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Science News for June 15, 2005


Placebos can bring emotional relief

Researchers found that placebo treatment reduced subjects' ratings of unpleasant pictures and activity in emotional centers. The study generalizes the concept of placebo effect and its underlying neural mechanisms for both pain perception and emotional stimuli.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 15, 2005

The bigger the serving, the more young children will eat

A recent study published in Appetite found that preschool children aged 4-6 consume more food when served larger portions, regardless of their previous meal size. The researchers monitored the food intake of 16 children over five days and discovered that increased snack offerings also contributed to higher total daily calorie consumption.

SourceCornell University·JournalAppetite·DateJun 15, 2005

Promoting hair growth

Researchers find that stabilizing a protein called â-catenin drives hair follicle development by reducing the threshold for stem cell activation. Key genes controlling this process are identified, providing new insights into promoting hair growth.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 15, 2005

Gastric bug link to irregular heart rhythm

A study of 59 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation found a strong link between Helicobacter pylori infection and elevated C reactive protein levels, suggesting chronic gastritis may predispose to atrial fibrillation. The researchers also noted that H pylori has properties enabling it to evade the immune system.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalHeart·DateJun 15, 2005

Senior citizen support for school spending is growing

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that senior citizens are becoming more supportive of educational spending, defying expectations. The data contradicts long-held assumptions about the role of aging and retirement in shaping attitudes towards school funding.

SourcePenn State·JournalPublic Opinion Quarterly·DateJun 15, 2005

Maryland's poor, African-American communities suffer disproportionate cancer risk from air pollution

A new study found that low-income, African-American communities in Maryland are more likely to be exposed to high levels of air pollutants, increasing their cancer risk. The study suggests that targeted emissions-reduction policies can help mitigate this disparity and improve health outcomes for these communities.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 15, 2005