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Science News for August 9, 2005


Volcanoes inner workings disclosed when the Earth moved

Researchers studied tiltmeter data from the Soufriere Hills Volcano to understand its behavior and inner workings. They found that pressure is centered around a half mile below the dome or nearly 2.5 miles above the magma chamber, suggesting a more extensive region involved in pressurization.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 9, 2005

Cocoa is the new red wine

Research shows that cocoa's flavinoids can inhibit platelet function, potentially preventing coronary heart disease. In contrast, people with non-O blood types are at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly those carrying the Factor V Leiden variant protein.

Rethinking anti-oxidants

Researchers have discovered a novel probucol-analog that effectively protects against atherosclerosis without the same side effects as its predecessor. This breakthrough compound induces an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory pathway in blood vessel walls, offering new hope for treating people with or at risk of heart disease.

How the brain understands pictures

A Johns Hopkins University study reveals the brain's subconscious process of organizing images into a 'whole' even when focusing on only one part. The research, based on nerve cell recordings in macaque monkeys, suggests that the brain continuously organizes scenes, even when attending to small parts.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 9, 2005

Nutrition scientists take a look at cataract prevention

Researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University have found that long-term vitamin E supplementation may delay cataract development. Additionally, higher intakes of riboflavin and thiamin were associated with reduced cataract progression in women. However, the study's findings on dietary fat intake...

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 9, 2005

A 'smart' bio-nanotube

Scientists have developed a novel structure made from cell components that can assemble into nanotubes with controllable open or closed states. This innovation has the potential to deliver drugs or genes where they would be most effective, using the natural properties of cells similar to skin and bone.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2005

Brain's opioid receptors—or endorphin system—may hold key to treatment possibilities for bulimia

Researchers found lower mu-opioid receptor binding in the left insular cortex of women with bulimia, inversely correlated with fasting behavior. This study suggests that medications targeting brain opioid receptors may help treat bulimia, a serious eating disorder marked by destructive patterns of dieting and vomiting.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateAug 9, 2005

Two new lemur species discovered

German and Malagasy primatologists have discovered two new lemur species, Mirza zaza and Microcebus lehilahytsara, highlighting biodiversity patterns among humans' closest relatives. The discoveries shed light on human origins and evolution, with lemurs being crucial to understanding ancient primate lineages.

Plants discriminate between self and non self

Researchers found that plants grow more and longer secondary roots on the non-self side, suggesting a mechanism based on physiological coordination. This coordination might involve internal pulsing of hormonal or electrical signals that desynchronize when plants are separated.

Skin cancers growing in young people – A case for prevention

A Mayo Clinic study found that basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors are increasing in younger adults, with a significant surge in women over 30. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) diagnoses also rose sharply, especially among men and women in their late 30s. Long-term sun exposure and tanning bed use are major contributors to this trend.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateAug 9, 2005

Bon Appétit Management Company

Bon Appétit is recognized for its 'Circle of Responsibility' program, incorporating environmentally responsible and sustainable practices such as farm-to-fork sourcing, organic food options, and fair trade choices. The company's commitment to sustainability promotes the health of people and the environment.

New advance in prostate cancer management

A new technique called the Checkerboard Tissue Microarray (TMA) Method has been developed to accurately predict prostate cancer aggressiveness. This method can help identify markers of aggressive tumors, potentially preventing thousands of men from undergoing unnecessary radical surgery and its severe side effects.

SourceThe Institute of Cancer Research·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateAug 9, 2005

Aspirin treatment failure warning

Research reveals that aspirin resistance is a significant concern for certain patient groups, particularly those with coronary heart disease or high cholesterol levels. An alternative treatment option, Clopidogrel, has shown promise in reducing blood clotting and inflammation in these patients.

New window into ancient ozone holes

Researchers have discovered that since the 1960s, spores from living land plants show a three-fold increase in UV-B absorbing pigments to protect themselves against declining stratospheric ozone. By studying ancient plant fossils, scientists aim to measure past UV-B levels and better understand Earth's climate history.