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Science News Archive May 2006 - Page 8


Page 8 of 15

Chimpanzee study reveals genome variation hotspots

A recent study has identified copy number variants in chimpanzees that are comparable to those found in humans, indicating regions of the genome may be inherently unstable in both species. This research provides valuable insights into genetic diversity and adaptations in our nearest relatives.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2006

New study reveals signaling pathways required for expansion of pancreas stem cells

A new study discovered that BMP4 signaling is necessary and sufficient for the proliferation of pancreas progenitor cells, leading to an increase in Id expression. The researchers also found that inhibition of BMP4 results in a decrease in proliferating duct cells and an increase in the expression of a bHLH protein-dependent factor PAX6.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2006

Women's career choices influenced more by culture than biology

A study of 167 women in IT across four countries reveals that cultural factors, such as societal messages and family dynamics, play a significant role in shaping career choices. The research suggests that recognizing diversity may lead to more opportunities for women, and challenges traditional assumptions about work-life balance.

SourcePenn State·JournalInformation Resources Management Journal·DateMay 16, 2006

Intimate partner violence found widespread

A study by Group Health researchers found that intimate partner violence (IPV) affects nearly half of women, with recent IPV having a particularly devastating impact on their physical and mental health. The study also revealed that IPV is an equal-opportunity problem, affecting women from all walks of life.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 16, 2006

Helping hands

A study by Association for Psychological Science found that pairs can coordinate through haptic interactions, leading to improved performance and development of cooperative strategies. The researchers speculate that this capacity is a fundamental human ability used in various daily activities.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 16, 2006

Pak1 expression increases tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer patients

A study of 403 premenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer found that increased Pak1 expression correlates with reduced sensitivity to tamoxifen therapy, leading to decreased survival rates. Researchers suggest targeting Pak1 as a potential strategy to improve treatment response in breast cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 16, 2006

Our memory wears rose-colored glasses

The study highlights that self-defining memories are emotionally complex and significant to individuals. Researcher Wendy-Jo Wood found that people tend to downplay negative events while emphasizing positive ones, which contributes to a more optimistic view of their experiences.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Personality·DateMay 16, 2006

Putting healthcare dollars into the 'right' prevention services

A series of articles ranks preventive services by their cost-effectiveness and population health benefits, highlighting influenza vaccines and colorectal cancer screening as top priorities. The studies show that these services can save thousands of years of life and prevent deaths, with significant potential for improving overall healt...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 16, 2006

Cultural approach is key to tackling obesity

A cultural approach is essential in tackling obesity, with women generally basing their ideal weight on cultural criteria. Obesity is defined in positive terms by Black Americans, relating it to attractiveness, while White women define it negatively, associating it with unattractive and socially undesirable body image.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateMay 16, 2006

Plant protection from cold decoded

Plant biologist Jian Kang Zhu discovered that the high expression of osmotically responsive gene 1 (HOS1) acts as a biochemical gate to cut off the plant's cold protection. The HOS1 protein interacts with ICE1, kicking off a genetic cascade that provides cold protection proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2006

Indiana U researchers closer to finding a genetic cause of hearing loss in aging

A study of 50 pairs of fraternal twins with hearing loss identified a specific region of DNA, DFNA18 on chromosome 3, that may contain an important locus for hearing loss in the general population. The findings suggest variation in genes within this region could lead to differences in susceptibility to hearing loss.

SourceIndiana University·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateMay 16, 2006

No evidence of 'Iraq War Syndrome'

A study published in The Lancet found that UK armed forces personnel who took part in the 2003 Iraq War experienced slight rises in common symptoms, but not to the same extent as those who fought in the 1991 Gulf War. Fatigue was not increased after the 2003 Iraq War.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 15, 2006

A ruler to measure the universe

Researchers have created a massive 3-D map of the universe, mapping the distribution of galaxies and providing new insights into dark energy. The map uses luminous red galaxies as 'lighthouses' to measure distances, covering vast scales of up to a billion light-years across.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 15, 2006

Penn State researchers look beyond the birth of the universe

A team of researchers at Penn State has discovered a mathematical description of a contracting universe that existed before the Big Bang, with space-time geometry and gravity exhibiting unique properties. The findings rely on loop quantum gravity theory, which proposes a discrete 'atomic' structure to space-time.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 15, 2006

The Daily Show affects young voters

A study found that exposure to The Daily Show led participants to rate candidates more negatively and view the political system as more cynical. Researchers conclude that this may deter young Americans from voting. The study's implications for political participation should be explored further.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateMay 15, 2006

Free access to science speeds its use

A natural experiment found that open-access articles in PNAS gained a significant citation advantage over non-OA articles, being twice as likely to be cited within 4-10 months and almost three times more likely between 10-16 months after publication. The study suggests that open access accelerates the dissemination of scientific research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 15, 2006