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Science News for January 30, 2006


Not all eating habits are made alike. Some routines may even be beneficial, new study says

A new study has found that people's eating habits are influenced by their previous meals, with breakfast having the strongest effect. The study suggests that instead of setting daily nutritional goals, focusing on multi-day goals can help individuals approach dinner with a different set of habits and improve overall clarity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 30, 2006

Ray of hope for vultures facing extinction

A new report finds that the drug meloxicam is safe for vultures and effective in treating livestock, providing a potential solution to combat diclofenac's devastating effects on vulture populations. The three endangered species of Asian vultures are critically close to extinction due to diclofenac use.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 30, 2006

Identifying the source of negative emotions greatly reduces their influence on unrelated decisions

Researchers found that different types of negative emotions trigger distinct preferences in decision-making. Anxiety prefers safer options with control, while sadness favors more rewarding and comforting choices. Even when the cause of negative emotions is known, decisions related to that cause can still be affected by the emotions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 30, 2006

Dog owners hide the truth from shelters about their pets' behavioral problems

Researchers found that shelter dogs with behavioral issues were more likely to be reported as aggressive or fearful when owners believed their responses would be shared with staff. Honest owner assessments can help shelters identify troubled dogs and provide better care for both animals and potential adopters.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJan 30, 2006

Marsupial genome reveals insights into mammalian evolution

The genetic code of marsupials has been documented for the first time, revealing insights into mammalian immune system evolution. The analysis of the gray, short-tailed opossum's genome found that an important cluster of immune genes, known as MHC, was likely present in ancestral mammals and has since fragmented into multiple chromosomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 30, 2006

Giving déjà vu a second look

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a new framework to study chronic deja vu, a condition where people experience a strong sense of familiarity for new experiences. The Cognitive Feelings Framework (CFF) uses subjective reports and neuro-imaging to better understand everyday sensations like deja vu.

Pollution puts fat rats at heart attack risk

A study by University of Alberta researchers found that fine particulate matter from pollution causes cardiovascular problems in rats with obesity and insulin resistance. The findings suggest a significant public health risk for vulnerable populations, particularly those living near areas burning coal or diesel exhaust.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateJan 30, 2006

Using statins to potentially treat rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers found that statins, such as fluvastatin, can induce apoptosis in RA synovial cells through the inhibition of protein geranygeranylation. This suggests that statins may be ideal therapeutic agents for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Further clinical trials are proposed to confirm these findings.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 30, 2006

Stem cells from muscles can repair cartilage

Researchers found that genetically engineered muscle-derived stem cells (MDSC-B4) improved cartilage repair in rats, with well-integrated repaired tissue at 8, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery. The study also showed that MDSC-B4 could differentiate into chondrogenic cells depending on the type of medium they grew in.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 30, 2006

Birth defects: 8 million annually worldwide

The March of Dimes Global Report reveals that at least 3.3 million children under 5 years old die annually due to serious birth defects, with an estimated 3.2 million surviving with lifelong disabilities. The report highlights the global toll of birth defects on mortality and disability rates in middle- and low-income countries.

Poor control of diabetes in a large sample of patients

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that over 63,000 Ontario patients with diabetes had inadequate blood sugar control, with testing rates decreasing among younger adults. The research highlights concerns about unequal access to care and its impact on health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 30, 2006

Amputation among patients with diabetes mellitus: Is height a factor?

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a strong correlation between height and the risk of amputation among patients with diabetes mellitus. The research showed that every 10-cm increase in height was associated with a 16% higher risk of amputation, even among those with well-controlled diabetes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 30, 2006

Hot-spring bacteria flip a metabolic switch

Researchers discovered that single-celled cyanobacterium Synechococcus fixes nitrogen gas at night, converting it into biologically useful compounds. This finding sheds light on how hot-spring microbial communities obtain essential nutrients, and highlights the complex metabolic strategies of these microorganisms.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2006

Flap over fishes: Who's the smallest of them all?

The newly discovered Photocorynus spiniceps is not only the smallest fish and vertebrate, but also one of the most unique reproductive strategies in nature. The tiny male anglerfish, measuring just 6.2 mm, attaches to a much larger female and provides her body with everything she needs to reproduce, essentially turning her into a herma...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIchthyological Research·DateJan 30, 2006

Sediment layer may forecast greatest earthquakes

Researchers at Yale University discovered a key to identifying areas within subduction zones prone to severe damage during earthquakes. Sediment layers deposited on top of the overriding plate cause it to 'stick,' increasing the likelihood of earthquake events in these regions.

SourceYale University·JournalGeology·DateJan 30, 2006