Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2006 - Page 68


Page 68 of 178

Atoms looser than expected

Scientists at Harvard University have recalculated the fine structure constant, a fundamental force that governs the electromagnetic interaction between charged particles. The new value suggests that atoms are slightly looser than previously thought, with an improved measurement accuracy of six times better.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 15, 2006

Common anti-depressants similarly safe and effective for treating postpartum depression

Researchers compared two commonly used antidepressants, nortriptyline and sertraline, to determine their effectiveness in treating postpartum depression. The study found that both drugs were effective in reducing depressive symptoms, with no significant differences in response rates or side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateAug 15, 2006

Study finds gene related to brain development and function plays causal role in schizophrenia

A new study found that variations of the OLIG2 gene are strongly associated with schizophrenia. The gene plays a crucial role in myelin production and is coordinated with other genes involved in myelination and schizophrenia development. This causal link may help researchers develop new therapeutic targets for the debilitating illness.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2006

Penn researchers find many commercial drivers have impaired performance due to lack of sleep

A study by Penn researchers found that truck drivers who get too little sleep or suffer from sleep apnea show signs of fatigue and impaired performance. The study examined 406 truck drivers and found that those with severe sleep apnea had performance impairment similar to that of drivers who are legally drunk.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2006

Decrease in progression of prostate cancer

A recent study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies found that a plant-based diet combined with stress management training can significantly reduce the rate of progression of prostate cancer. The study showed a significant decrease in PSA levels, indicating a reduction in disease progression.

SourceSAGE·JournalIntegrative Cancer Therapies·DateAug 15, 2006

Study reveals sleepiness and performance impairment in commercial drivers

A study of 340 drivers found that chronic short sleep duration and severe sleep apnea increase the risk of sleepiness, performance impairment, and decreased task vigilance while driving. The researchers suggest that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should implement plans to identify and treat sleep-impaired drivers.

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

Fatty spheres loaded with siRNA shrink ovarian cancer tumors in preclinical trial

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a nanoparticle delivery system that targets ovarian cancer cells, reducing tumor size and incidence by up to 98%. The fatty spheres loaded with siRNA also attack the tumor's blood supply, inducing cell suicide and increasing cell death among cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 15, 2006

Mathematicians maximize knowledge of minimal surfaces

Researchers William Minicozzi and Tobias H. Colding break new ground in understanding minimal surfaces, discovering they are composed of fundamental building blocks like planes, catenoids, and helicoids. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields such as nanotechnology, where minimal surfaces can be extremely useful.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2006

How secondhand smoke injures babies' lungs

Researchers found that environmental tobacco smoke suppresses nuclear factor kappa B signaling, increasing apoptosis in infant monkey lungs. This study highlights the dangers of secondhand smoke for unborn and newborn children, emphasizing the need to avoid exposure to prevent permanent lung damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2006

Bacteria can help predict ocean change

A new study by University of Southern California researchers reveals that most bacteria species are predictable and follow specific conditions. By understanding these patterns, scientists can improve models for ocean change, providing a more accurate prediction of how the oceans will evolve.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2006

The sleep of babes

A new study found that frequent naps in infants improve their ability to learn abstract concepts and generalize knowledge to new phrases. The research, published in Psychological Science, suggests that sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive development.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 14, 2006

Research pinpoints West Nile virus antibody binding site

Purdue University researchers identified a precise location where an antibody binds to the West Nile virus and proposed a theory for its neutralization mechanism. The study suggests that this antibody works by blocking the positional changes needed for the E protein before fusion, preventing infection.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2006

Discovery of metabolic pathway for parasite could lead to new controls for diseases

A research team at the University of Georgia has identified a crucial metabolic pathway in Toxoplasma gondii that is essential for its survival. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to control the parasite's effects on humans and animals, particularly pregnant mothers and those with compromised immune systems.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2006

Physicians more likely to disclose medical errors that would be apparent to the patient

A survey of US and Canadian physicians reveals they generally support disclosing medical errors that would be apparent to patients, but differ in when and how to do so. Most patients want detailed information following a medical error, including an explicit statement of the error and explanations for what will be done to prevent future...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 14, 2006

'Bachelorette' viewers aren't seeking reality

Researchers found that fans of 'The Bachelorette' were upset when the female contestant rejected potential suitors, despite her honesty about not having chemistry. The study suggests that viewers prefer fantasy and escape over reality, with most able to distinguish between media portrayal and real life.