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Science News Archive 2006 - Page 128


Page 128 of 178

First analysis of recent disease outbreak in China

A recent disease outbreak in China, caused by Streptococcus suis, has resulted in 38 deaths and highlights the importance of occupational exposure to pigs. Researchers found that the pathogen was linked to outbreaks in local pig populations, but a new strain may be responsible for the severity of symptoms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 10, 2006

Europe slow to add infant pneumococcal vaccine to national programmes despite strong US results

Despite growing evidence, many European countries only vaccinate high-risk groups against infant pneumococcal disease (IPD), while the US adopted universal vaccination in 2000. Universal vaccination of infants and young children reduces risk and provides indirect herd protection for unvaccinated community members.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateApr 10, 2006

Pennsylvania researchers find liver transplants provide metabolic cure for rare genetic disease

Researchers at Children's Hospital in Pennsylvania have successfully performed liver transplants on patients with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a rare genetic disorder that causes amino acid accumulation. The study shows improved metabolic stability and reduced risk of brain swelling, stroke, and learning disabilities.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateApr 10, 2006

Epstein-Barr virus may be associated with multiple sclerosis

Researchers found a significant association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis (MS), with elevated antibody levels before symptom onset. The study suggests Epstein-Barr virus may predispose individuals to autoimmunity, paving the way for new treatments and prevention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 10, 2006

Help for siblings of children with special needs

A group intervention program has been shown to improve the psychological and emotional well-being of young siblings with chronic illness or developmental disabilities. The program increased their knowledge of their sibling's condition, feelings of connectedness, and competence.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateApr 10, 2006

AGU journal highlights - 10 April 2006

Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters and Paleoceanography reveal the connection between terrestrial gamma-ray flashes and intracloud lightning, as well as the potential of dinoflagellate microfossils to document past climate changes. The findings suggest that these marine organisms can provide valuable information on ocean c...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 10, 2006

New risks identified after early breast cancer

A study of 37,692 DCIS and 4,490 LCIS patients found LCIS patients were at greater risk for invasive lobular carcinoma ILC and ipsilateral invasive breast cancer. The research suggests LCIS may be a precursor lesion to ILC and warrants localized treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 10, 2006

Spirited study aims to help older Australians

Researchers are conducting a year-long study on pastoral care for older Australians, gathering insights from elderly individuals, relatives, and caregivers. The project seeks to understand the value and practice of pastoral care in Australia's rapidly aging population, with a focus on its spiritual significance.

Restoring seagrass beds: Is it for the birds?

Drs. Heck and Dindo are restoring Robinson Island's seagrass beds by planting birdstakes for seabirds to use as resting areas, fertilizing the shoal grass beneath them. The project aims to bring the habitats back to their peak condition through a combination of educational signage, replanting sea oats, and fertilizer.

Racially diverse mock juries have wider ranging and more accurate deliberation discussions

Diverse mock juries showed fewer errors and greater willingness to discuss race-related issues compared to all-White groups. White participants in diverse juries were also more willing to discuss racism and cited case facts accurately. This suggests that diversity may lead to more thorough and competent decision-making.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 9, 2006

A large step forward in the fight against African sleeping sickness

Researchers at VIB have made a significant breakthrough in combating African sleeping sickness by developing a nanobody that carries an ApoL-1 variant to the surface of the parasite. This treatment has shown promising results in mice, with infected animals surviving after a single treatment and the parasite being removed from their blood.

Responsibility in gambling?

A £920,000 ESRC-funded research venture aims to investigate the effects of gambling on those involved and the broader community. The study will examine social contexts for problem gambling, internet gambling, brain responses, and family life, with the goal of developing policies and services to prevent problem gamblers.

Solitons seen in a solid

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have detected lattice solitons in heated uranium crystals using X-ray and neutron scattering experiments. The isolated vibrations play an important role in uranium metal, shedding new light on a previously unknown property of solid materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2006