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Science News for September 13, 2005


Secrets of the whale riders

A five-year study by University of Utah biologists reveals that giant whales split into three species around 5-6 million years ago, and all three were equally abundant before whaling reduced their numbers. The study used the genetics of whale lice to track the genetic evolution of whales.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateSep 13, 2005

Less virulent strains of avian influenza can infect humans

Researchers in Italy found that low pathogenic avian influenza strains can infect humans, highlighting the importance of improving disease surveillance and vaccination for poultry workers. The study suggests these less virulent strains have the potential to swap genetic material with human strains, resulting in a more virulent virus.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 13, 2005

Birds and bats sow tropical seeds

A team of scientists, led by Henry Howe from the University of Illinois Chicago, will conduct a multi-year test to restore diversity to agricultural landscapes in Veracruz, Mexico. They aim to demonstrate that bird- and bat-dispersed seeds can connect isolated tree species, promoting species diversity.

The making of a fat cell

A study by University of Michigan researchers reveals the critical genetic switch that allows preadipocytes to become full-blown fat cells, highlighting the importance of balance in fat production. The discovery sheds new light on the role of integrin alpha 6 in regulating fat cell formation and its potential link to metabolic disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 13, 2005

A friendly reminder for HIV patients

A study found that HIV-infected patients with mild memory loss who used the Disease Management Assistance System (DMAS) Jerry took their medication 80% of the time, compared to 65% without it. This improvement was seen in both normal and memory-impaired patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateSep 13, 2005

Tropical deforestation affects rainfall in the US and around the globe

A new study reveals that tropical deforestation affects rainfall in the US and around the globe, with significant changes observed in various regions. Deforestation in Amazonia influences precipitation in Mexico to Texas, while Central Africa affects the US Midwest, and Southeast Asia alters rainfall in China and the Balkan Peninsula.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateSep 13, 2005

New treatment option for childhood cholera

A new single-dose ciprofloxacin treatment has been shown to be effective in treating childhood cholera, with 60% of cases cured within 48 hours. However, the new treatment is less effective at eradicating the cholera bacteria from stool compared to a 12-dose course of erythromycin.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 13, 2005

Eating and body weight regulated by specific neurons

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that AgRP neurons play a crucial role in regulating eating behavior and body weight. The research found that these neurons are essential for acute regulation of eating, and their destruction leads to anorexia and changes in blood glucose levels.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 13, 2005