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Science News Archive 2006 - Page 35


Page 35 of 178

Polycystic ovary syndrome more prevalent in overweight women

Researchers report that polycystic ovary syndrome is significantly higher among overweight and obese Spanish women compared to lean women. The study, which evaluated 113 consecutive patients, found a marked increase in the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome among unselected overweight and obese women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 23, 2006

A little of what you fancy does you no good

Researchers found that high-fitness parents led to lower reproductive success for their offspring, particularly sons and daughters. This challenged the theory that females benefit from passing on good genes through sons.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 23, 2006

Geological feature key to finding, protecting tombs

Researchers have identified a connection between fracture traces and rock-cut tombs in Egyptian valleys, which may aid in locating and protecting previously undiscovered tombs. The discovery also offers insights into preserving the tombs from water damage, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Researchers share $900,000 in funding

Seventeen Australian researchers have been awarded funding from Pfizer Australia to conduct studies on various aspects of cardiovascular medical research. The grants, worth over $900,000, are seen as a stepping stone for researchers and will be recognized at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on October 21.

People living in highly black concentrated neighborhoods more likely to report their health as poor

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that individuals living in high Black concentrated neighborhoods were twice as likely to report poor health compared to those in low concentration areas. This association persisted even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors.

Ethnic identity gives teens daily happiness boost

A new study by Wake Forest University psychologist Lisa Kiang suggests that positive feelings toward one's ethnic group can provide an extra boost of positivity in individuals' daily lives. Adolescents with higher ethnic regard rated their daily happiness levels higher than those with lower ethnic regard.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalChild Development·DateOct 20, 2006

Mass extinction's cause: 'Sick Earth'

Research led by USC earth scientist David Bottjer suggests the Earth's environmental stressors led to mass extinction, contradicting meteorite strike theory. The study proposes a warming Earth and reduced ocean circulation as key factors in creating an environment where toxic hydrogen sulfide dominated, leading to species disappearances.

Researchers reveal mystery of bacterial magnetism

Researchers discovered that magnetotaxis, a phenomenon where bacteria align like tiny swimming compass needles, helps them detect lower oxygen concentrations more efficiently. This subtle advantage allows the bacteria to thrive in environments with limited oxygen, making their magnetic properties beneficial in nature.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 20, 2006

Asia's odd-ball antelope gets collared

The Wildlife Conservation Society has fitted GPS collars on eight saiga antelopes in the Mongolian Gobi Desert, aiming to better understand their movements and develop a comprehensive conservation strategy. The saiga numbers have plummeted by 95% due to poaching for Chinese medicines and competition with livestock.

The star, the dwarf and the planet

Researchers have directly imaged a faint brown dwarf companion to the star HD 3651, which hosts a planet. The discovery provides valuable information on planetary formation and offers a unique insight into the co-formation of planets and brown dwarfs around the same star.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 19, 2006

Protein important in blood clotting may also play a role in fertility

A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that the protein CIB1 plays a critical role in proper sperm formation in mice. Mice missing both copies of the gene are infertile, while those with only one copy are fertile. This discovery sheds light on fertility genes and their potential impact on human infertility.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateOct 19, 2006

Bacteria that use radiated water as food

Researchers found a self-sustaining community of bacteria that rely on radioactive uranium to convert water molecules into usable energy, living 2.8 kilometers below Earth's surface. The discovery expands Earth's biosphere and raises excitement about the potential for life on Mars.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 2006