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Science News for April 16, 2007


Obesity may be linked to middle ear effusions in children

Research suggests a possible association between childhood obesity and otitis media with effusion, characterized by fluid buildup in the middle ear space. The study found higher body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol levels among children with otitis media with effusion compared to those without the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 16, 2007

AGU Journal Highlights -- April 16, 2007

Scientists have discovered that earthquake-induced gravity field changes can slowly recover to initial conditions, possibly due to simultaneous diffusion of mantle water. This self-healing system could significantly reduce permanent shifts in the Earth's rotation axis by earthquakes. Meanwhile, recent trends in Arctic Ocean mass distri...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 16, 2007

Pimp my meatballs -- collagen injections safeguard nutrients

A new study by researchers from the Agricultural University of Poznan in Poland found that collagen injections can help retain important nutrients like iodine and thiamine in meatballs. Thiamine is essential for energy conversion, while iodine deficiency can lead to severe health issues such as goiter and impaired mental development.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateApr 16, 2007

Johns Hopkins develops pancreas cancer risk model

A new computer software tool, PancPRO, helps genetic counselors and physicians predict the chance of carrying a gene for hereditary pancreas cancer and the lifetime risk of developing the disease. The model, developed by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers, calculates a percentage score of probability that a person carries a...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 16, 2007

Clinical studies evaluate potential treatments for mouth ulcers

A clinical study found that a cream commonly used to treat eczema may be effective in treating oral erosive lichen planus, a severe inflammatory condition. Another study showed limited benefit of pentoxifylline in treating recurrent apthous stomatitis, but the treatment was associated with significant adverse effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateApr 16, 2007

Rotavirus can spread beyond the intestine

A new study found that rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhea in children, can also be present systemically, with infectious virus detected in the blood of infected children. The presence of virus in the blood is directly related to the presence of antigen but independent of diarrhea.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007

Ancient amphibians evolved a bite before migrating to dry land

Researchers from Harvard University found that ancient aquatic amphibians developed the ability to feed on land before transitioning to terrestrial life. Analysis of skull bones reveals that these extinct animals captured prey by biting or sucking it into their mouth, with one key species showing signs of biting behavior.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2007

Should primary care doctors assess safety of older drivers?

A recent editorial by Dr. Malaz Boustani suggests that primary care physicians should not assess the safety of older drivers due to resource constraints and potential conflicts of interest. The editorial is based on a survey of Canadian family physicians, who reported low confidence in assessing driving fitness.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007

No sign that ethnic groups' genes cause diabetes, international research team says

The study analyzed existing genetic studies and found that non-genetic factors such as poverty, housing segregation, and poor diet are stronger indicators of diabetes than genes. The findings challenge the widely held thrifty genotype theory, which suggests that certain minority groups are genetically prone to diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPerspectives in Biology and Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007

Having elevated risk factors in young adulthood raises risk of coronary calcium later on

A new study by NHLBI found that elevated risk factors in young adulthood significantly increase the risk of developing coronary calcium, a predictor of heart disease. Young adults with above-optimal levels of risk factors are two to three times more likely to develop coronary calcium than those with lower levels.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 16, 2007