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Science News Archive November 2005 - Page 10


Page 10 of 16

Older brains 'rise to the challenge'

Researchers found that older adults increase activation in control-related brain regions and additional frontal brain areas when faced with difficult tasks. In contrast, young adults tend to deactivate certain brain regions. These findings suggest that older adults can adapt to challenging situations, although their brains may respond ...

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Arthritis Foundation introduce pediatric rheumatic diseases CD-ROM

The new CD-ROM provides a wide range of resources, including patient education brochures, professional educational materials, and web links to numerous useful resources. The CD-ROM has been overwhelmingly approved by healthcare professionals, who will use it to better understand and manage childhood rheumatic diseases.

Burning down the brewery

Researchers discovered an ancient brewery with a 1,800-liter capacity at Cerro Baúl, a sacred mountain in southern Peru. The brewery was abandoned and partially burned to the ground 1,000 years ago, along with a final batch of chicha, a fermented alcoholic drink central to the Wari culture.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2005

Timing possible treatments against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have engineered mice to produce amyloid plaques in their brains, finding that treatment with drugs lowering Abeta production can prevent progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, treatment cannot reverse the disease. Early treatment with these drugs may be crucial in slowing or stopping its spread.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 14, 2005

What's in a name? A lot, says new research about the effect of one's own name on consumer behavior

A recent study found that consumers are more likely to choose a brand with letters similar to their own name. This effect is most pronounced when self-esteem or immediate need for the product are involved. The research suggests that specific conditions, such as threatening situations or relevant needs, influence this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 14, 2005

Multilateral initiative on malaria seeks international effort

A new multilateral initiative aims to develop a sustainable malaria research infrastructure in Africa by supporting competitively awarded grants for centers of excellence. Trained African scientists are crucial in assembling interdisciplinary teams and conducting research projects focused on developing better tools to fight the disease.

SWI/SNF and erythropoiesis

A Brg1 mutation in mice reveals the importance of SWI/SNF complexes in beta-globin regulation and erythropoiesis. This study may provide insight into common ailments such as beta thalassemia and anemia. The findings highlight the significance of chromatin-remodeling complexes in development and physiology.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 13, 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