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Science News Archive December 2007 - Page 13


Page 13 of 16

Scientists strike blow in superbugs struggle

Researchers at the University of Manchester have pioneered new methods to modify antibiotics' molecular structure, enabling the development of new types of antibiotics capable of combating increasingly resistant bacteria. This innovation provides access to thousands of lipopeptide variants that cannot be produced easily in any other way.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 5, 2007

Humans appear hardwired to learn by 'over imitation'

A Yale University study found that children follow adults' actions faithfully, even when they are unnecessary, leading to confusion and difficulties in learning. The research suggests that children's ability to imitate can actually hinder their learning process if they observe an adult performing inefficient behavior.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2007

Beating hospital yeast infection

A systematic review of over 5,500 patients found that both single-drug antifungal prophylaxis (SAP) and selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) reduce yeast-related morbidity and mortality. SDD was more effective in reducing yeast colonization and infection, while SAP responded best to candidemia.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateDec 5, 2007

Cosmopolitan microbes -- hitchhikers on Darwin's dust

Scientists have confirmed that microbes can travel across continents on dust particles, surviving for centuries and defying intercontinental transport. Geo-chemical analyses of Charles Darwin's samples revealed diverse microbes, including ascomycetes and eubacteria, with wind-fractionated dust from West Africa reaching the Caribbean.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateDec 4, 2007

Why do high school seniors drink?

A new study identifies four major motivators for high school senior drinking: experimentation, thrill-seeking, relaxation, and coping with life issues. Students who drink for these reasons show the heaviest and most problematic drinking behaviors, according to the study published in Prevention Science.

SourceSociety for Prevention Research·JournalPrevention Science·DateDec 4, 2007

Stowers Institute's Hawley Lab identifies factors responsible for restart of meiotic cycle

The Hawley Lab has identified two molecular mechanisms that restart the meiotic cycle in oocytes, including the controlled expression of Polo kinase and the inactivation of inhibitory protein Matrimony. This discovery has significant implications for understanding egg maturation and releasing, as well as treating infertility and cancer.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 4, 2007

It's not just a kid thing: Fluoridated tap water benefits older adults even more

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that fluoridated tap water reduces dental fillings and costs for all age groups, with older adults benefiting the most due to limited access to dental insurance. The study breaks new ground on adult dentistry, highlighting the importance of community water fluoridation for people o...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·DateDec 4, 2007

A company's good reputation can be a bad thing

A study by Michelle L. Roehm and Michael K. Brady found that high-equity brands initially face a disadvantage after failure, but may fare better when the issue is severe. This phenomenon can be attributed to a reduction in cognitive resources, allowing customers to focus on resolving the problem rather than re-evaluating the brand.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 4, 2007