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Science News Archive 2006 - Page 14


Page 14 of 178

Found -- the apple gene for red

Scientists identify the gene responsible for apple skin's rosy red hue, which is also an antioxidant. This discovery could lead to breeding new apple varieties with improved fruit color and potential health benefits.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateNov 30, 2006

Asian immigrants report fewer mental health problems

A national survey of Asian Americans found that immigrant women had lower rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse compared to U.S.-born women. English proficiency also played a significant role in men's mental health, with those who spoke good English having fewer problems than those with poorer skills or American-born men.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 30, 2006

Partner reduction is pivotal for HIV prevention

A new approach to HIV prevention focuses on reducing partners, with early evidence from Uganda and Kenya showing a decline in HIV incidence among men. The strategy is seen as a crucial step towards reversing the epidemic, particularly in regions where partner reduction has been successful.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 30, 2006

Asymmetric ashes

Researchers found significant peripheral asymmetry but a nearly spherical interior, suggesting the explosion propogates at supersonic speed. The team observed 17 supernovae over 10 years and inferred the shape and structure of debris clouds thrown out from Type Ia supernovae.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 2006

With fruit fly sex, researchers find mind-body connection

New research by Brown University biologists debunks the notion of separate genes controlling sexual behavior and physical body differences. Doublesex gene plays a crucial role in regulating both male and female courtship behaviors, acting together with fruitless to establish wing-shaking come-ons and flirtatious flights.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 30, 2006

Infants wheeze less in homes with multiple dogs

A study by the University of Cincinnati has found that infants living in homes with high levels of endotoxins and multiple dogs were more than two times less likely to wheeze. The researchers suggest that pet ownership may offer a protective effect against development of lower respiratory symptoms in young children.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 30, 2006

Protein protects against nerve degeneration

A protein called NMNAT has been found to protect against nerve cell degeneration, with researchers discovering it plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal health. The study, published in PLOS Biology, suggests that increasing NMNAT production could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases affecting the nervous system.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 30, 2006

World's oldest ritual discovered

Researchers uncover evidence of advanced rituals performed by modern humans in Africa for 70,000 years, featuring a python rock with man-made indentations and no signs of normal habitation. The discovery suggests that humans had the capacity for abstract thinking at an earlier point in history than previously assumed.

Evolution of influenza A virus

A new study analyzed 413 complete influenza genomes from New York State, showing genetically distinct viral strains circulate across the state and exchange genes through reassortment. Adaptive evolution in influenza virus is strongly affected by chance events, making predicting future patterns more difficult.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 30, 2006

Go to church and breathe easier

A Temple University study found that regular church attendance slows pulmonary function decline among men and women over 70. The study suggests that religious engagement provides social contact, emotional support, and psychological well-being, potentially benefiting health.

SourceTemple University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateNov 29, 2006

What cures your aches might prevent cancer

Researchers are investigating the potential of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent various types of cancer, including colon, esophageal, and lung cancers. The studies focus on the preventive effects of sulindac, atorvastatin, and RaftiloseSynergy1 on cancer development.

International HIV/AIDS trial finds risks increase on episodic antiretroviral therapy

A large HIV/AIDS treatment trial found that interrupting antiretroviral therapy more than doubles the risk of AIDS or death from any cause. The study used two levels of CD4+ T cells to guide therapy suspension and restarting, but participants receiving episodic therapy had a significantly increased risk of disease progression.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 29, 2006

Measuring pandemic preparedness

A federal plan to vaccinate healthcare workers against smallpox had a low compliance rate and high variability among states. Researchers found that some states ranked poorly due to lack of support and ambivalent messages from authorities.

SourceTemple University·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateNov 29, 2006

Drug labels are prescriptions for mistakes

A study found that patients with lower literacy and those taking multiple medications had difficulty understanding prescription label instructions. The researchers recommend redesigning label text and format, as well as a system approach to verify patient understanding, to improve quality care.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 29, 2006