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Science News Archive April 2007 - Page 5


Page 5 of 17

Journal operations research introduces new 'OR forum,' spotlight on leading new research

The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) has introduced a new bi-monthly feature called OR Forum, which highlights important research in operations research. The first article in OR Forum examines how auction theory fails in practice, specifically combinatorial auctions.

Doubt cast on routine screening to pick up overweight and obese schoolchildren

New research questions the effectiveness of routine screening for overweight and obese schoolchildren, citing limited evidence that preventive approaches or current treatments drive down long-term obesity rates. Instead, weight monitoring is seen as useful for gathering information on obesity trends and informing resource allocation.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateApr 23, 2007

McDonald and SNO team win Benjamin Franklin Medal

Art McDonald and his SNO team have won the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics for their discovery that neutrinos change flavour and have mass, modifying the Standard Model of particle physics. The award recognizes their outstanding scientific achievement in understanding the nature of matter and the universe.

Antioxidant found in many foods and red wine is potent and selective killer of leukemia cells

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a potent and selective killer of leukemia cells, specifically cyanidin-3-rutinoside, a naturally occurring compound found in many fruits and vegetables as well as red wine. This finding offers hope for a more targeted and less toxic therapy for leukemia.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 23, 2007

Does migraine protect your memory?

A community-based study found that women with a lifetime history of migraine performed worse on cognitive tests initially but showed a 17% less decline in performance over time compared to those without migraines. Lifestyle factors such as diet and behavior may play a role in protecting memory.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 23, 2007

More nutritious, less toxic

Dartmouth-led research reveals that animals fed nutritious food have lower concentrations of methylmercury, a neurotoxin that can accumulate to hazardous levels. This discovery suggests ways to slow methylmercury's passage up the food chain to fish, potentially reducing its toxicity.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2007

Class of PCB's causes developmental abnormalities in rat pups

Researchers found that a specific class of PCB causes significant developmental abnormalities in rat pups whose mothers were exposed to the toxicant during pregnancy and early nursing. The study suggests that non-coplanar PCBs may be particularly hazardous due to their stability and prevalence in environmental samples.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2007

Earth's first rainforest unearthed

The discovery of a 300-million-year-old rainforest fossil has transformed our understanding of the ecology of the Earth's first rainforests. The fossilized forest, covering over 10,000 hectares, provides a unique snapshot of tropical rainforests 300 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGeology·DateApr 23, 2007

Mosquito genes explain response to climate change

Researchers have produced the first chromosomal map that shows regions of chromosomes that activate – and are apparently evolving – in animals in response to climate change. The map allows for identification of specific genes controlling seasonal development, which will help predict animal survival and disease-carrying vector movement.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalGenetics·DateApr 23, 2007

Does execution by lethal injection involve conscious asphyxiation?

A new study published in PLoS Medicine raises questions about the humanity of lethal injection protocols. The authors found that prisoners may be conscious and experience pain during execution, potentially leading to death by asphyxiation. This challenges the conventional view of lethal injection as a peaceful and painless death.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 23, 2007

Drug reps use friendship to influence doctors

A former drug rep reveals how sales forces use tactics like finely-tuned doses of friendship, free samples, and lavish gifts to manipulate physicians into selling their drugs. This manipulation can lead to increased prescribing of targeted medications, often at the expense of more effective alternatives.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 23, 2007

Study finds school environment can moderate student aggression

A large-scale study found that school environment plays a significant role in modulating student aggression. Supportive decision-making and cultural sensitivity training have been shown to reduce aggressive behavior, suggesting that schools can impact students' aggressive tendencies. The study's findings highlight the importance of cre...