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Science News for July 5, 2005


Largest study to date reveals baseline findings for flexible sigmoidoscopy

The largest study to date provides valuable insights into flexible sigmoidoscopy screening among 154,942 participants aged 55-74. Findings show that women are more likely to decline FSG than men, while non-acceptance increases with age in women. The rate of cancer detected was 2.9 per 1,000 individuals screened.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2005

Dieting linked to increased wealth, study finds

A new study by Ohio State University found that dieting is linked to increased wealth, particularly among white women, but not as strongly among black men or white men. The study analyzed data from over 7,300 people and found that those who lost large amounts of weight experienced more dramatic changes in wealth.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateJul 5, 2005

Ethanol and biodiesel from crops not worth the energy

A study by Cornell University researchers found that producing ethanol and biodiesel from plant biomass requires more energy than the fuel produced, leading to significant fossil energy input. The use of these fuels contributes to air, water, and soil pollution, as well as global warming.

SourceCornell University·JournalNatural Resources Research·DateJul 5, 2005

Turn up da noise

Researchers found that adding noise to weak vibrations increased the ability of participants to detect the frequency of the original signal. This effect could be useful in designing prosthetics for the elderly to prevent painful falls and improve balance control.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 5, 2005

Other highlights in the July 6 JNCI

A new study found long-duration regular use of aspirin or NSAIDs may lower prostate cancer risk by 18%. Gene variants associated with melanoma risk were also identified in a Mediterranean population study, while another study found no link between gene mutations and response to bevacizumab

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2005

University of Oregon chemists discover new way to fix nitrogen

Researchers have successfully synthesized ammonia from nitrogen using a simple compound of iron and hydrogen in solution, marking a significant step toward achieving one of chemistry's coveted goals. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable production of ammonia, a vital fertilizer for global food supply.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 5, 2005

Canadian researchers call for more angiograms

A study led by Dr. Michelle Graham highlights the need for higher rates of cardiac catheterization testing in Alberta and Canada. The research shows that many patients with high-risk blockages remain undetected, emphasizing the importance of increasing angiogram prescriptions to save lives.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 5, 2005

Brain function in schizophrenia can improve with support, holds promise for cognitive rehabilitation

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis shows that people with schizophrenia can remember things just as well as healthy subjects with proper cues and memory aids. The research suggests a new way to understand the cognitive problems underlying schizophrenia, offering hope for more effective cognitive rehabilitation programs.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 5, 2005

Quantum cryptography

Researchers at Perimeter Institute outline a new aspect of Quantum Cryptography, improving the security of data transmission. The study demonstrates enhanced capabilities in quantum key distribution, paving the way for widespread adoption in secure communication networks.

SourcePerimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 5, 2005

Nutritional info helps teens make better choices

Researchers found that providing nutrition information at point-of-selection increased sales of lower-fat and calorie foods. Students opted for healthier options, such as plain cheese pizza instead of pepperoni, and chose dishes with fewer calories but similar fat content.