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Science News for October 10, 2005


New study at UNC shows concussions promote dementias in retired professional football players

A new study at UNC reveals that retired professional football players have a 37% higher risk of Alzheimer's disease due to concussions. The study found that history of recurrent concussions and sub-concussive contacts may be risk factors for late-life memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and early expression of Alzheimer's dis...

Florida physicians decrease or eliminate services

A study of 1,346 Florida physicians found that 54.4% decreased or eliminated patient services in the previous year, with surgical specialists and obstetricians/gynecologists among those most affected. Rising insurance premiums were linked to these changes, highlighting the need for policymakers to address access to healthcare.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 10, 2005

Sperm trading can resolve hermaphrodite mating conflicts

Researchers found that hermaphroditic sea slugs can resolve mating conflicts by trading sperm with their mates. This behavior allows them to balance the costs and benefits of copulation between genders. The study provides new insights into the reproductive strategies of hermaphroditic animals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 10, 2005

Errors in cancer diagnosis put patients in harm's way

A study found that errors in cancer diagnosis were relatively frequent and institution-dependent, with gynecologic errors resulting in harm in 45% of cases. The majority of errors were caused by sub-optimal specimen collection, while pathologist misinterpretation ranged from 5-50%.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 10, 2005

Latest study: Scientists say no evidence exists that therapod dinosaurs evolved into birds

A team of scientists led by Dr. Alan Feduccia found that fossilized patterns resembling feathers are more likely skin-related tissues, contradicting the theory of feathered dinosaurs. The study also revealed embryos of developing birds have distinct wing structures, making it unlikely for birds to evolve from flightless dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Morphology·DateOct 10, 2005

Eating fish associated with slower cognitive decline

A six-year study found that consuming one or more fish meals per week was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 Chicago residents aged 65 and older, suggests that eating fish may help protect against age-related cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateOct 10, 2005

Russia as a bride

Research by Ellen Rutten explores how Russia has been portrayed as a young woman of flesh and blood, with a focus on the role of the state and intellectual elite. The study reveals that modern writers have increasingly emphasized the sexual dimension of this metaphor, assigning it to Russian rulers from Lenin to Putin.

Fatty foods fight inflammation

Researchers have discovered that eating fatty foods can dampen inflammation in the gut by stimulating the production of cholecystokinin, a hormone that sends signals to the brain and immune cells. This process may provide a way to reduce inflammatory complications after surgery.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 10, 2005

Did feathered dinosaurs exist?

Recent discoveries in China have led to new questions about the claim of direct derivation between birds and theropod dinosaurs. Researchers found no evidence for protofeathers on dinosaurs and suggest decomposition patterns may be mistaken for feathers.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Morphology·DateOct 10, 2005

New technique adds precision and permanence to gene therapy

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new gene therapy technique that permanently corrects genetic diseases like PKU by inserting genes into specific sequences between existing genes. The technique was tested on mice and successfully cured the disease with just three intravenous injections.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2005