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Science News Archive October 2012 - Page 2


Page 2 of 33

Excess nitrogen fertilizer increasing warming in China

Reducing nitrogen fertilizer use by 60% in over-fertilized areas could substantially decrease greenhouse gas emissions without affecting crop productivity. The study found that N2O emissions have become the dominant factor in China's warming effect, surpassing the cooling effects of CO2 uptake.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 31, 2012

Spot the difference

The 1000 Genomes Project has mapped normal human genetic variation at different scales, revealing differences between individuals and populations. The results open new approaches for research on the genetic causes of diseases, including links to specific DNA sequences and their inherited variants.

Fear of math can hurt

Research found that math anxiety activates regions of the brain associated with physical pain, while anticipation of math increases neural activity. Individuals with high math anxiety tend to avoid math-related situations due to a potential neural basis for this avoidance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2012

Gut reaction: The evolution of IBD

Researchers have identified 71 genetic regions associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing the total number discovered to date to 163. The study reveals that IBD may result from an over-active immune response, which can lead to inflammation and damage in the intestinal tract.

Automated calls help patients in under-developed countries manage blood pressure, U-M study finds

A University of Michigan study found that automated calls and home blood pressure monitoring can significantly reduce blood pressures and depressive symptoms among hypertensive patients in Honduras and Mexico. The program showed promising results, especially among patients with limited literacy and income.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateOct 31, 2012

New tick disease in Switzerland

Scientists have confirmed the existence of a new tick-borne disease in Switzerland, neoehrlichiosis, which has infected eight patients with severe symptoms. A DNA test has been developed to detect the infection quickly, allowing for timely treatment.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateOct 31, 2012

Graphene mini-lab

Physicists create graphene mini-labs to study fast-moving electrons and their relativistic behavior. The experiments mimic the dynamics of cosmic rays, despite traveling at a fraction of the speed of light.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateOct 31, 2012

Sizing up biomass from space

Researchers developed a new randomization protocol to accurately estimate total biomass in forests. The GLAS approach shows promise in standardizing global forest biomass inventory and improving spatial and temporal coverage.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateOct 30, 2012

Animals learn to fine-tune their sniffs

Researchers found that animals can adjust their sniffs to target specific odors in complex blends. The study showed that rats learned to detect highly absorbent odors more quickly than less absorbent ones, highlighting the importance of physical properties and sniffing techniques in olfaction.

Monkeys put off sex by bystanders

A study of long-tailed macaques found that males and females inhibit the sexual behavior of group members when bystanders are present, highlighting the importance of competition in shaping their dynamics. The researchers also discovered that sneaky copulations occur due to the exploitation of peripheral positions within the group.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 30, 2012

Even physically active women sit too much

A new Northwestern University study reveals that even physically active women spend an average of nine hours a day sitting. The research suggests that incorporating light activity throughout the day can help mitigate negative health consequences associated with prolonged sitting.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateOct 30, 2012