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Science News Archive May 2006 - Page 7


Page 7 of 15

Even when faint, ovary scent draws sperm cells

Researchers at Indiana University Bloomington found that even when ovary extracts are diluted 100,000 times, some sperm cells still respond to the scent. This discovery may help scientists understand problems with human conception and develop a diagnostic tool for male infertility.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2006

Even a little cooling helps after cardiac arrest

Researchers found that cooling a person by 2°C during the first day after resuscitation can significantly improve their chances of recovering from cardiac arrest. The study, which used rats to replicate human brain injury, showed that even modest cooling of the brain can have beneficial effects on recovery.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMay 18, 2006

JCI table of contents, May 18, 2006

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a non-invasive method to measure beta cell mass in diabetic rats using positron emission tomography (PET)-based quantitation of pancreatic radiolabeled VMAT2 receptors. This method has the potential to study the pathogenesis of diabetes and monitor therapeutic interventions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 18, 2006

Water shortages in Northeast linked to human activity

A recent study found that factors such as development, population growth, and failing water supply systems contribute significantly to water emergencies in Rockland County, N.Y. The researchers' findings suggest that the balance between water demand and supply is becoming increasingly fragile due to human activities.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·DateMay 17, 2006

The brain's executive is an 'event planner'

Researchers discovered that neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex process information for future events to generate action plans, enabling monkeys to plan complex behaviors. The study provides new insights into the central function of behavioral planning in this higher brain region.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 17, 2006

One in 50 teenagers still wet the bed

A study of over 16,500 children aged 5-19 found that 1 in 50 teenagers still experience bedwetting. The researchers found that children with severe bedwetting problems are more likely to continue experiencing problems into adulthood. Mild bedwetting is more common among younger children, but severe problems increase with age.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalBJU International·DateMay 17, 2006

Trio of Neptunes and their belt

Three tiny companions orbiting HD 69830 have been discovered by astronomers using the ESO's HARPS instrument. The newly found planets have minimum masses between 10 and 18 times the mass of Earth, with one located in the habitable zone.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2006

Dolphins at risk

A recent surge in dolphin deaths off the Zanzibar archipelago has sparked debate about pollution, underwater noise, and the impact of offshore industries. Dr. Jonathan David calls for mitigation measures to protect dolphin populations and suggests innovative solutions to minimize harm.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalWater and Environment Journal·DateMay 17, 2006

Bush's response to 9/11 mirrors Wilson era

The article examines how George W. Bush's response to 9/11 mirrored the diplomatic approach of President Woodrow Wilson during his era. The author, Lloyd E. Ambrosius, draws parallels between the two leaders' strategies, highlighting similarities in their use of international organizations and multilateral cooperation.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDiplomatic History·DateMay 17, 2006

Targeting lung cancer

Researchers engineered mice with mutated EGFR genes that can be turned on or off to study lung tumorigenesis and treatment responses. Mutations in EGFR drive lung tumors into regression by inhibiting the gene or turning it off.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 17, 2006

Fabled equatorial icecaps to disappear

The Rwenzori Mountains, home to one of four remaining tropical ice fields outside the Andes, are experiencing substantial reduction in glacial cover due to increasing air temperature over the last four decades. Glaciers are receding tens of meters each year, with less than one square kilometer of glacier ice remaining.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 17, 2006

Wal-Mart equals higher poverty rates

A recent study published in Social Science Quarterly reveals a link between Wal-Mart's expansion and increased poverty rates in local communities. The authors found that the arrival of large retail chains like Wal-Mart leads to the displacement of small businesses, resulting in reduced local leadership capacity.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateMay 17, 2006

Broccoli, cauliflower and genetic cancer

A study published in Carcinogenesis reveals that sulforaphane, a compound in broccoli and cauliflower, can inhibit the development of hereditary colon cancer by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor proliferation. The researchers found that mice fed with an SFN-supplemented diet developed significantly fewer and smaller tumors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCarcinogenesis·DateMay 17, 2006