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Science News for February 7, 2006


A bathroom that cleans itself

UNSW researchers have created a new type of self-cleaning coating using titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The coating uses visible light to kill Escherchia coli and break down organic compounds, reducing the need for chemical agents. Lab trials show promising results, paving the way for further testing and potential industrial applications.

Studies show case-based online CME effective

A study found that a case-based online continuing medical education (CME) program effective in improving physicians' domestic violence management skills. The program showed clear improvement in eight of the 10 measures of physician partner violence preparedness twelve months after completion.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2006

Not just the birds

Researchers found that introduced foxes reduced guano deposits, affecting plants and animals at the bottom of the food web. The study showed significant differences in plant communities between fox-infested and fox-free islands.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Monographs·DateFeb 7, 2006

Many foreign-born women in Miami are not vaccinated for rubella

A study found that only 11% of eligible foreign-born women in Miami received postpartum vaccinations, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts to prevent congenital rubella syndrome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vaccination for all women of childbearing age without evidence of rubella immunity.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2006

Mayo Clinic researchers challenge sepsis theory

Mayo Clinic researchers propose a new understanding of how sepsis arises, suggesting that normal body substances may cause some cases of the deadly condition. They identify a critical receptor that triggers the sepsis cycle, which could lead to new treatments.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2006

Studies of obese children reveal body-weight control hormone

Researchers identified an abnormal variant of β-MSH in five out of 538 obese children, which was more common in overweight or obese family members than in normal-weight relatives. The mutation altered the hormone's structure and ability to stimulate brain receptors, leading to increased obesity risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 7, 2006

Depression may be lifelong parent trap, FSU study says

A new study by Florida State University researchers suggests that depression is a lifelong parent trap. The study found that no type of parent reports less depression than non-parents, and certain types of parenting have higher levels of depression. Parents living with minor children tend to have the least symptoms of depression.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 7, 2006