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Science News for December 26, 2007


How do you know whether you are male or female?

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that the number of X chromosomes determines the sex of a fruit fly embryo, contradicting previous findings. The researchers discovered that only two X chromosomes can produce a signal to feminize the embryo during a specific stage of development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 26, 2007

Photo-monitoring whale sharks

A new study suggests whale shark populations are healthy and growing in Ningaloo Reef due to regulated ecotourism. The research used computer-assisted photographic identification to track individual sharks and found two-thirds of the sharks were repeat visitors.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 26, 2007

Brief intervention helps emergency patients reduce drinking

A nationwide collaborative study found that emergency department patients who underwent alcohol screening and brief intervention reported lower rates of risky drinking than those who received only written information. The study enrolled over 7,751 patients and showed that more than one-fourth exceeded low-risk drinking limits.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 26, 2007