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Science News for November 21, 2005


The impossible is possible: Laser light from silicon

Brown University researchers have created a directly pumped silicon laser by altering its atomic structure using nanoscale drilling. The achievement opens up new possibilities for the electronics and communications industries, enabling faster and more powerful computers or fiber optic networks.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 21, 2005

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV

Researchers found a link between placental microtransfusions and HIV transmission in mothers, particularly during vaginal delivery. The study suggests that better understanding of microtransfusions could lead to more effective treatments for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 21, 2005

War on terror meets war on cancer

Researchers found that up to 70 percent of the water inside rapidly growing bacterial cells was generated by metabolism. This challenge to prevailing wisdom may lead to new methods for detecting fast-growing cancer cells or studying metabolic changes in obese individuals. The study's findings use stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry ...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2005

Immigrants losing homeownership advantage

Research by University of Alberta's Dr. Michael Haan found that immigrants' housing rates dropped in the last few years, while those born in the country increased their homeownership rates. The decline may be linked to diminished labour market fortunes, discrimination, and decreasing median wealth among immigrant groups.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalUrban Studies·DateNov 21, 2005

SLU research on teen moms refutes conventional wisdom: Early motherhood may not ruin their lives

A Saint Louis University study challenges the notion that teenage mothers face a future of failure, finding that early motherhood can have positive effects on their lives. The research highlights the crucial role nurses play in supporting young families and providing resources for education, healthcare, and personal growth.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalWestern Journal of Nursing Research·DateNov 21, 2005

Medicine by media

A critical television documentary about a commonly prescribed birth control pill, Diane-35, led to a significant drop in its use. The study found that over 45% of women who received the medication had no recorded history of acne.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 21, 2005

'Curing' depression?

A randomized controlled trial has validated a brief version of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-7) for measuring depression severity in primary care settings. The findings suggest that this shorter scale is accurate and can be used by physicians in clinical practice.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 21, 2005

Toddlers with sleep apnea suffer more respiratory problems while sleeping on their backs

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery found that toddlers with sleep apnea are more likely to experience respiratory problems when sleeping on their backs. The research contradicts previous findings, suggesting that body position may play a role in the severity of OSAS in young children.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 21, 2005

Body position affects sleep apnea among young children

A retrospective chart review of 60 children aged three and younger found that supine sleep increases respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) episodes. The study highlights the importance of considering body position in diagnosing and managing sleep disorders in pediatric patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 21, 2005

Rise in hospital noise poses problems for patients and staff

Hospital noise levels have grown steadily over the past five decades, exceeding World Health Organization guidelines, with human speech frequency range contributing to communication difficulties. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found modest reductions by introducing hands-free personal communicators in patient areas.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateNov 21, 2005

Penn research permits first-ever visualization of psychological stress in the human brain

Researchers at Penn visualize psychological stress in human brain for first time using fMRI technique, linking it to negative emotions and cognitive decline. The study provides a neuro-imaging marker of psychological stress, paving the way for improved strategies to prevent or correct long-term health consequences.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2005

Researchers reveals how certain chemicals protect the brain against cell damage

A recent study published in European Journal of Neuroscience reveals that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can provide protection against brain cell death by stimulating receptors EP2 and EP4. This stimulation results in increased cyclic-AMP (cAMP) levels, which reduces the toxic effects of amyloid-beta 1-42, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateNov 21, 2005