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Science News Archive November 2003 - Page 8


Page 8 of 10

Reading the brain

Researchers used fMRI to compare brain activity in children, adolescents and adults while reading simple words aloud, revealing differences in brain function across the lifespan. The study suggests that brain function during language tasks changes with development, potentially shedding light on language disorders.

Plants' circadian clocks tune into latitude to enhance fitness

Researchers found that Arabidopsis plants from different latitudes exhibit significant variations in their circadian clocks, suggesting an adaptation to optimize fitness. The study identified five chromosomal regions contributing to the clock mechanism, including multiple genes that work together to control different parts of the process.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·DateNov 6, 2003

Sex in the soil

The nematode worm can alter its sex based on the perceived food availability, affecting the sex ratio. The research helps understand how animals adapt to variable environments and why sex exists.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateNov 6, 2003

Highlights of the November 2003 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Researchers found that individuals with celiac disease often struggle to maintain a gluten-free diet outside the home, impacting lifestyle and quality of life. Supplement users, particularly women, face challenges in evaluating and selecting dietary supplements due to confusion over dosage directions, labeling, and claims.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateNov 6, 2003

Nitrates abundant in arid southwest

Researchers have discovered large reservoirs of nitrates in desert subsoils, challenging the concept that nitrogen is tightly retained in soil. This finding has implications for potential groundwater nitrate contamination following climate change or land-use alterations in natural deserts.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalScience·DateNov 6, 2003

Sleep apnea, depression linked in Stanford study

A Stanford study found that 18% of Europeans with depressive disorder also had a breathing-related sleep disorder, which can increase the risk of feeling sleepy and irritable. The study suggests that treating sleep apnea may help control depression in patients.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 6, 2003

Volcanic mysteries unraveled underwater

Researchers at USGS and international universities reveal that hot vaporized seawater contributes to the formation of new oceanic crust. High-pressure images of lava cavities show molten salt and exotic minerals formed from steam bubbles, challenging previous assumptions about seawater's boiling point at great depths.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2003

COPD's changing face

Women with COPD are accounting for an increasing number of deaths due to rising smoking rates and occupational exposures. The disease was previously thought to be a male-dominated condition, but recent studies have shown that women's lung health has improved significantly over the past few decades.