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Science News for July 18, 2005


Female adolescents trendsetters in teen talk

A study by Professor Sali Tagliamonte found that female adolescents tend to use words like, just, and so more frequently in their conversations as they get older. This language change occurs earlier than in males, with 15- and 16-year-old females using the word 'like' most frequently.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Pragmatics·DateJul 18, 2005

PTEN, TSC2, and tumorigenesis

Researchers investigated the roles of PTEN and TSC2 in tumorigenesis and found that TSC2 can suppress specific tumors caused by Pten heterozygosity. However, PTEN is haploinsufficient for repression of carcinogenesis resulting from Tsc2 heterozygosity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 18, 2005

Bring home the bacon

Research by Suraj Commuri and James Gentry found that women earning more than their spouses do not simultaneously earn domestic power, despite previous theories suggesting a shift in decision-making authority. The study highlights the need for further examination of household forms and consumption decisions influenced by factors such a...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 18, 2005

Does the language gender system of English and Spanish affect consumers' perception of brands?

This study examines how language gender systems impact brand attitudes and evaluations. In Spanish, consistent formal markers enhance brand recall, while semantic associations drive brand evaluation. In English, formal cues determine initial brand name gender, but congruent semantic associations improve brand evaluations and recall.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 18, 2005

Prevalence of infection in a population can shape parasite virulence

Researchers found that parasite costs and virulence depend on the infection status of competitors, with infected individuals doing better when paired with an infected competitor. High prevalence of infection in a population means healthy larvae face less competition, leading to improved development and survival.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 18, 2005

Quitting smoking could save your teeth, study shows

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that quitting smoking significantly improves gum health for smokers with chronic gum disease. Over a one-year period, one-fifth of the patients who quit smoking experienced improved gum health compared to those who continued to smoke.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·DateJul 18, 2005

Light-sensing protein illuminates sun-loving ocean bacteria

A new study reveals that about 13% of ocean bacteria contain the light-sensitive proteorhodopsin enzyme, which harnesses sunlight's energy to survive in nutrient-poor environments. The discovery also sheds light on the potential for these microorganisms to metabolize sulfur and manufacture retinal, a molecule associated with vision.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 18, 2005

Predicting the outcome of drug-induced liver disease

A study analyzing reports of suspected drug-induced liver injury found that AST and bilirubin levels are key predictors of death or liver transplant in patients with severe drug-induced liver disease. Patients with hepatocellular liver damage had a higher mortality rate, highlighting the importance of monitoring these biomarkers.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJul 18, 2005

Judging brands

Consumers make assumptions about brands based on marketplace stereotypes, with a singular negative experience not weighing negatively on overall perception. The study suggests firms increase diversity in their workforces to capitalize on consumer evaluations

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 18, 2005

Towards a cheap and easy way to monitor HIV/AIDS

A new, low-cost device can accurately count CD4 cells in HIV-infected individuals, enabling early treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes. The portable handheld model is designed for healthcare workers in remote areas, addressing a critical need in low-income countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 18, 2005

Paramedic training challenges highlighted by University of Pittsburgh study

A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh highlights the challenges faced by paramedics in performing endotracheal intubation, a critical procedure that requires significant skill and experience. The research found that many paramedics perform intubations less than three times per year, with some not performing any at all.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateJul 18, 2005

Discrimination against individuals with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

A study of Nigerian healthcare professionals found discriminatory attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS, including refusal to care for or admit them. The authors highlight inadequate education and resource shortages as contributing factors, and call for targeted interventions to address these issues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 18, 2005

Space matters: Estimating species diversity in the fossil record

Estimates for the number of living species on earth range from 3.5 million to over 30 million, but only 1.9 million have been classified and described. A new study uses the species-area effect to estimate historical biodiversity in the fossil record, finding a strong relationship between species richness and geographic area.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 18, 2005

Are some medicines so good they should be free? In diabetes, the answer may be yes

A new study suggests that ACE inhibitors, which reduce blood pressure and prevent diabetes-related complications, should be made available at no cost to seniors with diabetes. This could lead to increased use of the medication and significant savings for Medicare, with estimates suggesting $1,606 in lifetime savings per recipient.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 18, 2005

Alone in the aisle

Researchers found that consumers prefer a balance between social interaction and non-interaction, becoming uncomfortable when the experience becomes too intense. The study utilized Social Impact Theory to demonstrate the influence of mere presence on consumer behavior in retail contexts.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 18, 2005