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Science News Archive 2006 - Page 53


Page 53 of 178

Nasal plastic surgery improves airway function

Functional rhinoplasty techniques improve nasal airway function by addressing septal deviation, valve collapse and turbinate hypertrophy. Surgical procedures significantly reduce patient scores indicating improved nasal obstruction severity, with similar rates of improvement seen across different techniques.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateSep 18, 2006

Global view shows strong link between kidney cancer, sunlight exposure

A global study has shown a clear association between kidney cancer incidence rates and proximity to the equator, suggesting that UVB exposure triggers vitamin D production. Countries near the equator have lower kidney cancer rates, while those farther away have higher rates, indicating a potential protective effect of sunlight exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateSep 18, 2006

Breathing problems during sleep increase risk of depression

Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders are significantly more likely to develop depression, especially those with moderate or worse disorders. The study found a dose-response association between sleep-related breathing disorder and depression, suggesting a causal link between the conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 18, 2006

Road wends its way through stomach

A computer model of the stomach revealed a narrow path, dubbed the Magenstrasse, where food exits rapidly and particles are processed differently. This discovery may explain observed high variability in drug initiation time and have important implications for drug delivery and digestion.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateSep 18, 2006

On airplanes, fiber optics poised to reach new heights

Researchers have invented an optical on-off switch that can replace electrical wiring on airplanes with fiber optics for controlling elevators, rudders, and other flight-critical elements. This technology also has potential applications on highways as a 'weigh-in-motion' sensor for measuring the weight of fast-moving commercial trucks.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateSep 18, 2006

'No time to exercise' is no excuse

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology shows that short bursts of intense exercise can produce similar results to traditional endurance training. This type of high-intensity interval training may be a viable option for individuals with limited time, improving muscle health and performance despite lower overall training volume.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateSep 18, 2006

Planning ahead: Having the healthiest baby possible

A new supplement provides essential information on preconception care, emphasizing the importance of women's health before pregnancy. The supplement covers topics such as folic acid supplements, vaccinations, and screening for HIV, as well as measures to avoid harmful substances like alcohol and anti-epileptic drugs.

SourceSpringer·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateSep 18, 2006

Metals in China: Protecting the environment

A new research project in China aims to develop robust scientific guidelines for safe levels of copper and nickel in Chinese soils. The project will combine data from various sources, including European Union and Australian research programs, to explain toxicity across a wide range of environments.

AGU Journal highlights -- Sept. 18, 2006

Researchers found that plasmaspheric drainage plumes can overload the dayside reconnection site, reducing solar wind coupling and influencing auroral activity. Climate models also predict increased carbon emissions due to rising temperatures, especially in southern regions of the US. Additionally, remote wind forcing played a role in t...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 18, 2006

No guts, no worries

Researchers have characterized a gutless worm that relies on microbial specialists for energy production, waste handling, and transportation through marine sediments. The unique partnership involves the worm providing housing and nutrients to microbes in exchange for essential services.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 2006

Independent evaluation finds GAVI funding to poor countries can boost childhood vaccine coverage

A study found that GAVI funding significantly increased childhood vaccine coverage in countries with less than 65% initial coverage, raising it to around 65%. However, countries with higher initial coverage showed no improvement. The estimated cost per child immunized was under $14, close to GAVI's original estimates.

Upgrading donor lung quality to improve availability

Researchers enhanced donor lungs using clinical maneuvers, increasing transplant procedures without compromising recipient function. The San Antonio Lung Transplant protocol improved lung procurement rates by up to 50%, reducing lengthy wait times and potentially eliminating deaths among patients awaiting lung transplantation.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 15, 2006

Scientists get best look ever at water-life connection

Researchers at Ohio State University have made a groundbreaking discovery on how water molecules interact with proteins, revealing that they slow down to connect with proteins. The study provides an early result in explaining essential biological functions like protein folding and enzyme catalysis.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2006

Bacteria get off easy in sinus infections

In a study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers discovered that patients with chronic sinusitis who failed to respond to treatment had severely decreased immune function and lower production of key proteins. The findings suggest new treatment targets for this condition affecting an estimated 32 million Americans.