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Science News Archive September 2011 - Page 8


Page 8 of 29

What employers look for of those re-entering the workforce

Researchers found that middle-aged women seeking entry-level jobs require vocational training to secure job interviews. The study suggests that employers focus almost exclusively on educational background, but outside activities may have some impact in certain communities.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Career Development·DateSep 23, 2011

Shape memory materials ready for mass production

Researchers have successfully developed a new, cheaper alloy for shape memory materials, which could revolutionize industries such as aerospace engineering and electronics. The new alloy, produced using copper, has shown promising properties and is expected to be cost-effective alternative to existing alloys like Nitinol.

SourceEUREKA·DateSep 23, 2011

Edible carbon dioxide sponge

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered edible compounds that efficiently detect, capture and store carbon dioxide. The porous crystals, made from sugar, salt and alcohol, are simple to prepare and turn red when full of CO2.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 23, 2011

Heart drug offers possible treatment for patients facing respiratory failure

Researchers have found that a heart drug called levosimendan can improve the mechanical efficiency of the diaphragm, suggesting a new therapeutic approach to treat respiratory muscle weakness. The study showed that levosimendan prevents muscle fatigue in respiratory muscles and improves contraction force.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 23, 2011

Virus kills breast cancer cells in laboratory

Researchers found that Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) targets all different grades of breast cancer by activating death pathways. The virus causes 100% of cancer cell destruction within seven days, with majority of cell death proteins activated on the fifth day.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateSep 22, 2011

Aboriginal Australians: The first explorers

Researchers have sequenced the Aboriginal Australian genome, demonstrating that they descended directly from an early human expansion into Asia around 70,000 years ago. This study provides new insights into the dispersal of the first humans to leave Africa and re-writes the story of their journey to Australia.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 2011

Nitrate levels rising in northwestern Pacific

Researchers found increased nitrate levels in coastal waters of Korea and Japan since the 1980s, correlated with human-generated atmospheric nitrogen. This shift may influence marine plants and ecosystems, favoring organisms adapted to high nitrate conditions.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 2011

Error rate higher in breast imaging reports generated by automatic speech recognition

A new study in Canada found that breast imaging reports generated with automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems have a higher error rate compared to conventional dictation transcription. At least one major error was found in 23% of ASR reports, while 4% of conventional reports contained errors affecting patient management.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 22, 2011

With more choice, friends are more similar -- but not closer

According to research published in Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, people prefer friends who share their beliefs, values, and interests. With more choice, these similarities increase, but surprisingly, the quality of friendships doesn't necessarily improve.

SourceSAGE·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateSep 22, 2011

Patented method transforms digital cameras for aerial color infrared photography

A team of scientists at the US Department of Agriculture has patented a method to convert commercial digital cameras into color infrared cameras for aerial photography. This technology allows for immediate image availability without further processing, making it ideal for detecting farmland extent and crop health. The innovation enable...

This month in ecological science

A study reveals how human activities can diminish the usefulness of ornamental traits like colorful feathers as signals of fitness. In contrast, a new field experiment shows that invasive yellow starthistle responds favorably to increased carbon dioxide levels. Plant breeding experts emphasize its potential to bring about a more positi...

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateSep 22, 2011