Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2006 - Page 5


Page 5 of 17

Cougar predation key to ecosystem health

A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that cougar predation has a significant impact on the environment, leading to severe ecological damage and loss of biodiversity in Zion National Park. The 'trophic cascade' effect, where the decline of a major predator leads to changes in herbivore populations and behavior, is ev...

SourceOregon State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 24, 2006

SRI medication effective in treating compulsive hoarding patients

A study of 79 patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and compulsive hoarding syndrome found that serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) medication, paroxetine, significantly improved symptoms. Compulsive hoarding is a psychiatric disorder characterized by failure to discard objects due to anxiety and excessive clutter.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateOct 24, 2006

Flu vaccine appears safe for young children

A large safety study found that the flu vaccine is not associated with an increased risk of serious conditions in young children. The study analyzed data on over 45,000 children who received the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine between 1991 and 2003.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 24, 2006

Racial disparities high in Medicare plans

A new study from Harvard Medical School and Brown Medical School shows that racial disparities in care cannot be attributed to low-performing health plans. The research found that high-performing plans and low-performing plans have comparable levels of disparities in key health measures.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateOct 24, 2006

Always keeping a safe distance

Researchers at MPI-CBG defined the distance between Kinesin-1 and microtubules, explaining how it avoids collisions. This finding sheds light on refined motor proteins' ability to navigate cells efficiently.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2006

Researchers find 'zip code' spurs cargo transport in neurons

Researchers at Brown University have identified a peptide that can spur cargo transport in nerve cells, shedding light on the complex intracellular transport system inside nerve cells. The discovery could help scientists better understand nerve cell function and test possible therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2006

Gut check

A CU-Boulder research team has discovered over 200 suspected parasite burrows in a well-preserved duck-billed dinosaur, indicating the presence of tiny worms similar to annelids and nematodes. The findings provide evidence for interactions between dinosaurs and invertebrates.

Blue eyes -- A clue to paternity

Researchers found that blue-eyed men rate blue-eyed female models as more attractive than brown-eyed models. In a second study, blue-eyed men were more likely to have romantic partners of the same eye color.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 23, 2006

SAGE partners with the Society for Gynecologic Investigation

SAGE Publications will begin publishing Reproductive Sciences on behalf of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation (SGI), advancing knowledge in reproductive biology. The journal, formerly known as the Journal of SGI, has an impact factor of 2.887 and is ranked 8th among obstetrics and gynecology journals.

SourceSAGE·JournalReproductive Sciences·DateOct 23, 2006

Researchers report initial success in promising approach to prevent tooth decay

Researchers have created a new smart anti-microbial treatment called STAMP that can selectively target and kill cavity-causing bacteria without harming good bacteria. The treatment uses a specific pheromone to locate the bacteria and an anti-microbial bomb to eliminate it, offering a promising approach to preventing tooth decay.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateOct 23, 2006

Circadian gene helps the brain predict mealtime

Researchers have identified a critical gene in the circadian time-keeping system that enables animals to predict mealtime. The Period 2 gene plays a key role in the brain's ability to anticipate food availability, but not its effect on physiological coordination outside the central nervous system.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 23, 2006

Healthy men who drink moderately have reduced risk of heart attack

A recent study found that moderate drinking may be associated with a reduced risk of heart attack in healthy men. The research, conducted on 8,867 healthy men, suggests that even light drinkers have a lower risk than those who do not drink at all. Moderate drinking was linked to increased levels of HDL or 'good' cholesterol in the blood.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 23, 2006