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Science News Archive April 2006 - Page 11


Page 11 of 15

Study may help slay 'Yellow Monster'

Researchers at Northern Arizona University have made groundbreaking discoveries about uranium's impact on DNA, potentially shedding light on environmental contamination and health effects of depleted uranium. The study's findings have significant implications for Native American communities and may help address long-standing concerns a...

JCI table of contents, April 6, 2006

In a study on Huntington disease, researchers found that cystamine increased brain levels of protective protein HSJ1b and BDNF, suggesting a promising candidate for treatment. The study also revealed that cystamine raises BDNF in an HSJ1b-dependent manner.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 2006

Seniors look on the bright side

Researchers found that older participants preferred happy faces and avoided angry ones, while younger subjects showed a preference for fearful faces. This study challenges traditional views on how age affects emotional processing and suggests a more positive outlook in older adults.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateApr 6, 2006

WHO's 2006 World Health Report 'a disappointment'

The WHO's 2006 World Health Report faces criticism for its limited information on human-resource gaps and needs. The report lacks geographical distribution, skill levels, and sector balance details, hindering policymakers' decisions. The Lancet comments that the WHR shows a significant gap between current knowledge and necessary data.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 6, 2006

AIUM honors ultrasound pioneers

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine presented notable awards to Lawrence Platt, David Sahn, Marie De Lange, Genevieve Berger, and Kurt Jaeger for their groundbreaking contributions to diagnostic ultrasound. The honors recognize individuals who have significantly advanced the field through research, education, and innovation.

UI research aims to help patients with spinal cord injury

A new study by the University of Iowa found that early intervention with electrical stimulation can significantly reduce bone mineral density loss in SCI patients. The therapy, which involves delivering defined doses of load to targeted muscles and bones, was shown to improve bone health and muscle strength.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateApr 5, 2006

Explaining how the brain recognizes faces

Researchers propose a theory that the fusiform face area (FFA) recognizes faces based on selective processing of shapes of facial features. Their computational model and experimental studies support this idea, suggesting that face recognition can be achieved by hierarchical shape detectors.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 5, 2006

Corporations seeking to increase the security of pensions while limiting investor risks

Companies like IBM are shifting pension investment risks to employees through defined contribution plans, but Robert C. Merton argues that without corporate oversight, these plans may not provide long-term security for investors. Merton emphasizes the importance of corporate responsibility in ensuring the financial stability of DC plans.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Applied Corporate Finance·DateApr 5, 2006

Ovary removal surgery elevates risk for dementia

A study published by Mayo Clinic researchers found that surgical ovary removal elevates the risk of dementia in younger women, possibly due to insufficient estrogen. Women who underwent the surgery at a younger age may be more susceptible to cognitive decline, highlighting the need for ongoing hormone replacement therapy.

Aha! Favors the prepared mind

A new study reveals that mental preparation involving inward focus of attention promotes insight even prior to the presentation of a problem. Brain activity patterns before problem solving, as measured by EEG and fMRI, differ between those who solve problems with insight and methodically.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2006