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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 73


Page 73 of 108

Violent music lyrics increase aggressive thoughts and feelings, according to new study

A new study found that violent music lyrics can increase aggressive thoughts and feelings in college students, even when humorous lyrics are used. The research controlled for factors such as individual personality differences and musical style, suggesting a potential link between exposure to violent content and aggression.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 4, 2003

Early diagnosis of Usher syndrome type 1 made possible by new findings

A new mutation, R245X, has been identified as a significant cause of USH1 in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Early diagnosis through molecular screening can lead to earlier intervention, including cochlear implants and ophthalmologic evaluations, improving the quality of life for affected children.

Bedwetting may be linked to social status

A recent study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics suggests that bedwetting may be associated with low socioeconomic status in children. The research found that almost 39% of children with bedwetting problems came from low socioeconomic backgrounds, compared to 23% of non-bedwetters.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateMay 2, 2003

What goes wrong in older eggs?

Researchers used fruit flies to study how age affects meiosis, a specialized cell division that gives rise to eggs and sperm. The study found that as fruit fly eggs 'age', errors in cell division increase, mirroring the phenomenon in humans, where birth defects like Down syndrome rise with maternal age.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 2, 2003

Key gene in orchestrating embryo development also fine tunes organization of the retina

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a critical role for the gene Prox1 in regulating the development of the retina, ensuring proper formation and organization of complex tissue. The study found that Prox1 directs progenitor cells to stop multiplying, resulting in a precise ratio of horizontal cells to r...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 1, 2003

A possible mechanism for pre-eclampsia?

A study by Makrina Savvidou and colleagues found that impaired placental blood flow precedes pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. Raised concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are strongly associated with reduced arterial dilation and increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 1, 2003

Molecular defect may lead to osteoporosis

A study found that mice genetically engineered to lack a molecule called Stem Cell Antigen-1 (Sca-1) experienced normal bone development but exhibited decreased bone mass and brittle bones as they aged. The researchers believe that defective maintenance of stem cells may contribute to age-related osteoporosis in humans.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2003

Estrogen regulates key factor in wound healing

MIF is a crucial intermediary in uncontrolled inflammation and impaired wound healing. In estrogen-deficient mice, MIF expression increased, leading to excessive inflammation and delayed healing. Therapeutics that inhibit MIF may accelerate wound healing.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2003

Recooking the recipe for prebiotic soup: Scripps professor revisits the Miller experiment

A Scripps Institution of Oceanography professor and his colleague revisit the famous Miller experiment to recreate a prebiotic soup that may have been present on early Earth. The report traces the history of the experiment and highlights its significance in transforming the study of life's origin into a respectable field of inquiry.