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Science News for December 26, 2005


Childhood infections stunt growth, shorten life

Researchers found that survivors of generations with rampant childhood infection were shorter and died sooner than those from less infected generations. Childhood diseases like respiratory infections and diarrhea reduced growth rates. Improved public health practices led to increased height and longevity.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2005

Cervical cancer screening failure linked to poverty

Researchers found that living in communities with high poverty rates and certain states significantly predict cervical cancer screening failures among black women. The study suggests community outreach programs should target high-poverty neighborhoods to improve screening rates.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 26, 2005

Getting an evolutionary handle on life after reproduction

A new study confirms that evolution selectively influences life history traits affecting fitness, such as age at reproduction and senescence. Guppy populations show no postreproductive lifespan variation, contrary to expectations, suggesting this aspect of life history may be randomly determined.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 26, 2005