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Science News for July 10, 2006


U of M study finds new risk factors do not improve assessment of coronary heart disease risk

A large study found that measuring C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and other novel risk markers does not improve the assessment of future coronary heart disease risk. The study, which followed over 15,000 adults, suggests that standard risk factors such as age, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure remain the most accurate indicators.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 2006

Racial differences found in emphysema onset

Researchers confirm racial biological differences in emphysema distribution and severity between African Americans and Caucasians. The study suggests that the mechanism underlying the disease may vary between races, highlighting the need for targeted antismoking policies and improved treatment options for African American patients.

A stitch in time saves lives: High survival seen for patients with condition that killed John Ritter

Researchers found that 90% of patients who survived emergency surgery and hospitalization for aortic dissection would be alive three years later. Those without pre-existing heart and blood vessel problems were more likely to survive, with a quarter having hypertension and nearly 25% having atherosclerosis before their dissection.

Math and fossils resolve a debate on dinosaur metabolism

A new study resolves a long-standing debate on dinosaur metabolism by using mathematical modeling and fossil data to estimate body temperatures. The results suggest that the largest dinosaurs had relatively constant body temperatures maintained through thermal inertia.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 10, 2006

Healthy lifestyle reduces women's stroke risk

A study of 37,636 women found a significant association between healthy behaviors and reduced stroke risk. Women with higher health index scores, indicating healthier lifestyles, had a lower risk of ischemic stroke compared to those with lower scores.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 2006

Women still get lower-quality heart attack care than men, despite hospital improvement efforts

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that women were less likely to benefit from hospitals' quality-improvement measures and received fewer drugs and lifestyle counseling after a heart attack. This disparity led to a higher risk of death within a year, despite overall improved care for both men and women.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 2006

Flying in tune: Buzz brings mosquito pairs together

Researchers found that mosquitoes of both sexes engage in complex mid-flight pre-mating duets, with each altering its flight tone in response to the other. This interaction serves as a mechanism for bringing together mosquitoes only of opposite sexes during pre-mating encounters.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 10, 2006

UCLA study of community health project shows how group dynamics affect fitness, eating habits

A UCLA-evaluated study of a demonstration project shows how incorporating physical activity and healthy eating into an office culture can significantly increase vigorous physical activity among participants. The six-week wellness-training program boosts fruit and vegetable intake, while reducing feelings of sadness and depression.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·DateJul 10, 2006

Live wires

Researchers have found that various bacterial species can form electrically conductive wires under different environmental conditions, leading to a new understanding of microbial energy distribution. The discovery, made by microbiologist Yuri Gorby, suggests that the planet may be 'hard-wired' with electricity-producing bacteria.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2006

JRRD tipsheet: Focus on multiple sclerosis

This article discusses various aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) management in veterans, including the use of medical informatics, healthcare information systems, and patient education. The study highlights the importance of effective care models, registry development, and provider education to improve outcomes for MS patients.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJul 10, 2006

New model of brain sheds light on triggers of autism

A new brain model, iSTART, describes how imbalanced brain mechanisms underlie autistic behaviors. Individuals with autism exhibit hyperspecific learning, under-aroused emotional responses, and breakdowns in adaptive timing, leading to symptoms like reduced emotional expression and emotional outbursts.

SourceBoston University·JournalPsychological Review·DateJul 10, 2006

Twist on chest pain drug improves heart attack outcome

Researchers found that combining antioxidants with a chest pain drug improves heart function after a heart attack by reducing free radical damage. The antioxidant derivatives TMZ-NH and TMZ-NH showed significant protection against tissue damage during reperfusion, leading to improved blood flow and reduced infarct size.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateJul 10, 2006

Targeted melanoma education of high risk groups improves screening

A new study reveals that targeted melanoma education of high-risk groups leads to sustained improvements in skin self-examination rates. The intervention, which included personalized educational materials and counseling sessions, significantly increased the number of siblings who performed regular skin self-examinations.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 10, 2006

Education campaign improves skin cancer screening rates

A community-based education campaign significantly increased skin cancer screening rates in men over 50, with a two-fold increase in self-screening and four-fold increase in physician-screening. Men who recognized personal risk factors or had previously removed skin lesions were more likely to undergo screening.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 10, 2006