Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2012 - Page 39


Page 39 of 333

Potential new technique for anticancer radiotherapy could provide alternative to brachytherapy

A promising new approach to treating solid tumors with radiation has been developed, which uses an injectable substance that spontaneously assembles into a radioactive seed after injection. This technique shows great efficacy and minimal toxicity in a mouse model of cancer, providing a useful alternative to existing brachytherapy.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 15, 2012

How cells in the nose detect odors

Scientists at UC Riverside and Stanford University identified a molecular mechanism that blocks the expression of most olfactory receptor genes in flies, but allows for specific receptors to be expressed in response to carbon dioxide. This complex acts as a brake, releasing only when necessary to generate diverse sensors in the nose.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 14, 2012

Oldest fossil of giant panda family discovered

Two fossils discovered in southwest Europe represent a new genus likely to be the oldest known members of the giant panda family. The fossils, dated to 11.6 million years ago, share characteristics with bears adapted to eating tough plant material like bamboo.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2012

Want better employees? Get somebody else to rate their personalities, suggests new study

Researchers found that outside observers, including personal acquaintances and co-workers, can provide equally fair evaluations of employees' personalities as those who know them in a work context. This challenge traditional practices of using self-rated personality tests, which may lead to biased perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Personality·DateNov 14, 2012

Timing of first menstrual cycle may be predictor of cardiovascular disease risk in women

A study of 1,638 women found that early menarche is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, as well as overall obesity in adulthood. The researchers suggest that targeting lifestyle interventions for high-risk women may help prevent metabolic consequences of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 14, 2012

Bored mink snack between meals, lie awake in bed

Researchers at PLOS ONE found that caged mink consume fewer food treats when exposed to stimulating environments, such as water for wading. The study also showed that these animals sleep more soundly, contradicting the common notion of boredom leading to increased wakefulness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2012

Melting glaciers raise sea level

A University of Innsbruck team assessed glacier contribution to sea level rise from 1902 to 2009, finding that melting glaciers caused about 11 cm of sea level increase. Glaciers' melt rates were surprisingly constant over time, with brief warm episodes leading to Arctic glacier retreat.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateNov 14, 2012

Remixed brain waves reveal soundtrack of the human brain

Researchers combine EEG and fMRI data to transform brain wave patterns into free-form music, providing a platform for scientists and artists to better understand the links between music and the human brain. The study reveals an improved method to reflect the physiological processes of the scale-free brain in music.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2012

Hebrew University researchers show how we can do math problems unconsciously

Researchers at Hebrew University have found that people can read and solve complex mathematical problems without being consciously aware of them. Using a technique called Continuous Flash Suppression (CFS), the team showed that participants could complete arithmetic tasks more quickly when they were unconsciously presented with equations.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2012