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Science News for June 28, 2005


UQ leads $10m study to fight dengue

A new research project aims to introduce the Wolbachia bacteria into mosquitoes that carry the deadly dengue virus, reducing its lifespan and transmission. The five-year study, led by UQ, seeks to develop a cost-effective, self-perpetuating control strategy for large regional areas.

The first impact factor for PLoS Biology – 13.9

PLOS Biology has achieved a record-breaking impact factor of 13.9, placing it above established journals such as EMBO Journal and Current Biology. This milestone reflects the journal's growing influence in the scientific community, particularly among open-access advocates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 28, 2005

New drug abuse treatment shows promise

A study by Yale University researchers found office-based buprenorphine treatment reaches individuals who are unable to use methadone, with key demographic differences including age, sex, and employment status. The treatment has shown success in reaching patients with lower rates of injection drug use and hepatitis C infection.

SourceYale University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 28, 2005

The impact of weight loss on osteoarthritis of the knee

A study found that moderate weight loss results in a significant reduction of compressive knee-joint loads, with forces reduced by 18 percent in overall function for every 5 percent weight loss. The researchers also discovered that the force reduction is four times greater than the actual weight loss.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJun 28, 2005

Watching more TV increases seniors' negative views of aging

A recent study by Yale University found that watching more TV increases seniors' negative views of aging. Participants who filled out a television-viewing diary with an additional page to evaluate how older characters were presented developed greater awareness of these portrayals and reported less negative images of aging.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateJun 28, 2005