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Science News Archive February 2007 - Page 15


Page 15 of 16

FISH-ing for links between cancer and aging

Scientists have linked telomere loss to both cancer and aging by visualizing chromosomes of cells from patients with Werner Syndrome. Rebuilding structures called telomeres significantly blocks genetic damage seen in cells of patients with Werner Syndrome.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2007

European medical research still ignoring women

A study of European research ethics committees found that while some had informal rules for gender diversity, few had formal requirements to ensure equal representation of both sexes. Despite EU policy on gender equality in health research, limited attention was paid to these issues.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateFeb 5, 2007

Low birth weight and childhood abuse linked to psychological problems later in life

Children born with low birth weight are more likely to develop depression and social dysfunction if they experience child abuse, according to a recent study. The study found that those who suffered both low birth weight and child abuse had significantly poorer outcomes than those who experienced either adversity alone.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2007

Two-thirds of nursing students believe it's wrong to lie to patients, twice as many as in 1983

A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that two-thirds of nursing students believe it's wrong to lie to patients, compared to 33% in 1983. The profile of nursing students has also changed significantly over 22 years, with older students, more diversity in educational attainments and life experiences.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateFeb 5, 2007

Scripps research scientists: Compounds show significant promise against potential bioweapon toxins

Researchers identified two small molecules with remarkable efficacy against botulinum neurotoxin A in animal models. The compounds showed surprisingly little activity in cell-based assays, highlighting the importance of animal-based studies. No significant side effects were observed with either molecule.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2007

Survey identifies teen online behaviors associated with online interpersonal victimization

A recent study found that engaging in various online behaviors is linked to online interpersonal victimization, with talking to strangers being a significant risk factor. The survey analyzed data from over 1,400 teens and found that sharing personal info or making rude comments online were not as harmful as previously thought.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2007

Microprinting technique for patterning single molecules

A new microcontact insertion printing technique builds surfaces with specific functions inserted at known intervals, enabling analysis of biochemical mixtures and molecular-scale electronic components. The process allows for precise placement of isolated molecules in a predesigned nano-scale or micro-scale pattern.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 5, 2007

Looking for love on all the right Web sites?

A recent study found that men systematically overestimated their height and women more commonly underestimated their weight on online dating profiles. The researchers also discovered that a higher percentage of participants lied about their weight, with almost two thirds being incorrect by 5 pounds or more.

For some species, an upside to inbreeding

Researchers found that individuals preferred mating with unfamiliar close kin rather than non-kin due to parental cooperation. This led to more cooperative and resource-invested parenting among related parents compared to non-related ones.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 5, 2007

SCAI expert panel sets high standards for PCI without on-site cardiac surgical backup

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions recommends stringent quality standards for PCI in hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery. These standards aim to ensure patient safety and excellent clinical outcomes, including case volume limits and training of support personnel.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateFeb 5, 2007

Lessons learned from liver retransplantation

A 15-year study on liver retransplantation found positive trends in indications for surgery, fewer rejections and complications, and improved intensive care management. Therapeutic measures such as immunosuppressant dosage reduction and early blood transfusions contributed to better patient survival rates.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateFeb 2, 2007

Tiny 'gas-flow' sensor has industrial, environmental applications

Purdue University researchers have developed a new class of tiny sensors that can measure gas flow on the scale of micrometers and nanometers. These sensors could be used in environmental protection to measure the leakage of hydrocarbon fumes from fuel tanks and in pharmaceutical preservation to test packages for gas leaks.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateFeb 2, 2007

Folded sediment unusual in Sumatran tsunami area

The study reveals that sediment folding may have contributed to the massive 2004 Sumatra tsunami. The unusual shape of the upper plate boundary, resembling a suspension bridge, created an area with multiple peaks and valleys that amplified water displacement when the plate snapped back.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeology·DateFeb 2, 2007

Artificial atoms make microwave photons countable

Using artificial atoms on a chip, Yale physicists have successfully detected and stored individual microwave photons, bringing quantum mechanics to a larger scale. This breakthrough enables the creation of new types of quantum machines that can exponentially speed up computations in cryptography, quantum physics, and chemistry.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2007