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Science News Archive May 2006 - Page 11


Page 11 of 15

Study identifies substances in grapefruit juice that interact dangerously with some drugs

A study led by Dr. Paul Watkins found that grapefruit juice contains furanocoumarins, which inhibit an intestinal enzyme and cause interactions with certain medications. Removing these compounds from grapefruit juice eliminates the interaction, suggesting a new approach to managing medication side effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 9, 2006

Indoor air purifiers that produce even small amounts of ozone may be risky for health

A recent study by the University of California - Irvine has found that indoor air purifiers producing even small amounts of ozone can exceed public health standards. This increases exposure to ozone levels in excess of health guidelines for people operating these devices indoors, potentially worsening respiratory issues such as asthma.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateMay 9, 2006

Summer sun safety

A recent study published in Dermatologic Surgery reveals a significant link between summer sun exposure and the development of melanoma. Sun protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing are necessary to prevent skin cancer, despite controversy surrounding current guidelines.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDermatologic Surgery·DateMay 9, 2006

Nanosecond-scale release of stinging jellyfish nematocysts

Researchers studied nematocyst discharge in Hydra using an electronic framing-streak camera at 1,430,000 frames per second. They found discharges as short as 700 nanoseconds and pressures of up to 7 GPa, allowing the cellular process to release kinetic energy with molecular spring mechanism.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 8, 2006

Diabetes research at UH 'crystalizes' with major finding

Scientists have discovered a new mechanism for the formation of insulin crystals, which is crucial for understanding diabetes. The discovery, made by University of Houston researchers, provides insight into how insulin molecules attach to crystals and could lead to breakthroughs in various fields.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2006

Cutting calories slightly can reduce aging damage

Scientists from the University of Florida's Institute on Aging found that reducing calories by 8% and exercising moderately extended lifespan and improved liver function in rats. This discovery suggests that even slight calorie moderation can have significant effects on health, with potential implications for human aging.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAntioxidants & Redox Signaling·DateMay 8, 2006

Our brand is better than their brand

A new study by Anne Roggeveen, Dhruv Grewal, and Gerry Gotlieb found that positive framing in comparative ads encourages consumers to thoroughly analyze message cues. In contrast, negative framing leads to biased thinking and a focus on extrinsic cues rather than objective measures like price.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 8, 2006

Statins may improve circulation in the retina

Researchers found that long-term use of statins increased retinal blood flow and reduced intraocular pressure in healthy men. The findings suggest a potential therapy for diabetic retinopathy, a condition linked to reduced blood flow in the eye.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateMay 8, 2006

Knowledge of dendritic cells branches out

Dendritic cells are specialized white blood cells that patrol the body for infections. The new discovery reveals they have a highly organized structure, acting as specialized squads to deal with specific problems. This breakthrough sheds light on their role in preventing autoimmune diseases and could lead to new immune therapies.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 8, 2006