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Science News for October 4, 2004


Most US malaria deaths preventable: CDC

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that most US malaria deaths are preventable, with human error and inadequate medical care contributing to nearly two-thirds of cases. The CDC has expanded resources available to provide critical information on prevention and treatment of malaria.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 4, 2004

Internet data-mining of natural history

The four-year project aims to produce new techniques for analyzing spatio-temporal data, making it accessible to researchers, conservation biologists, educators, and citizens. The grant will integrate machine learning and modeling techniques with existing ornithology projects, increasing the power and scope of data tools.

Terrorist warnings boost Bush's approval ratings

A Cornell University study found that terrorist warnings increased presidential approval ratings and support for Bush's handling of the economy. The study's findings are consistent with social identity theory and terror management theory, suggesting a 'halo effect' where threats increase in-group identification and nationalism.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Research in Ecological and Social Psychology·DateOct 4, 2004

Daphne Koller named MacArthur Fellow

Koller's research uses algorithms, probabilistic modeling, and Bayesian networks to represent complex information with high uncertainty. Her work has implications in artificial intelligence and genetic data analysis, and she is optimistic about identifying patterns of gene expression across species.

Of lice and men

A University of Utah study shows that a now-extinct species of early human came into direct contact with our species about 25,000 years ago and spread parasites to our ancestors. The analysis of lice genes confirmed key developments in human evolution, including the 'out of Africa' theory.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 4, 2004

An embryonic stem cell model for Parkinson's disease

Researchers created a mouse embryonic stem cell model to study Parkinson's disease, revealing that DJ-1-deficient cells exhibit heightened sensitivity to oxidative stress. The model also linked DJ-1 dysfunction to alpha-synuclein aggregation, a hallmark of Parkinson's neuropathology.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 4, 2004

How roots control plant shoots

Researchers at University of Utah discovered a gene, BPS1, in plant roots that sends chemical signals controlling leaf growth. The study found that manipulating this gene can change the way leaves develop, even when plants have enough food and water.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 4, 2004

Use of aspirin or other NSAIDs increases survival

A recent study published by Fox Chase Cancer Center found that patients who used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) regularly before their diagnosis and treatment had improved overall survival rates. The research involved 1,206 men with localized prostate cancer and compared the outcomes of those who used NSAIDs regularly to...

Endangered frogs coexist with fungus once thought fatal

Researchers in Australia have discovered that frog populations of critically endangered species can persist with stable fungal infections, challenging the role of a deadly disease in their declines. The study found no evidence that survival differed between infected and uninfected frogs, suggesting coexistence rather than devastating i...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 4, 2004