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Science News Archive April 2004 - Page 10


Page 10 of 12

Four IU professors are 2004 Guggenheim Fellows

Indiana University professors Christopher Beckwith, Mary Ellen Brown, Ellen Ketterson, and Loren Rieseberg have been awarded the prestigious 2004 Guggenheim Fellowships. The grants will support their research on topics including bird sexual behavior, plant species evolution, and Central Eurasian history.

Zinc supplements could help treat ADHD

Researchers found that children taking additional zinc sulphate on a daily basis showed faster improvement in their ADHD symptoms compared to those taking a placebo. The study's results suggest a potential role of zinc deficiency in the pathogenesis of ADHD and highlight the need for further research.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 2004

Study suggests insect-derived antimicrobial peptides could be used as drug-delivery vehicles

Researchers have discovered that insect-derived antimicrobial peptides, such as pyrrhocoricin, can penetrate human dendritic cells and fibroblasts, potentially leading to new vaccine and immune therapies. The peptides are being explored as drug-delivery vehicles for peptide or peptide-based drugs that normally cannot cross cell membranes.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateApr 8, 2004

AGU Journal highlights - 8 April 2004

Scientists discovered that rapid Arctic warming is releasing ancient carbon into the ocean. Researchers also found a correlation between plasmasphere rotation and Earth's rotation lag, which affects models simulating Earth's plasmaspheric dynamics. Additionally, new models of North Atlantic Ocean circulation can now be run on personal ...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 8, 2004

Study shows lower than expected allergic-like events following second prescription of penicillin

A new study found that only 2% of patients who experienced an allergic-like event after the first penicillin prescription had another reaction, despite previous estimates suggesting a 60% rate. The researchers suggest that some patients labeled as penicillin-allergic can safely receive the antibiotic in emergency situations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 7, 2004

Why sloths do not sleep upside down

Research suggests that sloths expel larger particles more efficiently than expected, potentially due to unique digestive adaptations. This study challenges the conventional wisdom on sloth behavior and highlights the importance of considering the interplay between resting posture, digestive anatomy, and ingesta characteristics.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalMammal Review·DateApr 7, 2004

Crime scene or nature reserve?

Australian researchers introduce a simple method to collect, archive and process DNA from wildlife samples using FTA databasing paper, which preserves DNA integrity despite temperature fluctuations. This technique enables the transport of large reference collections over long distances, enabling extensive wildlife studies.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateApr 7, 2004

Understanding nutrition labels can lead to healthier eating

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an activity called 'See it, Do it, Teach it' to help people understand nutrition labels and increase their calcium intake. The eight-week study showed that participants significantly increased their calcium consumption, getting closer to daily requirements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateApr 7, 2004

Post-traumatic stress disorder increases in children with extended ICU stays after cardiac surgery

A new study found that children who stayed in the ICU for more than 48 hours after cardiac surgery were at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Five out of 43 children met diagnostic criteria for PTSD, with symptoms including disorganized behavior, nightmares, and concentration problems.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 7, 2004

Computer modeling fibrillation in the canine heart

A team of researchers from Cornell University and Gene Network Sciences Inc. has developed a 3D computer model of the canine heart to simulate ventricular fibrillation. The model aims to help understand the causes of this life-threatening condition, currently treated with electrical shocks that can damage the heart.

Hormone linked to obesity plays positive role in fertility & possibly male arousal

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that a hormone associated with obesity also plays a key role in male fertility, influencing testosterone production and sperm transport. Orexin receptors were found in areas of the testis, epididymis, and penis, suggesting its potential involvement in penile function and erection.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 6, 2004

Gaining health while giving back to the community

The study found that Experience Corps volunteers experienced increased physical, cognitive, and social activity, which could lead to improved health outcomes. Volunteers also reported feeling stronger and had a reduced need for canes. In contrast, the control group showed a decline in social activity and an increase in TV viewing.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateApr 6, 2004