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Science News Archive 2005 - Page 138


Page 138 of 165

Cockroach allergens have greatest impact on childhood asthma in many US cities

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that cockroach allergens are a primary contributor to childhood asthma in inner-city home environments. The study suggests that general cleaning practices, extermination techniques, and maintenance methods can reduce allergen levels.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 8, 2005

Oldest fossil human protein ever sequenced

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have successfully sequenced a fossil human protein from over 40,000 years ago, providing valuable information on human evolution and diet. The analysis reveals that the Neanderthal sequence is identical to modern humans', suggesting a shared dietary history.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2005

How much can your mind keep track of?

Research reveals that humans have a limited capacity for processing multiple variables simultaneously, with performance decreasing significantly as problem complexity rises. The study found that academics struggled to accurately solve problems involving four or more variables, often reporting feelings of information loss and confusion.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 8, 2005

Emotional memory study reveals evidence for a self-reinforcing loop

The study reveals that emotional pictures are recalled better than neutral ones, and this recall is associated with increased activity in the amygdala and hippocampus. The researchers propose a synergistic mechanism where emotion triggers recollection, creating a loop that could help understand traumatic memory recall in PTSD patients.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2005

Researchers close in on breast cancer vaccine

Researchers have made significant progress in developing a breast cancer vaccine, using a protein called mammaglobin-A found in 80% of breast tumors. The DNA vaccine has been shown to stimulate an immune response that can recognize and attack tumor cells expressing the protein.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateMar 8, 2005

Democracy increases education spending in Africa

A recent study by Dr. Stasavage found that democracy is associated with greater government spending on education in Africa, particularly primary education. The research, published in the American Journal of Political Science, analyzed data from forty-four African countries between 1980-1996.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateMar 7, 2005

Jupiter: A cloudy mirror for the Sun?

Astronomers using the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton telescope discovered that Jupiter's x-ray glow is due to x-rays from the Sun being reflected back off the planet's atmosphere. The discovery synchronises Jupiter's day-to-day disk x-rays with the Sun's emissions, providing new insights into solar activity.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 7, 2005

Finding hidden invaders in a Hawaiian rain forest

Researchers used high-altitude airborne imaging spectroscopy to identify two invading plant species, Myrica faya and Kahili ginger, in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The study found that these invaders are altering the forest ecosystem by changing leaf nitrogen and water content, with potential domino effects on native species.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2005

More elderly residents do not necessarily reduce school tax base

A new study by Penn State researchers suggests that elderly residents do not necessarily reduce school tax bases, but policy changes like property tax rebates can decrease spending. The study found that loyal senior citizens willing to pay higher taxes for the school district can support educational funding if they feel an emotional at...

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateMar 7, 2005

Geography predicts human genetic diversity

Research suggests that geographic distance from East Africa is a strong predictor of human genetic diversity, supporting the Recent African Origin model. Populations further away from Ethiopia display lower genetic variability, indicating a progressive loss of neutral genetic diversity as new areas were colonized.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 7, 2005

The circadian clock: Understanding nature's timepiece

Researchers have discovered that the human circadian clock is organized in a complex network of groups performing different functions, contrary to previous beliefs. This new understanding has significant implications for health, safety, and economic benefits, particularly in addressing jet lag and sleep-related issues.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateMar 7, 2005

Gene therapy cures inherited liver disease in rats

Researchers have developed a gene therapy that completely cures Crigler-Najjar syndrome, a liver disease, in rats using a specially designed adenovirus. The treatment has no long-term effect and poses no risk of cancer, making it a promising approach for treating other diseases with similar genetic deficiencies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2005

Curious female rats survive tumors longer

Researchers found that curious female rats with spontaneous breast or pituitary tumors lived an average of six months longer than cautious ones. The study suggests that personality traits may have a significant impact on health and resilience to disease, consistent with earlier findings in human studies.