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Science News for July 7, 2003


Sleep disorders linked to faulty brain chemistry, study finds

Researchers found a major neurochemical deficit in patients with multiple system atrophy, a rare degenerative disease, which correlates with worsened sleep problems. The study suggests that brain chemistry disruptions may also be linked to other neurological diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology·DateJul 7, 2003

Food supply and nutrition education for children

The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the importance of food and nutrition programs for children and adolescents. These programs not only combat hunger and food insecurity but also provide crucial nutrition education and promote physical activity to prevent excess weight and chronic diseases.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJul 7, 2003
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Heavy drinking: Some students call it quits before graduation

A study of 778 Ohio State University students found that nearly two-thirds (64%) were in the precontemplation stage, which is associated with increased heavy drinking. In contrast, students who had cut back on their intake reported perceiving more risks and fewer benefits associated with alcohol use.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateJul 7, 2003

Headaches devastating to children's quality of life

A study published in Pediatrics found that children with migraines experience significant impairment in school functioning and emotional well-being. The researchers surveyed 572 children and adolescents, revealing that quality of life is negatively affected across all areas of functioning compared to healthy peers.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 7, 2003

Spectrum of West Nile symptoms includes paralysis

A study of 23 West Nile patients reveals early symptoms include rash, low back pain, and limb pain, progressing to muscle weakness and respiratory failure in severe cases. The disease can cause significant disability and death if left untreated, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 7, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Tracking premature babies: girls grow bigger than boys

A study of very low birth weight infants found that female babies grew more quickly than males, leading to higher obesity rates and increased risk of metabolic disorders. By age 20, 21% of females were overweight and 15% obese.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 7, 2003

Testing method may be culprit behind abnormal pap test results

Researchers found that the ThinPrep Pap test was more likely to detect abnormal cervical cells in women taking oral contraceptives than those not on birth control. In reality, most healthy cells looked like HPV-infected cells due to changes caused by the testing method, highlighting the need for further analysis and potential re-testing.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCancer Cytopathology·DateJul 7, 2003

Migration takes guts

Research by Scott McWilliams at the University of Rhode Island shows that birds' digestive systems adapt to meet changing energy demands during migration. Birds need sufficient protein to build their digestive tract, which can impact habitat management at key stop-over sites.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·DateJul 7, 2003

Fidelity is key mate-preference factor for both sexes

A study of 978 heterosexual residents found that physical attractiveness is not a primary factor in long-term relationships, while fidelity and good parenting qualities are highly valued. The researchers suggest that humans have evolved to play a sophisticated mating game, with similar characteristics being preferred in partners.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2003

Leading climate scientists reaffirm view that late 20th Century warming was unusual

Leading climate scientists endorse the position on climate change and greenhouse gases taken by AGU in 1998, stating that natural factors cannot fully explain recent warming. They argue that proxy data must be assessed for temperature variability and hemispheric mean temperature should be distinguished from regional temperature anomalies.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalEos·DateJul 7, 2003
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Nodding or shaking your head may even influence your own thoughts, study finds

A new study found that nodding or shaking one's head can affect agreement with an editorial, increasing confidence in favorable thoughts and decreasing confidence in negative ones. Body movements like writing with a non-dominant hand also influence attitudes, even on important issues.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 7, 2003

Rare versions of immune system genes stave off HIV infection

Researchers found that rare variations of HLA-A and HLA-B genes can protect against HIV. The study, which analyzed data from 996 HIV-infected men in Chicago, suggests that these genetic variants may be used to develop targeted AIDS vaccines.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 7, 2003

New evidence of women's pension disadvantage

Research shows that most women cannot rely on private pensions for adequate income in later life, highlighting the need for improved state pensions and carer credits. Single women have a significant private pension advantage compared to married or divorced women.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJul 7, 2003

HIV eludes body's smart bomb

A research team led by Nathaniel Landau identified the interaction between HIV's Vif protein and APOBEC3G. The study found that mice have a similar antiviral protein that can block HIV replication due to its inability to recognize human proteins.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 7, 2003
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.

Anger, anxiety may boost heart risk in postmenopausal women

A new study suggests that psychological factors like anger and anxiety may boost heart risk in postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy provides some artery protection for women with high levels of anger and Type A behavior, but not for those with anxiety or depression.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJul 7, 2003