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Science News for September 7, 2011


Where does all the gold come from?

Researchers at the University of Bristol analyzed ancient rock samples to determine the origin of Earth's precious metals. They found that the planet's accessible reserves of gold and other precious elements are the result of a catastrophic meteorite shower that hit the Earth after its core formation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateSep 7, 2011

Branding like Beckham

A study on the Beckham family's branding strategy reveals that creating a dynamic personal story with distinct persona cues is crucial for achieving brand distinctiveness. By leveraging opportunities for publicity and social media visibility, families can build a strong brand presence that endures beyond their original field of practice.

SourceSAGE·JournalFamily Business Review·DateSep 7, 2011

New 'bouncer' molecule halts rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a new protein called P21, which acts as a protective barrier against hyperactive immune cells in people with rheumatoid arthritis. By inhibiting the immune cells' destructive rampage, the bouncer molecule halts the disease process, offering a promising new avenue for future therapies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateSep 7, 2011

Sorting out major brain stent study: Cedars-sinai experts say procedure effective for some patients

A recent brain stent study found aggressive medical treatment without stenting may be better for high-risk stroke patients, but experts at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center believe the procedure is appropriate for certain patients who haven't responded to medication. The study's limitations and exclusions have raised concerns among researchers.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 7, 2011

Death tolls spur pro-war stance, study finds

A study at Washington University in St. Louis found that highlighting war casualties can sway people's pro-war attitudes rather than discouraging them. The 'sunk-cost effect' makes individuals more likely to stay committed to a cause due to the emotional investment, even if it no longer serves their best interest.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateSep 7, 2011

Minority ethnic patients not satisfied with NHS primary care

Research reveals significant differences in patient experience of primary care among different age groups, health statuses, and ethnicities. Minority ethnic patients report lower satisfaction rates due to poorer practice performance, but internal factors also contribute to the disparities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateSep 7, 2011

Scientists offer way to address 'age-old' questions

Scientists have devised a way to measure the impact of age on bacterial growth rates, allowing for new understanding and modeling of bacterial populations. This development could provide new insights into how genetic factors affect their life cycle and potentially lead to alternative methods to curb bacterial growth.

SourceNew York University·JournalEvolution·DateSep 7, 2011

New record for measurement of atomic lifetime

Researchers have measured the lifetime of an extremely stable energy level of magnesium atoms with great precision, achieving a record-breaking 2050 seconds. This is the longest lifetime ever measured in a laboratory and has significant implications for the development of ultra-precise atomic clocks.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 7, 2011

When that shoulder aches too much to move

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition causing chronic inflammation and scarring around the shoulder joint. Gentle stretching exercises and physical therapy can help restore movement and reduce discomfort. Surgery may be necessary for those not showing progress with non-surgical treatments.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateSep 7, 2011

Expert calls for change in trans fat labelling

A University of Alberta nutrition expert recommends re-evaluating trans fat labelling due to evidence suggesting natural trans fats have positive health effects. Natural trans fats found in dairy and beef products are not detrimental to health and may even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·DateSep 7, 2011

'Reboot' for healthier results

A study found that online tailored nutrition programs had no effect on reducing saturated fat intake, as measured by blood lipids. The researchers suggest exploring methods to improve the impact of computer-tailored interventions and incorporating social interaction.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 7, 2011

'Dirty' wild mice may be more relevant immunology model

A study on natural killer cells in wild mice found that these mice have higher numbers of NK cells compared to lab mice, suggesting a closer representation of human immune systems. The findings support the hypothesis that environmental factors are needed to fully represent the immune system.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateSep 7, 2011

Running backs take hardest hits to the head, linemen take the most

A new study at Brown University measures head blows during games and practices over three seasons, documenting that running backs and quarterbacks suffer the hardest hits to the head. Linemen, however, were hit on the head most often, with doctors warning about the potential for subconcussive neurological damage from repeated impacts.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateSep 7, 2011

Seeing isn't believing

A study by Yale University cognitive psychologists found that intense focus on objects can distort perception of where things are in relation to one another. Participants in the experiment reported the attended objects as closer together than they really were, while the other objects were seen as farther apart.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 7, 2011

Spring flings may explain teen pregnancies peak

Researchers found a higher likelihood of conception in March among school-aged adolescents compared to adults. The study suggests that biological factors and increased access to contraception during Spring Break may contribute to this phenomenon.

SourceQueen's University·JournalJournal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology·DateSep 7, 2011

Intensive medical therapy more effective than stenting for preventing a second stroke

A large clinical trial has found that intensive medical treatment is more effective than stenting in preventing a second stroke in patients at high risk. The study, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, showed that patients who received aggressive medical management had significantly fewer strokes and d...

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 7, 2011

Study reveals that nation's national forests can provide public health benefits

A recent study published in the Journal of Forestry reveals that US national forests can help Americans meet guidelines for regular physical activity. The study found that activities such as hiking, walking, and fishing account for about two-thirds of all visits to national forests, resulting in annual energy expenditures equivalent to...

October 2011 Geology highlights

Researchers found diverse mineralogies in two troughs of Noctis Labyrinthus, Mars, indicating a potentially habitable environment and liquid water presence. Additionally, studies on EarthScope seismic observations and the formation of high delta18O fayalite-bearing A-type granite reveal key factors for these unique rock types.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 7, 2011

Evolution's past is modern human's present

Researchers discovered genetic material from extinct archaic humans, including Denisovans, contributing to present-day African populations. The study suggests that contemporary Africans contain about 2 percent of archaic DNA, which may hold beneficial genes for human physiology and disease resistance.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2011