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Science News Archive 2006 - Page 49


Page 49 of 178

Controlling behavior of children with tourette and tic disorders

A pilot study by Yale School of Nursing and Child Study Center found that Parent Management Training (PMT) successfully controlled moderate to severe levels of oppositional behavior in children with TS, leading to a 51% decline in disruptive behavior. The results showed significant improvement compared to the control group.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Child Neurology·DateSep 26, 2006

Program to train corporate directors on climate change

The new initiative, led by Yale University, Marsh, and Ceres, aims to educate top corporate leaders about the financial, legal, and business implications of climate change. The training program will provide insights into how companies can navigate the transformations required in their businesses due to climate change.

Beauty and the brain

Experiments by Piotr Winkielman and colleagues suggest that judgments of attractiveness are influenced by the ease with which our minds process stimuli. Prototypical images are rated as more beautiful or appealing because they fall into the average of what we've seen, making them simple for our brains to recognize quickly. The research...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 26, 2006

Elevated testosterone kills nerve cells

A Yale University study reveals that high levels of testosterone can lead to programmed cell death in nerve cells, associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Elevated testosterone also triggers behavioral changes such as hyperexcitability and suicidal tendencies.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2006

Better sludge through metagenomics

A new metagenomic study of activated sludge wastewater treatment processes reveals key players and mechanisms behind the process. The researchers were able to obtain a nearly complete genetic blueprint for Accumulibacter phosphatis, a bacterial species essential for removing excess phosphorus from wastewater.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 25, 2006

Learning to discern

A new curriculum is being developed to teach data literacy to 7th grade students, focusing on water use and quality in the Middle East. The program will also test an instructional model called Preparation for Future Learning (PFL) to enhance learning outcomes.

When nerve cells can't make contact

Brain researchers in Göttingen have created a genetic animal model for autism, showing that neuroligins ensure signal transmission between nerve cells. The study reveals that autistic patients often lack mature synapses due to mutations in the genes carrying building instructions for proteins in the neuroligin family.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateSep 25, 2006

Cancer survival compromised by poor staging methods

A study found that less than one-third of gastric cancer patients had adequate lymph node assessments, leading to compromised survival. Median survival in regions with the highest ALNA rate was 33 months, while in regions with the lowest rate it was only 17 months.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 25, 2006

Race influences uterine cancer survival

African-American women with advanced/recurrent endometrial cancer had worse disease presentation and lower survival rates compared to Caucasian women. After controlling for clinical features and treatment, African-Americans survived significantly fewer months, suggesting socioeconomic and cultural factors may influence disease outcome.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 25, 2006

Predicting species abundance in the face of habitat loss

Researchers used carnivorous pitcher plant food webs to study habitat loss effects on species abundance. Trophic interactions, such as predator-prey relationships, dominated abundance predictions, unlike previous modeling frameworks that relied on habitat contraction or keystone species effects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 25, 2006

58 percent of older hospital patients have problems eating, 31 percent leave most of their meal

Researchers found that 58% of older hospital patients had problems eating, with difficulties opening food, using cutlery, and finding comfortable eating positions. The study highlights the need for greater support, fewer interruptions, and more sensitive care at mealtimes to prevent malnutrition and promote healthy recovery.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateSep 25, 2006

Is Clostridium difficile-associated disease linked to use of common stomach medication?

A recent study found a possible link between the use of proton pump inhibitors and an increased risk of community-acquired Clostridium difficile-associated disease. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggests that patients who have been prescribed these medications may be more likely to develop CDAD.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 25, 2006