Two new studies by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, link El Niño winters to increased coastal erosion and shifting sands along California's central coast. The findings show that damaging coastal storms are three times more likely to occur during an El Niño winter than in other years.
Research presented at the International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies found that beer, especially darker ales and stouts, may reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis and cataracts by up to 50 percent. Antioxidants in beer, particularly those found in darker brews, are believed to play a role in this protection.
A new study found that simple mother and teen conversations about the consequences of drinking can help prevent binge-drinking in college freshmen. Students who had more positive beliefs about drinking were more likely to drink excessively and experience negative consequences associated with binge-drinking tendencies.
Researchers in Canada are developing a class of drugs for chronic pain with fewer side effects. Canadian scientists also presenting promising treatments for Hepatitis C and non-insulin dependent diabetes by targeting key enzymes involved in the diseases.
Researchers have discovered a chemical in sea urchins that appears to attract and repel starfish, which are devasting coral reefs at an alarming rate. The finding could provide a new method for controlling the starfish population and saving these valuable ecosystems.
A study of 120 Asian women found that those with the highest isoflavone levels had a 50% decrease in breast cancer risk compared to those with lower levels. The researchers recommend including soy in the diet from teenage years to reduce cancer risk.