Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2004 - Page 69


Page 69 of 135

Girls more likely than boys to be overexposed to alcohol ads in magazines

A study found that adolescent girls were overexposed to alcohol advertisements in magazines, with 45% more beer and ale ads, 12% more distilled spirits ads, and 65% more low-alcohol refreshers (LARs) ads compared to their male counterparts. The researchers called for further action due to the failure of industry self-regulation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 5, 2004

Climate may play role in lynx's hunting ability

Researchers found that different snow conditions affect the dynamics of the Canadian lynx. The study showed that surface hardness, determined by warm winter spells, influences how deep the lynx sinks in the snow, impacting its ability to prey on snow hares.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2004

Chicago teens living in safer neighborhoods less likely to carry concealed firearms

A study analyzing data from Chicago's youth between ages 9-19 found that teenagers living in safer neighborhoods were significantly less likely to carry concealed firearms compared to those in more disordered areas. The research suggests that decreasing community violence and disorder can positively impact youth gun carrying behavior.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 5, 2004

Protein controls acid in cells by direct detection of volume changes, study finds

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a protein called NHE1 that regulates cell acidity by directly detecting volume changes. This control is crucial for cell growth and proliferation. The study found specific differences in how NHE1 responds to changes in cell volume compared to another similar transporter, NHE3.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2004

Old is young, study finds

Researchers analyzed over 750 fossils to discover that modern humans experienced a quadrupling of survival rates among older adults. This trend is believed to have contributed to population expansions and cultural innovations, as well as strengthened social relationships and kinship bonds.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2004

Parental supervision may reduce the risk for certain sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents

A recent study found that high levels of perceived parental supervision were linked with reduced gonorrhea and chlamydia infections in African American female adolescents. The study, which recruited 158 adolescent females aged 14-19 years, discovered a correlation between high parental supervision and lower incidence rates of these STDs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 5, 2004

Studies suggest people with early AD can still learn

Researchers found that individuals with early AD who participated in a 3-to-4 month cognitive rehabilitation program showed significant improvements in face-name recognition, mental processing speeds, and time-place orientation. The study suggests that people with early AD can be taught techniques to help stay engaged in everyday life.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2004

Public health and prisons

A study by Brown University researchers found high prevalence of life-threatening and contagious infections among incoming inmates. Nearly 20% tested positive for hepatitis B, highlighting the need for vaccination to prevent transmission upon release into the community.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 2, 2004

Physicists reveal flaw in EU Constitution

Karol Zyczkowski and Wojciech Slomczynski found that citizens in different EU countries will have unequal influence on Council of Ministers decisions. They propose a fairer solution called the Jagiellonian Compromise, where voting power is proportional to population, giving smaller states equal weight.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJul 1, 2004

Cancer patient, heal thyself

Researchers have discovered a potential immunotherapy strategy for cancer treatment by reactivating specific memory T cell subsets from cancer patients. These activated cells effectively recognize and reject xenotransplanted autologous tumors, reducing tumor size in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2004

Origins of blood vessel cells

Researchers from Indiana University have identified adult type stem cells that can be grown in large quantities and easily modified with genes. These endothelial progenitor cells show promise as a new gene therapy tool for treating circulatory problems, such as diabetes-related amputations and heart attack repair.

SourceIndiana University·JournalBlood·DateJul 1, 2004

Microscopy scans show how brain cells process energy

A laser-based microscopy technique has confirmed and redefined the controversial 'astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle' hypothesis for brain energy metabolism. The study reveals that neurons and astrocytes interact to burn oxygen and glucose, with astrocytes providing lactate fuel after glucose is converted from the bloodstream.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJul 1, 2004

PAF-way to bone loss

The absence of platelet-activating factor receptor in mice with induced menopause leads to improved bone mineral density and volume. Osteoclasts are responsible for PAF's mechanism of action, and inhibiting PAF receptor function reduces bone resorption.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2004

Investigating digital images

Farid's algorithm uses statistical clues to detect tampering in digital images, making it harder for people to manipulate photos. The technology has the potential to prevent fake photos from influencing public opinion and trust, especially in news reports.

A new twist on fiber optics

Researchers have developed spiraling glass fibers that impart a chiral character to light by polarizing photons. These fibers can be used as sensors for pressure, temperature, torque, and chemical composition, while also enabling the manipulation of polarized light in various applications.

JCI table of contents, 1 July 2004

A new mouse model study identifies the connection between maternal immune activation and reproductive hormone secretion systems, linking them to pregnancy loss. The researchers found that an inflammatory response caused by activated CD40 receptor led to embryo resorption due to decreased progesterone levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for July 2004 (first issue)

A new study found that almost 60% of children with asthma during the pre-pubertal period continue to experience wheezing episodes after the onset of puberty. Obesity at age 11 was also associated with a threefold increased risk for persistence of asthma, according to researchers analyzing data from a longitudinal birth cohort.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 1, 2004

A pregnant pause for unexpected interactions

A new mouse model reveals that early pregnancy loss is triggered by the immune system's interference with reproductive hormones, specifically progesterone. This finding may contribute to human infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, providing a potential target for therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2004

HIV/AIDS issue: July 3, 2004

The Lancet discusses new design changes to the journal, including open-access policies and electronic document posting. The article also explores various HIV/AIDS strategies for developing countries, including expanded access to treatment and prevention efforts. Researchers emphasize the importance of local solutions and community-led ...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 1, 2004

The key to cell motility

Scientists Gary Bokoch and colleagues discovered the mechanism by which Rac is released from RhoGDI, revealing a critical role for p21-activated kinase (Pak) in regulating cell motility. This breakthrough offers insights into tumor growth, immune responses, and neurological diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 1, 2004