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Science News for August 29, 2007


Flaxseed shows potential to reduce hot flashes

A pilot study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that flaxseed therapy decreased hot flashes in postmenopausal women by 50% and improved their quality of life. The study also showed improvements in mood, joint pain, and overall health.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the Society for Integrative Oncology·DateAug 29, 2007

Supersonic 'rain' falls on newborn star

Astronomers have discovered five Earth-oceans' worth of water falling onto a protoplanetary disk around an extremely young star, IRAS 4B. The 'disk-accretion shock' mechanism is responsible for the formation of planetary systems, and this finding provides valuable insights into the early stages of our solar system's life.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2007

Transgenic maize is more susceptible to aphids

A study by Cristina Faria and colleagues found that transgenic Bt maize lines are more susceptible to the aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis than conventional maize. However, this increased susceptibility may be beneficial in regions where aphids are a major problem, as they can aid in controlling caterpillars.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2007

Flies prefer fizzy drinks

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that fruit flies have taste cells specific to carbonation, which encourages them to consume food with growing microorganisms. The discovery suggests that other animals may have taste receptors tuned to important chemicals in their environment.

1 in 8 World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers developed post-traumatic stress disorder

New findings from the WTC health registry show that post-traumatic stress disorder affected 12.4% of rescue and recovery workers, with volunteer workers having the highest rate. The prevalence of PTSD varied significantly by occupation, with workers from non-emergency occupations such as construction suffering particularly high rates.

SourceNew York City Health Department·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 2007

Discovery may pave the way for a new class of diabetes drugs

A multidisciplinary team led by UCSD researchers has determined the structure of MitoNEET, a protein that shows promise as a target for developing innovative diabetes drugs. The discovery provides insights into how these drugs may protect cells from oxidative stress and potentially offer greater specificity and fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2007

Elsevier partners with Tissue Viability Society

The partnership aims to widen the journal's audience, reducing reviewing time and increasing access to online features, including a comprehensive search engine and e-mail alerts. The Tissue Viability Society will continue to receive print copies as a benefit of membership.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Tissue Viability·DateAug 29, 2007

Brown study finds link between depression and household mold

A Brown University study has found a significant link between living in damp, moldy homes and depression. The research team analyzed data from nearly 6,000 European adults and found that perceptions of control over the housing environment, combined with mold-related health problems, contribute to an elevated risk for depression.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 29, 2007