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Science News for February 6, 2006


JRRD special issue on hearing and hearing loss

Recent advances in middle-ear function evaluation provide rapid data on health, while prevention programs can reduce noise-induced hearing loss. New research also addresses the impact of aging on hearing, tinnitus management through progressive intervention approaches, and hair cell regeneration for restoring hearing.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateFeb 6, 2006

Parachuting allows krill to eat and run

Researchers found that Antarctic krill can perform multiple daily vertical migrations, with some descending rapidly like parachutes. This behavior is estimated to sequester 0.02 metric gigatons of carbon per year, equivalent to annual emissions from 35 million cars.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 2006

Older adults more vulnerable to distraction from irrelevant information

A study by Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care found that older adults are more easily distracted due to gradual brain changes beginning in middle age. The researchers used fMRI to scan the brains of three age groups, including young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults, revealing a seesaw imbalance in frontal lobe areas.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateFeb 6, 2006

New brain hormone puts brakes on reproduction

Researchers discovered a new brain hormone GnIH that directly inhibits the action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), stimulating the reproductive system. This finding suggests that GnIH plays a similar role in humans and other mammals, offering potential new treatments for infertility and precocious puberty.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2006

Chance, music, and the ear of the beholder

A team of scientists found that individual neurons in the auditory cortex respond more strongly to stimuli conforming to the 1/f rule than to others. This selective sensitivity leads to a more accurate representation of natural sounds within the brain.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 2006

More training needed to ensure accuracy of urine drug tests

A survey of primary care physicians found that only 23% used effective urine sample collection methods, while 40% were unsure about poppy seeds causing positive opioid test results. Misinterpretation of false-positive findings can lead to false accusations and diminished trust among parents, schools, and counselors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2006

Elsevier launches High Energy Density Physics

High Energy Density Physics is a new journal launched by Elsevier to publish research on extreme conditions, including planetary interiors and astrophysical phenomena. The journal aims to provide a platform for scientists to study material properties and hydrodynamics under high-energy density regimes.

SourceElsevier·JournalHigh Energy Density Physics·DateFeb 6, 2006

Link discovered between depression and changes in the brain in Alzheimer's disease

A study found that Alzheimer's patients with a history of depression have more rapid cognitive decline and greater brain changes, including tangles and plaques in the hippocampus. The findings suggest that identifying potential mechanisms linking geriatric depression to AD may lead to new treatment strategies.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 6, 2006

Study finds significant reduction in respiratory illnesses in babies breastfed six months vs. four

A recent study found that babies breastfed for six months have a significant reduction in respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia and ear infections. The study's lead author says the findings support the recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for six months, which also provides protection against gastrointestinal infections.

Methadone therapy - one dose does not fit all

A new study found that effective methadone doses vary widely among patients, with some achieving abstinence on as little as 1.5 mg and others requiring up to 191.2 mg. Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, or a history of previous detoxifications from heroin tend to require higher doses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2006

Bank of America grant to expand community-based childhood immunization program in northern Manhattan

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation grant enables the Mailman School of Public Health's Northern Manhattan Start Right Coalition to scale up its community-based childhood immunization program. The program has seen a significant improvement in immunization rates, with an 80.5% current rate for children aged 19-35 months, exceeding...