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Science News Archive 2006 - Page 71


Page 71 of 178

Landscapes and human behavior

Researchers at Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus conducted a landscaping experiment to examine the impact of environmental surroundings on human behavior. The study found that individuals living in areas with lush landscapes preferred more recreational spaces, while those in desert environments barely knew their neighbors.

Today's babies are fatter babies

A 22-year study by Harvard Medical School found that the prevalence of overweight children increased from 6.3% to 10%, while infants showed a 59% rise in risk and a 74% increase in number of overweight infants. This suggests that efforts to prevent obesity must start early, even before birth.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalObesity·DateAug 9, 2006

First-ever genomic test predicts which lung cancer patients need chemotherapy to live

The Lung Metagene Predictor scans thousands of genes to identify patterns of gene activity in individual tumors, predicting a patient's likelihood of recurrence and recommending chemotherapy accordingly. The test has the potential to save thousands of lives each year by targeting high-risk patients with aggressive treatment.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 9, 2006

Multiple Sclerosis in genetically susceptible twins is augmented by the northern environment

A new study of twins found that genetic susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis is significantly increased among those born in the northern environment, with a higher concordance rate among identical twins. Northern residence also contributed to an earlier onset of the disease, suggesting environmental factors play a crucial role.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 9, 2006

Evolution of the penis worm

A team of scientists has revealed detailed images of embryos over 500 million years old, shedding light on the evolutionary changes of the penis worm. The study uses synchrotron-radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy to reconstruct internal anatomy and reveals unique patterns in embryonic development.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 2006

Popular statin reduces recurrent stroke risk

A five-year study found that taking atorvastatin soon after a stroke can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke by 16 percent in people with no known history of coronary heart disease. The study also showed that atorvastatin reduces the risk of other major coronary events, such as heart attack and cardiovascular events.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 9, 2006

Never marrieds run highest risk of early death

A recent study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that never-married individuals are 58% more likely to die between 1989 and 1997 compared to their married peers. The 'never married penalty' is higher for those in excellent health, but not among the poor or elderly.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 9, 2006

New hope for Hepatitis C research

Scientists replicated HCV in mouse cells using a gene called protein kinase R, blocking the virus's high rate of replication. This breakthrough may lead to better understanding of why some patients respond to treatment, potentially shedding light on new therapeutic strategies.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Virology·DateAug 9, 2006

Fair price hikes vs. unfair price hikes

A new study from the University of Chicago Press Journals reveals that consumers perceive price hikes differently for material goods and services. Consumers consider fair price increases when costs associated with production or provision increase, but not when service costs and vendor profits are linked.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 9, 2006

True colors are in the brain of the beholder

A University of New South Wales PhD student has discovered a way to measure brain waves to diagnose and monitor color perception diseases. The study found that brain activity patterns could be used to reveal the finest color discriminations individuals can make, potentially leading to a new visual health test.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalVision Research·DateAug 8, 2006

Smoking out the links between nutrition and oral cancer

Researchers investigated nutritional links between smoking and oral cancer, finding folate levels lower in smokers' blood and cheek cells. Smokers also had altered forms of folate distribution, while antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E showed similar trends. More studies are needed to clarify these findings.

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 8, 2006

How the adrenal 'clock' keeps the body in synch

Researchers have elucidated the role of adrenal clocks in maintaining circadian rhythms. The adrenal gland contains a peripheral clock that defines a time window for responding to external stimuli, regulating corticosterone release and stabilizing physiological rhythms.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 8, 2006

A nursery for hurricanes

University of Utah meteorologist Ed Zipser leads a NASA mission to study African weather disturbances that intensify into hurricanes. The study aims to improve hurricane prediction and understanding of extreme events like category 5 storms.

New study reveals Rett syndrome can strike males

Researchers confirm four new cases of Rett syndrome in boys with no family history, highlighting need for prenatal diagnosis and pediatrician awareness. The condition affects mostly females due to the presence of a single X chromosome, but its incidence may be higher than initially thought.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalNeurology·DateAug 8, 2006

Purdue research helps advance new rocket technology

Purdue engineers are developing advanced rocket technology that uses kerosene, eliminating the need for foam insulation. The research focuses on understanding combustion instability to create better computational models for designing rocket engines. This will enable more efficient and safer testing, reducing the risk of accidents and h...

Study illuminates birth defects caused by copper deficiency

A new study found that copper deficiency in zebrafish leads to birth defects similar to those seen in children with Menkes disease. The researchers discovered a critical role for copper in notochord formation and development, suggesting suboptimal copper metabolism may contribute to structural birth defects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 8, 2006