female organs, including kernels where male tassels should be.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2011

Self-monitoring of blood-thinning treatment almost halves risk of developing blood clots compared with conventional care

A meta-analysis found that self-monitoring of oral anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists reduced the risk of thromboembolic events, such as deep vein thrombosis and stroke, by 49% compared to conventional care. Self-monitoring was particularly beneficial for younger patients and those with mechanical heart valves.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 30, 2011

Hull research proves color is not a black and white issue

Scientists at the University of Hull found that highly suggestible individuals can see colours in monochrome patterns and experience changes in brain activity under hypnosis. The study suggests that these abilities exist independently of hypnosis and may be useful for medical interventions, such as pain control.

SourceUniversity of Hull·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateNov 30, 2011

Prior hospitalization for mental illness increases death risk in patients with chest pains

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that patients with a history of psychiatric hospitalization have a higher rate of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease compared to those without such a history. This increased risk was seen across both men and women, particularly among younger individuals.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 30, 2011

Earthquakes: Water as a lubricant

Researchers found that rock water acts as a lubricant, causing significant differences in mechanical properties along the fault at depth. This supports the idea that fluids play a key role in the onset of earthquakes, and tremor signals are linked to areas with trapped fluids.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2011

Surgeons perform better with eye movement training

Research by the University of Exeter shows that trainee surgeons learn technical surgical skills more quickly and deal better with stress if taught to mimic expert eye movements. The study highlights the potential for 'gaze training' to speed up initial skill learning, getting trainees ready for the operating room earlier.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalSurgical Endoscopy·DateNov 30, 2011

From gene to function

Researchers have identified 68 genetic variants involved in platelet formation, including a novel role for tropomyosin 1 in platelet production. The study found that genes associated with heart attacks and strokes overlap with those affecting platelets, offering potential new targets for treatments.