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Science News Archive 2007 - Page 53


Page 53 of 203

Major gender gap in use of life-saving heart device

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed Medicare records of over 236,000 patients between 1999 and 2005, finding that men were two to three times more likely than women to receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The study also revealed racial disparities in ICD use, with white men receiving the most devices.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 2, 2007

First significant genetic finding in severe PMS, or PMDD

A study has identified genetic variants associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. Women with specific variants in the estrogen receptor alpha gene were more likely to experience PMDD, suggesting hormonal factors play a key role in its development.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2007

New clinical guideline for low-back pain

The new guideline recommends clinicians rely on evidence-based therapies, limit X-rays, and consider non-pharmacologic options like exercise therapy, chiropractic care, and massage. The guidelines aim to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and improve patient outcomes for low-back pain treatment.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 2, 2007

On-screen smoking in movies linked to young adult smoking behavior

A new study by the University of California, San Francisco, found that exposure to on-screen smoking in movies is strongly correlated with beginning or becoming established smokers among young adults aged 18-25. The research team also identified positive expectations about smoking and exposure to friends and relatives who smoke as key ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 2, 2007

Titan's icy climate mimics Earth's tropics

Scientists at the University of Chicago have found that Titan's climate is analogous to Earth's tropics, with methane clouds and a tropical weather system. The moon's slow rotation rate and atmosphere produce an updraft that lifts evaporated methane into clouds, similar to Earth's ITCZ.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2007

Avoiding sweets may spell a longer life, study in worms suggests

A new study suggests that avoiding sweets may spell a longer life. Researchers found that worms lived up to 20% longer when unable to process glucose, increasing mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress. This finding raises questions about the effects of sugar on human lifespan and treatment for type 2 diabetes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 2, 2007

Carbon dioxide triggers inborn distress

A study found that carbon dioxide inhalation triggers emotional distress and a panic response in healthy volunteers. The reaction is dose-dependent, with higher CO2 concentrations causing stronger negative emotions. Older subjects exhibited a weaker reaction, suggesting an underlying protective brain alarm may be blunted in the elderly.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2007

How basil gets its zing

Researchers at the Salk Institute have solved part of the molecular puzzle behind basil's characteristic warm and sweet aroma, providing a three-dimensional snapshot of the enzyme Eugenol Synthase. The study reveals how this enzyme produces eugenol, a fragrant molecule responsible for basil's spicy overtones.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2007

Combination of medication and psychotherapy appears most effective for treatment of depressed teens

A randomized controlled trial shows that combination therapy with fluoxetine and cognitive behavior therapy is more effective than either strategy alone in treating adolescents with depression. This study suggests that cognitive behavior therapy may protect against treatment-emergent suicidal events in patients taking fluoxetine.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2007

Beyond a 'speed limit' on mutations, species risk extinction

A team of Harvard researchers has found that organisms must stay below a mutation rate of 6 per genome per generation to prevent extinction. This discovery explains why some species are more resilient to genetic changes and offers insights into the physical properties of genetic material and its impact on survival fitness.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2007

Early family intervention alters preschoolers' biological response to stress

A new study found that early family intervention can alter children's biological response to stress, leading to improved behavior and reduced risk of delinquency. The intervention, which includes parenting strategies and social skills training, resulted in increased cortisol levels in anticipation of a socially stressful situation.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2007