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Science News for February 17, 2012


Babies know what's fair

Infants exhibit longer looking times when one giraffe gets both toys or the slacker gets a reward in both experiments, indicating an expectation of fairness. The study suggests that children are born with innate expectations about fairness, shaped by culture and environment.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 17, 2012

Who goes there?

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have devised a new type of network that allows users to authenticate without relying on unique identities. The novel network structure eliminates identity theft, loss of anonymity and misplaced trust by using an addressing system with user-selected pseudonyms.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateFeb 17, 2012

The mathematics of a heart beat could save lives

Scientists at the University of Nottingham developed a mathematical model of calcium activity in atrial heart cells, improving our understanding of heart disease and stroke. The model provides clinically relevant insights into sub-cellular calcium signals, allowing for new treatments for conditions like atrial fibrillation.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2012

AAAS-SFU research: Controlling forest fires

Researchers analyze lake sediment cores to infer past forest fire frequency and explore the success of First Nations' historical fire management strategies. They suggest a mixed approach combining controlled burning, silviculture, and aggressive fire suppression to mitigate increasing forest fires in Canada.

Reducing salt in crisps without affecting the taste

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a way to accelerate salt delivery to the tongue, allowing for significant salt reduction in snack foods while maintaining flavor. This breakthrough has the potential to tackle high salt intake, linked to health issues like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFood & Function·DateFeb 17, 2012

Nano-enabled nasal spray for osteoporosis

A nano-enabled intranasal formulation of teriparatide is being developed to treat osteoporosis, with the potential to provide easier administration and enhance efficacy. The project combines Critical Pharmaceuticals' nanotechnology expertise with the University of Nottingham's world-leading research capabilities.

Study finds Caribbean-American women at higher risk for elevated mercury levels

A new study has found that foreign-born immigrant women from the Caribbean are at a higher risk of elevated mercury levels in their blood. Mercury exposure is particularly concerning for infants and children due to potential damage to cognitive and central nervous system development. The study suggests that community education efforts ...

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalJournal of Environmental Monitoring·DateFeb 17, 2012