Fires in China Oct. 18, 2013
A major coal seam fire in China's Shuangyashan prefecture-level city has been detected by NASA's Terra satellite, highlighting the issue of underground coal fires that can cause severe air pollution and global warming.
Science News for October 18, 2013
Geoscience Workforce Currents #80
The 2013 National Geoscience Student Exit survey found that majority of doctoral and master's candidates were employed within geosciences fields. Many bachelor's candidates still sought employment or planned to attend graduate school.
New Rocky Mountain field guide demonstrates the area's dynamic, enigmatic nature
The new field guide delves into the geological history of the Rocky Mountains, spanning over 1.7 billion years. The book also examines the effects of unprecedented heavy rains and catastrophic flooding that hit the region in 2013, causing widespread destruction and altering the landscape.
NIH awards UT Southwestern $28.6 million Clinical and Translational Science Award
The National Institutes of Health has awarded UT Southwestern Medical Center a $28.6 million Clinical and Translational Science Award to promote rapid translation of basic laboratory findings into patient care. The award will enable the institution to expand clinical research and disseminate new knowledge effectively.
Learning dialects shapes brain areas that process spoken language
A new study from RIKEN Brain Science Institute found that the pitch-accent in words pronounced in standard Japanese activates different brain hemispheres depending on whether the listener speaks standard Japanese or one of the regional dialects. Native speakers who acquire a second language later in life process pitch changes similarly...
BMC receives 2 awards to study delivery of patient care
BMC has been approved to receive two research awards from PCORI, focusing on socio-legal barriers in cancer care and effective treatments for chronic pain. The hospital's commitment to innovative health care delivery is highlighted through these studies.
CNIO researchers delve into the behavior of cohesins
Researchers discovered two variants of Pds5 proteins that modulate cohesins' behavior, essential for proper cell division. Understanding this regulation can improve diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome sufferers.
SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 18, 2013
NASA's TRMM satellite monitors Typhoon Francisco
Typhoon Francisco passed west of Guam on October 18 as NASA's TRMM satellite measured its heavy rainfall, with rain falling at over 113 mm/hour in powerful storms. The storm is forecast to become a super-typhoon, reaching maximum sustained winds of at least 130 knots/150 mph.
The benefits of bacteria for gut health
Researchers have discovered that specific bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, stimulate the growth of host epithelial cells through the production of reactive oxygen species. This finding has implications for treating inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders.
Satellite sees extra-tropical Typhoon Wipha affecting Alaska
Typhoon Wipha's effects were felt in Alaska from October 18 to 20, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The system's transition into an extra-tropical storm led to increased moisture and warming of the region.
Overnight dialysis boosts kidney health -- while reducing risk of heart disease
A new study found that overnight dialysis boosts kidney health and reduces the risk of heart disease by improving artery function. This treatment method allows for more frequent and longer dialysis sessions at home, leading to reduced toxin buildup in the blood.
High blood pressure during pregnancy could elevate the risk of a future stroke
A study found that high blood pressure during pregnancy may increase a woman's lifetime risk of stroke by as much as 40 percent. Women with pre-eclampsia, a more severe form of high blood pressure, are at even higher risk. Monitoring blood pressure after pregnancy is crucial to avoid longer-term risks.
New app provides new direction for researchers examining how children learn from nature
A new iPad application is being used to examine how young children learn through their interactions with nature. The app allows researchers to track behaviors, movements, engagement, and probable science learning in natural settings such as PlayScapes.
Rwandan teens learn mapping skills with smart phones and tablet PCs
A community-mapping project in Rwanda provides high school students with spatial-thinking skills using tablet computers and smart phones. The project aims to train 225 students in natural resource mapping and synthesize data about local agriculture, weather, water quality, and infrastructure.
Scientists identify key genes for increasing oil content in plant leaves
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered two key genes required for oil production and accumulation in plant leaves. Overexpressing these genes resulted in a significant increase in leaf oil production, with the potential to boost energy content of biofuels and plant-based foods.
Wrangling flow to quiet cars and aircraft
Researchers have developed a novel plasma actuator with serpentine geometry that can manipulate fluid flows in new ways. Early results suggest this technology could improve transportation efficiencies by reducing drag, noise, and fuel costs.
Agricultural fires in India October 18, 2013
Punjab farmers set fire to clear fields before planting crops, clearing pests and turning crop residues into fertilizing ash, but also releasing harmful smoke that can aggravate heart and lung disease, especially for older adults and children.
Mutations in cancer often affect the X chromosome
Researchers found hypermutation of inactive X chromosome is a common event in cancer, especially in rapidly growing tumors. This phenomenon affects only the inactive copy of the X chromosome and contributes to carcinogenesis.
SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCell·DateOct 18, 2013
Glacial buzz-saws, gold in fool's gold, fingerprints in sea water, and fluvial iron
Research reveals selective glacial erosion in Norway's passive margin, links gold to pyrite in carbon-rich sediments, and analyzes seawater Sr/Ca ratios. These findings advance our understanding of Earth's geological history and plate tectonics.
Salmonella sensing system
A novel design uses a magnetoelastic biosensor and surface-scanning coil detector to detect Salmonella on food surfaces, enabling real-time testing of food and processing plant equipment. This handheld device can be used in agricultural fields or processing plants to quickly identify contaminated surfaces.
Oral nutritional supplements may help hospitals achieve readmission reduction policies
A new study found that oral nutritional supplements decreased the probability of 30-day hospital readmission, length of stay, and costs among hospitalized Medicare patients aged 65 and over. The use of oral nutritional supplements was associated with an 8.4% reduction in 30-day readmission rates among patients with any diagnosis.
Tanning gene linked to increased risk of testicular cancer, according to NIH scientists
A study led by NIH scientists found that a variant form of the p53 gene increases the risk of testicular cancer up to threefold in white men. The research suggests that this variant helps protect light-skinned individuals from UV skin damage, but allows testicular stem cells to grow in the presence of DNA damage.
Tiny sea creatures are heading for extinction, and could take local fisheries with them
A species of cold water plankton in the North Atlantic is declining as oceans warm, putting pressure on fisheries that rely on it. The study found no evidence of adaptation to warmer temperatures over 50 years, suggesting its range will continue to contract and eventually disappear.
Tiny 'Lego brick'-style studs make solar panels a quarter more efficient
Scientists have developed a new solar panel design that improves efficiency by up to 22% using aluminum studs, which bend and trap light inside the absorbing layer. This technology has the potential to make thin and flexible solar panels available at competitive prices, powering everything from domestic appliances to portable electronics.
AgriLife researcher Xiuren Zhang receives National Science Foundation CAREER grant
Dr. Xiuren Zhang has been awarded a $1.3 million National Science Foundation CAREER grant to further his research on RNA silencing and plant stem cells. His team's discovery of bidirectional processing of microRNAs in plants could lead to more productive breeding practices.
Montreal combo plate cuts weight and health risks in obese individuals
A study found that combining high-intensity interval training with Mediterranean diet counselling significantly improves body fat mass, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight loss in obese individuals. The intervention also resulted in improved aerobic fitness, reduced waist circumference, and better control of blood sugar levels.
Evolution is not a one-way road towards complexity
A new study on cryptic worms reveals that their ancestors had a highly complex muscular body plan, which is lost in the adult stage. The findings suggest that the common ancestor of aplacophorans and polyplacophorans was similar in complexity, implying that the worm-like groups lost these traits over evolutionary time.
Skid row cancer study has implications for treatment today, Penn researcher says
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researcher Robert Aronowitz highlights the flaws in prostate cancer screening measures, citing a 1950s study that showed invasive procedures were often performed without solid evidence. Millions of men have undergone PSA tests, which can lead to unnecessary treatments and detrimental effects.
Fostering community gardens in an area with historic soil contamination
In Tacoma, Washington, community gardens have increased by 14 to 34 in three years despite initial concerns about contaminated soils. Experts like Kristen McIvor use soil testing and provide biosolid-based products to educate growers and reduce contamination fears.
How 'phenotype switching' can make melanoma become metastatic and resistant to drugs
The study identified Wnt5A as a key player in promoting melanoma metastasis and therapy resistance. By understanding the role of Wnt5A, researchers may be able to identify patients who are more likely to respond to BRAF inhibitors and develop new targeted therapies.
Lots of oxygen does not necessarily lead to the evolution of advanced life
A Danish/Swedish/French research team has shown that oxygen content in the atmosphere was probably the same as when life exploded 500 million years ago, contradicting textbooks' claim of oxygen's necessity for advanced life. This finding contributes to a new understanding of the Earth's development and oxygen dynamics.
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2013
Habitat research methods give a new peek at tiger life with conservation
Researchers found that Chitwan National Park's buffer zone has improved tiger habitat quality through innovative monitoring methods, while the park itself has degraded over a 20-year period. Camera traps combined with satellite images provided insights into tigers' behavior and habitat preferences.
Starting from scratch: RIT program teaches first-year students how to learn
RIT's Project IMPRESS aims to teach students self-reflection and self-assessment skills to improve success rates. The program uses a three-pronged approach, including a summer experience and learning assistant role.
To swallow or to spit?
Researchers developed a palatable paste to administer highly concentrated drugs in small volumes, improving treatment outcomes for llamas and alpacas. The paste allows for effective treatment of small liver fluke infections with minimal side effects.
€15 million project to revolutionize railway tracks
Researchers are developing modular, all-steel track sections that can be laid quickly and embedded with fibre optic technology for instant safety alerts. This innovation aims to reduce maintenance costs and improve efficiency in the railway industry.