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Science News Archive 2004 - Page 77


Page 77 of 135

Chemists retrieve clues to ancient ocean chemistry and global greenhouse from Cretaceous sediments

Researchers retrieved clues to ancient ocean chemistry and global greenhouse gas accumulation from 130-million-year-old sediments. The study provides a high-resolution record of seawater sulfate changes, shedding light on the interactions between the Earth's atmosphere, land, and ocean systems during the Cretaceous period.

Enzyme containing selenium may promote type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that overexpressing a selenium-containing enzyme in mice led to insulin resistance and obesity. The researchers suggest that antioxidants, like selenium, may be harmful by neutralizing free radicals necessary for insulin signaling.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2004

How brain gives special resonance to emotional memories

A new study found that the brain's amygdala interacts with memory-related brain regions during emotional memory formation, contributing to its emotional resonance. The researchers discovered a significant correlation between activity in emotion- and memory-related brain regions during emotional memory formation.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateJun 9, 2004

Human subjects play mind games

A breakthrough in brain-machine interface technique uses electrocorticographic (ECoG) activity to record brain surface signals, enabling humans to control computers with their minds. The study achieved high accuracy rates and promises potential applications in prosthetic limb control for individuals with disabilities.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJun 9, 2004

Exercise more critical than calcium for adolescent bones

A recent study suggests that exercise is the predominant lifestyle determinant of bone strength in young women, with daily calcium intake showing little impact on adult bone mass. The research found that physical activity accounted for between 16% and 22% of variation in hip bone mineral density and bending strength.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 9, 2004

Why grandparents prefer certain kin to others

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that maternal grandmothers are closer to their grandchildren than other grandparents. The researchers discovered that preferential investment stems from genetic uncertainty, with maternal grandmothers being the closest followed by paternal grandfathers.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 9, 2004

Biogeosciences.org launches

The new web site features a discussion forum, image gallery, and interviews with prominent researchers discussing the state of the science. It also includes information on degree programs, funding opportunities, and conferences, making it a valuable resource for biogeoscience enthusiasts and professionals.

Nanotechnology pioneer slays 'grey goo' myths

A new paper by Chris Phoenix and K. Eric Drexler argues that self-replication is not necessary for building an efficient molecular manufacturing system, contrary to previous understanding. Instead, simple robot-arms in larger factories are a more practical solution.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2004

National study shows 82 percent of U.S. homes have mouse allergens

A recent study by Cohn et al. found that 82 percent of U.S. homes contain mouse allergens, with kitchen floors being the most contaminated area. The study, conducted across the entire country, highlights the need for clinicians to consider rodent and cockroach problems as risk factors when treating allergy and asthma patients.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 8, 2004

Need sex? It's probably something about stress

In Volvox carteri, colonies become sexual when exposed to high temperatures, releasing pheromones to guarantee mating partners. This response is linked to the activation of the sex-inducer gene, which promotes the production of a pheromone in reaction to increased oxidants produced by free radicals.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateJun 8, 2004

Patients not sticking to cholesterol drugs -- and the higher their co-pay, the lower their use

Nearly half of patients prescribed statins fail to fill their prescriptions often enough or stop taking the drug altogether due to high out-of-pocket costs. Co-pay levels above $20 increase the likelihood of non-adherence, with four times more patients stopping medication when co-pays exceed $20 compared to those under $10.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 8, 2004

Choice of food helps hungry caterpillar

Researchers found that a caterpillar's adaptation to a specific fruit's chemical composition allows it to survive without triggering the plant's defense mechanism, providing a stable food supply. This unique dietary preference also shields the caterpillar from parasites, enabling it to thrive in an otherwise hostile environment.