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Science News for May 17, 2005


Iodine deficiency, supplements affect thyroid cancer risk in children exposed to radioactive iodine

A case-control study found a strong dose-response relationship between radiation dose and thyroid cancer risk, with iodine-deficient areas showing three times the risk. Stable iodine supplementation was associated with one-third the risk of radiation-related thyroid cancer compared to no supplementation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 17, 2005

Epilepsy by the numbers

Researchers have developed a mathematical way to translate brain wave readings into simple terms to help doctors identify newborns at risk for epilepsy. The new tool uses quantitative EEG analysis to pinpoint abnormal brain activity in real-time.

Unrestrained retina too much of a good thing

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that the retina is the default pathway for eye development in mammals, controlled by two chemical cues. This discovery has important implications for human therapy, as it highlights the need to regulate stem cell development and prevent excessive growth of the retina.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 17, 2005

Mother birds increase progesterone to hatch females

Researchers at Cornell University found that higher-than-normal progesterone levels in female chickens during the first meiosis significantly produce more females. The study suggests that female birds manipulate sex ratios to adapt to their environment and ensure the next generation has enough females to care for.

SourceCornell University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 17, 2005

Several factors can increase risk for recurrent blood clot

A follow-up study of 474 patients found that men have a higher risk of recurring blood clots than women, and that women who use oral contraceptives are more likely to experience recurrence. The study also suggests that adequate prophylactic anticoagulation is the most important measure to reduce the risk of recurrent events.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 17, 2005

Too stressed to think?

Researchers found that high cortisol levels lead to poor memory performance and a smaller hippocampus in older adults. Stress also affects young adults and children, causing reversible memory impairments and higher cortisol levels in low SES children.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMay 17, 2005

Yoga takes a bite out of eating disorders

A recent study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that yoga can help women buffer against negative messages about body image and self-acceptance. The research suggests that practicing yoga may lead to improved mental health outcomes, particularly for individuals at high risk of developing eating disorders.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateMay 17, 2005