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Science News for April 3, 2006


Making multiple lifestyle changes is beneficial, achievable in lowering high blood pressure

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that participants who made multiple lifestyle changes, such as improving their diet and increasing physical activity, had a greater reduction in high blood pressure than those who did not make any changes. The intervention group that followed the DASH eating plan saw the most signi...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 3, 2006

Amid growing public concerns, bioscience firms begin formalizing ethical decision-making practices

Research by the University of Toronto Joint Center for Bioethics reveals five interrelated approaches used by 13 bioscience firms to address ethical issues, including strong leadership, external expertise, and internal mechanisms. The study provides a constructive starting point for the industry to build upon.

UC Davis, Lawrence Livermore researchers

Researchers at UC Davis and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new test that can diagnose vitamin B12 absorption problems with a single drop of blood. This simple test could help identify patients at risk for dementia and anemia, allowing for early treatment and prevention of permanent damage. The breakthrough uses...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2006

Ethical decision-making at bioscience companies

A study published in PLoS Medicine reveals that bioscience companies are formalizing systematic approaches to ethical decision-making, including Ethical leadership, External expertise, and Ethics evaluation and reporting mechanisms. The research shows that these approaches are becoming an integral part of day-to-day decision-making.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 3, 2006

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine theme issue on children and the media

Research reveals that violent video games contribute to negative attitudes and behaviors in adolescents, while excessive TV watching is linked to reduced social interaction, increased calorie consumption, and earlier sex. African-American children are also overexposed to unhealthy food and beverage ads without health-related content.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 3, 2006

Physical intelligence in rooks

In a modified trap-tube task, rooks show capacity for physical cognition through rapid learning and transfer test performance, suggesting understanding of physical rules. The results indicate that these birds have the ability to solve problems using rule abstraction, paving the way for future research.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 3, 2006

JCI Table of Contents, April 3, 2006

Adult stem cells can make new tendon tissue and repair damaged tendons in rats. The study demonstrates potential for using this technology to treat musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 3, 2006

Teens turn to pot after parental bust-ups

A new study by the University of Queensland research has found a link between cannabis use and marital changes in children up to age 21. Children who experienced more frequent changes in their parents' marital status were more likely to report cannabis use, with almost half having used cannabis at some point.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 3, 2006

Using stem cells to repair torn tendons

Researchers have successfully induced neotendon formation in mesenchymal stem cells using the Smad8 signaling pathway. This breakthrough could lead to new cell-based therapeutic approaches for musculoskeletal injuries.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 3, 2006

Avian flu modeled on supercomputer, explores vaccine and isolation options for thwarting a pandemic

A large-scale model simulates the spread of a pandemic influenza virus in the US population, exploring the impact of interventions such as vaccination and social distancing. The study finds that stockpiling vaccines and implementing a combination of mitigation strategies could be effective in slowing the spread of the flu.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2006

Western prairies face impending water crisis

The western prairies in Canada are facing a dire water crisis due to climate change, drought, and human activity. The region's glaciers are dwindling, snowpacks are decreasing, and precipitation evaporation is increasing, exacerbating the issue.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2006

The effects of mood and emotional state on decision making

Research reveals that people's mood can influence their choices, particularly in situations involving risk-taking behavior, social interactions, and financial decisions. The studies found that thinking about one's own mood can increase concern with the pleasurable consequences of decisions, leading to less optimal outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·DateApr 3, 2006

Resident birds display migratory restlessness

African stonechats exhibit spontaneous nocturnal activity echoing that of European stonechats, indicating the presence of Zugunruhe. The researchers propose that this migratory program may be a common avian feature, allowing birds to adapt to environmental changes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 3, 2006

Using HPV testing to screen for cervical cancer

A study analyzing patient data from over 60,000 women across six countries reveals HPV testing is highly sensitive and reproducible, with a sensitivity rate of 96% overall. Cytology was less effective but more specific in older women.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateApr 3, 2006

TV viewing during lunch affects preschool children's intake

A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that preschool children who watched TV during lunch ate significantly less than those who did not. However, children who frequently watched TV also tended to eat more on TV days, suggesting a potential link between TV viewing and overeating in young children.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateApr 3, 2006

One big biology question solved

A team led by Dr Josephine Bowles and Professor Peter Koopman discovered that retinoic acid, a derivative of Vitamin A, triggers the beginning of meiosis in female embryos, resulting in egg production. In males, an enzyme suppresses meiosis until after birth, leading to sperm production.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2006

Relative risks of cirrhosis from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients develop fewer complications than hepatitis C patients, but those with normal liver functions still face mortality risk from sepsis and cardiac events. The study highlights the importance of future therapeutic interventions for NASH patients.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateApr 3, 2006

Excess television may lead to extra weight for preschoolers

A study of 1,016 children found that those exposed to more than two hours of television per day were more likely to be overweight at ages 36 months and 54 months. The research suggests that even background TV exposure can contribute to weight gain through unhealthy snacking and advertising.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 3, 2006

Oxidation defense in mosquitoes benefits malaria parasite

Researchers have discovered the structure of Anopheles gambiae's 3-hydroxykynurenine transaminase, a key enzyme in its oxidative defense mechanism. This finding could lead to the development of novel antimalarial agents by inhibiting this enzyme and disrupting the malaria parasite's lifecycle.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2006

A first for firsts

The Society for Experimental Biology is developing a new e-journal to showcase top UK undergraduate research. Interested stakeholders are keen to use the system, which aims to address concerns around copyright and incorporate online review procedures.