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Science News Archive August 1997 - Page 3


Page 3 of 3

Music Videos Glamorize Tobacco And Alcohol Use

Research found that music videos on MTV portrayed tobacco use (25.7%) and alcohol consumption (26.9%) more frequently than other networks, with a significant association between sexuality and alcohol use. The study also highlighted the importance of media in shaping adolescents' attitudes towards smoking and drinking.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 7, 1997

Stealth Caterpillar Evades Trees' Detection

Researchers at Penn State discovered that forest tent caterpillars can evade trees' defense mechanisms by defoliating branches too rapidly for the tree to respond. This social eating pattern may be their protection against a tree's natural defenses, making them chemically invisible to the tree.

Single Mechanism Seen To Underlie Group Of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mutant Proteins Form Insoluble Masses In The Nuclei Of Neurons

Scientists have discovered a common mechanism underlying neurodegenerative diseases, where mutant proteins accumulate in nuclear spaces, recruiting normal proteins and disrupting cellular processes. This finding suggests a single disease mechanism may be responsible for several afflictions.

Trigger Prompts Obese To Become Highly Successful At Weight Loss

Researchers found that nearly 77% of participants reported a trigger event preceding their successful weight loss. The majority of participants made significant changes in their dietary intake and physical activity levels to achieve serious weight loss. On average, they expended calories equivalent to walking 28 miles per week.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 6, 1997

GRE Fails To Predict Grad School Success

A recent study published at Cornell University found that Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not a reliable predictor of graduate school success. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 students who took the GRE and compared their scores with their post-graduation outcomes.

Resistance To Leptin Contributes To Obesity

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that mice with resistance to leptin are more likely to become obese. The researchers used a novel technique called ICV infusion to deliver leptin directly into the brain, which resulted in significant weight loss and fat reduction in lean mice.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 1997