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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 70


Page 70 of 108

Doctors find patient relationships highlight of profession

A study by Indiana University researchers found that building strong relationships with patients is what brings meaning and fulfillment to a doctor's work. The study highlighted the importance of connection in setting that brings doctors back to their profession despite the challenges of the business of healthcare.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 12, 2003

Gene that controls susceptibility to tuberculosis discovered

Researchers have identified a gene variant, Trl-4, that controls Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth in the lung, which may lead to innovative prevention and treatment strategies. The discovery sheds light on why some infected individuals are able to fight off the infection while others succumb to the disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2003

Fetus heart races when mom reads poetry

A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that fetuses can recognize their mother's voice before birth and prefer it after delivery. The research found that fetuses responded differently to their own mother's voice versus a stranger's, suggesting they were learning about language in the womb.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 12, 2003

For best results, stick to one search engine

Researchers found that removing query operators from searches on multiple engines resulted in similar top-ranked results. The 'or' operator was the only marker to significantly change results, while 'must appear' yielded identical results fewer times on MSN than Google and AOL.

Heat zapps bone tumors

A study published in the Journal of Vascular Interventional Radiology suggests that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation can be an effective treatment for osteoid osteomas, with all eight patients achieving complete pain relief. The use of CT fluoroscopy enhanced imaging guidance improved precision and success rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMay 12, 2003

Early-life environments shape development of stress behaviors and learning abilities in mice

A study led by Darlene Francis found that early-life environments significantly impact stress behaviors and learning abilities in mice. Mice transferred to high-stress surrogate mothers after birth showed increased stress-reactive behaviors and poorer cognitive performance compared to those raised by low-stress mothers.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 12, 2003

Study shows molecular analysis of early breast cancer lesions may be key to choosing best treatment

Researchers developed new methods for diagnosing breast cancer based on gene expression signatures, correlating with traditional pathological classifications. The study found that early-stage lesions contain molecular signatures reflecting tumor aggressiveness, potentially changing the course of cancer progression.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2003

Neurology study 'fraught with design flaws,' according to American Chiropractic Association

A recent study found no new information on the relationship between chiropractic neck treatment and vertebral artery dissection (VAD), a rare type of stroke. However, experts believe it's physically impossible for a competently performed neck adjustment to cause VAD unless the artery already has a significant pre-existing weakness.

SourceAmerican Chiropractic Association·JournalNeurology·DateMay 12, 2003

Does television news turn people off politics?

A study of TV news reports in Britain and US reveals that polls are rarely used to represent public opinion, instead relying on unverified claims and non-ideological citizen representations. This may lead to a disengaged citizenry, as politicians are often left to offer solutions without public input.

Time perception impaired when smokers stop

A recent study found that daily smokers experience impaired time estimation when abstaining from cigarettes for 24 hours. This impairment may contribute to feelings of stress and decreased focus, highlighting the need for further research on nicotine's effects on attention processes.

Math discovery may aid resource management

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new approach to managing natural resources using advanced mathematics. By applying mathematical models to predict the behavior of complex ecosystems, they aim to improve conservation efforts and address issues such as fisheries management and disease spread.

Raisins may find use in jerky

Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that ground raisins can inhibit bacterial growth in beef jerky as effectively as sodium nitrite, a common preservative. The study found that adding raisins to jerky reduces fat content, increases antioxidants and fiber, making it a more appealing option for consumers on low-sodium diets.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateMay 9, 2003

Agents of mass destruction found in USA

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is a legally binding international treaty aimed at reducing tobacco use, but its adoption in the US is threatened by American exceptionalism. The FCTC covers tobacco taxation, smoking prevention and treatment, illicit trade, advertising, sponsorship and promotion, and product regulation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 8, 2003

A man for all seasons

Lyman Briggs was a highly influential soil scientist who also pioneered work on high-speed wind tunnels and military technology. His experiments explored water behavior under low pressure, demonstrating the paradoxical fact that water can remain liquid even with minimal pressure.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 8, 2003

Clue to prion formation found, offers step toward treating puzzling diseases

Scientists have identified a novel step in the formation of prions, proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and chronic wasting disease. By inhibiting this conversion with compounds blocking free sulfhydryl groups, researchers may be able to develop a therapeutic strategy against prion disease.

A fiery debate about volcanoes

Researchers DePaolo and Manga argue that mantle plumes are the primary cause of volcanic activity on Earth. They cite strong evidence from Hawaii and other hotspots, including rapid magma movement and unique chemical signatures. The debate highlights the importance of understanding plume origins for connecting seismology and geochemistry.