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Science News for August 29, 2005


Teenage drug use can lead to adult addiction and heart attack

Research by Dr Andrew Lawrence and Cameron McPherson found adolescent rats exposed to amphetamine had a more sensitised reaction when re-administered as adults, increasing the risk of heart attack. The study suggests teenage experimentation with drugs may have long-term effects on brain function.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 29, 2005

A step closer to a malaria vaccine

Researchers have identified a promising protein, AMA1, as a potential component for a malaria vaccine. The protein is produced in two critical stages of the parasite life cycle and has slight structure variations called polymorphisms that impact its development.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2005

Expanding complexity of p53

Researchers identify six distinct p53 isoforms in human cells, revealing their potential role in modulating tumor suppressor activity and cell death. These findings may help identify patients at risk of developing aggressive cancer and inform personalized drug therapy.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 29, 2005

Fungus helps tall fescue choke out native plants

A recent study found that infected tall fescue grass outcompetes native plants more quickly when herbivores are present. The symbiotic fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum produces alkaloids that harm livestock, but also contributes to the spread of infected fescue.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2005

Penn study shows genes may affect response to different quit-smoking medications

Researchers found that smokers with specific genetic variants were more likely to abstain from smoking if using Zyban, while those with other variants had higher quit rates with nicotine replacement therapy. The study suggests that genetic information can be used to select the most effective treatment for individual smokers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 29, 2005

Most published research findings may be false

Research studies with smaller sample sizes are more prone to false results. Additionally, scientific fields with smaller postulated effects tend to have higher rates of false positive claims. Financial interests and prejudices can also influence the accuracy of research findings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 29, 2005

Tiny rubber balls give plastic bounce

Researchers have developed tiny rubber balls that can be embedded in plastics to improve adhesion and toughness. The core-shell particles are tailored to join with any plastic or ceramic, solving issues of adhesion found with untailored rubber particles.

Hearing loss in older adults may compromise cognitive resources for memory

A recent study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science found that hearing loss in older adults can compromise cognitive resources for memory. The research suggests that the extra effort needed to comprehend words detracts from the cognitive processes involved in memorization. This highlights the importance of sensitivi...

SourceBrandeis University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 29, 2005