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Science News for November 10, 2005


Neurologists refine multiple sclerosis diagnostic criteria

The new criteria allow for an earlier diagnosis of multiple sclerosis with minimal loss of diagnostic accuracy. The revised guidelines also reduce the number of MRI scans required to evaluate disease progression, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing MS and excluding alternative diagnoses.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateNov 10, 2005

Study finds billions of health insurance dollars used for administrative costs

A recent study reveals that approximately $230 billion in national healthcare spending is devoted to insurance administration. Insurance companies spend around 10% of premiums on billing and marketing activities, while physicians' offices allocate 14%, with hospitals using 9%. The study found that only 66% of health insurance dollars a...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 10, 2005

From one cell, many possible cures

A Florida State University research team has developed a biomedical device called a perfusion bioreactor that allows for the large-scale growth of adult stem cells from bone marrow. The device mimics the body's circulatory system and delivers nutrients to stem cells, enabling controlled differentiation into various tissue types.

Heredity may be the reason some people feel lonely

A study by the University of Chicago found that identical twins shared similar characteristics of loneliness at a rate of 50%, while fraternal twins shared at 25%. The research suggests that genetics may play a significant role in the development of loneliness, which can have severe consequences on mental and physical health.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalBehavior Genetics·DateNov 10, 2005

How could a Roberts-Alito court support the Republican political agenda?

The research examines how the U.S. Supreme Court can assist powerful officials in achieving their ideological objectives through direct political action. Key findings include states as a crucial factor in generating national political support for judicial review and the importance of entrenched interests and fragmented coalitions in sh...

SourceAmerican Political Science Association·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateNov 10, 2005

The brain is broadly wired for reproduction

Studies reveal neural circuits coordinating a complex interplay between neurons controlling reproduction and areas processing odorant molecules and pheromones. GnRH neurons are found to send signals to both olfactory and vomeronasal systems, influencing the processing of sensory information depending on reproductive circumstances.

Can anthrax be controlled?

A newly discovered protein called alpha-defensin can kill Bacillus anthracis bacteria, the causative agent of anthrax. The skin form of anthrax is harmless due to neutrophils' ability to identify and kill microbes, whereas the lung form remains fatal, prompting hope for new treatments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 10, 2005

Lateral thinking produces first map of gene transmission

Researchers mapped how genes are shared between bacteria through lateral genetic transfer, a process where genes are transferred between unrelated organisms. The study reveals that this phenomenon is widespread and can occur even between distantly related organisms, contributing to the rapid spread of disease-causing bacteria.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2005

Rapid warming caused vegetation changes

Scientists discovered new boundary sequences of fossils in the southeastern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, containing both leaf and pollen fossils. The findings suggest that rapid warming during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) led to changes in vegetation, with plants migrating north from their original southern habitats.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateNov 10, 2005

Preventing another Vioxx

A recent study suggests that current medical research methods are flawed and may miss signs of harm or benefit in subgroups of patients. Risk-stratified analysis, which considers multiple factors, can help detect these issues and provide more accurate information for doctors to discuss with patients.

JCI table of contents December, 2005

Researchers uncover a new mechanism for post-ischemic arrhythmias, exploring the therapeutic potential of mitochondria-targeting compounds. Leptin signaling is shown to reverse obesity, diabetes, and infertility in mice. FcRn is identified as a promising target for treating autoimmune skin blistering diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 10, 2005

Why children of parents with type 2 diabetes are at risk themselves

Research reveals that offspring of type 2 diabetic parents have reduced mitochondrial content and impaired muscle glucose uptake, increasing their risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Reduced mitochondrial function can lead to lipid accumulation in muscle cells, further exacerbating the condition.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 10, 2005

Giant ape lived alongside humans

Researchers have confirmed that Gigantopithecus blackii, a gigantic ape weighing up to 1,200 pounds and measuring 10 feet tall, roamed the same region as early humans in southern China. The species is believed to have co-existed with humans during a time of major evolutionary change.

People eat more stale popcorn if served in a big bucket

A new Cornell University study reveals that serving stale popcorn in large buckets leads to a 34% increase in consumption compared to medium-sized containers. Fresh popcorn in large tubs also results in a significant appetite boost, with participants eating 45% more than those given fresh popcorn in medium containers.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 10, 2005