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Science News for March 15, 2002


Disaster increases marriages, births and divorces

A Penn State study found that disasters like Hurricane Hugo increase marriages, births, and divorces in affected areas. The study analyzed marriage, birth, and divorce records in South Carolina before and after the hurricane, finding a significant increase in all three life changes in disaster-affected counties.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateMar 15, 2002

Dietary soy reduces pain, inflammation in rats

A new study reveals that rats with chronic pain from inflammation were more tolerant of painful heat stimuli and had less swelling when fed a diet based on soy protein. The findings suggest that a soy diet may reduce the need for opioid medications, which are often associated with severe side effects.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateMar 15, 2002

UC Davis to house state wind energy consortium

The institute will revamp the system for collecting generation reports, prepare white papers on wind energy potential and problems, and establish a program to map out California's wind resources. Data on wind resources is over 20 years old, highlighting the need for better forecasting.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMar 15, 2002

Natural antifreeze yields secrets

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered how antifreeze glycoproteins interact with ice, preventing ice crystals from growing and preserving liquid water around the protein. This discovery may lead to safer storage for food or blood products and help scientists understand biomineralization.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 15, 2002
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Attitude about exercise

A University of Michigan study found that adolescent girls who feel confident about their physical abilities enjoy exercise more than those who doubt their skills. The research, led by Nola Pender, suggests that girls' perceptions and responses to exercise are linked to their confidence levels, with more confident girls reporting less ...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNursing Research·DateMar 15, 2002

Tricking diseases into synthesizing their own worst enemies

Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute develop a new drug-discovery strategy using click chemistry to create a potent inhibitor against the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This breakthrough allows the target enzyme to select and catalyze its own synthesis, resulting in a highly effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 15, 2002

Parents can help black teen girls talk about condom use

A study shows that black teen girls who rarely talked to their parents about sex and STD prevention were less likely to report condom use. Parents can help motivate their daughters to discuss safe sex techniques with partners, according to researchers.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateMar 15, 2002