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Science News for October 13, 2003


Study finds few substance abuse treatment programs for elders

A recent study found that only 17.7% of eligible substance abuse treatment programs provide specialized care for older adults, despite the increasing number of people over 65 in high-risk states like Iowa, Florida, and Arizona. The study highlights the need for developing strategies to manage late-life alcoholism.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateOct 13, 2003

Public Library of Science launches PLoS Biology

PLoS Biology features peer-reviewed research articles on diverse topics, making outstanding science freely available worldwide. The journal's open-access model aims to increase interdisciplinary collaboration, speed scientific discovery, and potentially save lives.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2003

MicroRNA targets: How big is the iceberg?

Researchers have used a bioinformatics approach to identify additional microRNA targets in fruit fly Drosophila, increasing the number of known targets from three to over 60. The study provides an important step towards understanding how microRNAs affect protein composition in animal cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2003

Thoughts translate to actions

Miguel Nicolelis and colleagues present results from long-term studies in monkeys, showing that the same set of brain cells can control two distinct movements using a brain-machine interface. This finding has important practical implications for spinal-cord patients, offering flexibility in introducing electrodes or functional enhancem...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2003

Critics are wrong: Suburban residents feel a strong sense of community

A recent study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research found that suburban residents felt a close sense of community with their neighbors. Despite criticisms that suburbs are cold and sterile, the study refuted these claims by showing that both traditional and suburban neighborhoods can foster strong community bonds.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·DateOct 13, 2003

Mathematical modeling predicts cellular communication

Researchers used mathematical modeling to study the Wnt pathway, a complex signaling system involved in embryonic development and carcinogenesis. The model revealed surprising differences in concentrations of key proteins, suggesting that breakdowns in cellular communication play a role in cancer development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2003