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Science News Archive 2006 - Page 70


Page 70 of 178

Childhood obesity caused by 'toxic environment' of Western diets, study says

A comprehensive review published in Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that Western diets are causing hormonal imbalances in children, leading to overeating and obesity. The study attributes the rise in childhood obesity to an environment with high-calorie, low-fiber foods.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Clinical Practice Endocrinology &#38 Metabolism·DateAug 11, 2006

New treatment model for bipolar disorder shows promise

A new care model for bipolar disorder, developed by Brown University researchers, has shown promise in reducing manic episodes and improving quality of life. The team-based approach involves psychiatrists and nurses working together to manage symptoms, resulting in a significant reduction in symptoms and improved function.

SourceBrown University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateAug 10, 2006

Encoded metallic nanowires reveal bioweapons

American researchers have created a new basis for portable, multiplexed biodetection systems using silver and gold striped nanowires as supports for simultaneous immunological tests. The unique patterns of stripes act like barcodes, allowing for fast and accurate identification of multiple pathogens.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 10, 2006

Light guides flight of migratory birds

Researchers have solved a 30-year puzzle on how migratory birds integrate multiple directional cues. They found that polarized light patterns play a key role in calibrating the birds' magnetic compass, providing an independent reference system. This discovery sheds light on the complex navigation systems used by migratory birds.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2006

Protein plays broader role than originally thought in neurofibromatosis

Researchers found that restoring Ras-GAP activity through expression of the human NF1 GAP-related domain restored normal cardiac development in mice with Neurofibromatosis type I disease. However, this approach did not fully restore all pathologies associated with neurofibromin loss, indicating a more complex role for the protein.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 2006

JCI table of contents: August 10, 2006

In a study, researchers found that modulation of Ras activity is not the only function of neurofibromin, suggesting alternative therapeutic approaches for Neurofibromatosis type I disease. Interferon-gamma also plays a critical role in maintaining immune response balance by inducing Foxp3 and converting T cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 2006

Forest fires a huge cost to health

A study by the University of Alberta found that forest fires can cause substantial increases in human health risks, resulting in mortality risk, restricted activity days, and acute respiratory symptoms. The study estimated economic losses of $9-12 million from a 2001 fire in Chisholm, Alberta.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Forest Research·DateAug 10, 2006

Contagious canine cancer

A study by University College London researchers found that canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) originated in a single wolf over 1,000 years ago and has since spread globally. The tumour cells are transmitted between dogs during sex, challenging current thinking about cancer.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2006

Parental cigarette use is 'double whammy' for children

A new study from the University of Washington found that children of smokers are more likely to smoke, binge drink or use marijuana in adolescence and adulthood. The study also discovered a link between substance use by parents and their children's behavior problems, with a transmission link observed across generations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateAug 10, 2006

Eliminating blindness the safe way

A trachoma control programme using the SAFE strategy, which combines surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental change, significantly reduced active trachoma prevalence by 92% in two districts. The study highlights the potential for this approach to also benefit other communicable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 10, 2006

Study breaks ice on ancient Arctic thaw

A new analysis of ocean-floor sediments collected near the North Pole reveals that the Arctic was extremely warm, unusually wet, and ice-free during a prehistoric period 55 million years ago. The findings suggest that massive amounts of greenhouse gases were released into the Earth's atmosphere during this time.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 2006