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Science News Archive July 2007 - Page 6


Page 6 of 16

Low literacy equals early death sentence

A new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine reveals that older people with inadequate health literacy had a 50 percent higher mortality rate over five years than those with adequate reading skills. Low health literacy was the top predictor of mortality after smoking, surpassing income and years of education.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 23, 2007

Did pterosaurs feed by skimming?

Scientists from PLOS Biology overturned the previously held belief that pterosaurs fed by skimming, revealing that drag forces would have imposed too great an energetic cost. The findings suggest that even smaller pterosaurs lacked necessary adaptations for skim-feeding, explaining its rarity in modern birds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 23, 2007

Studies affirm need for influenza and measles vaccinations in HIV-infected patients

Two new studies emphasize the importance of delivering measles and influenza vaccines to HIV-infected individuals. Measles vaccine administered at age 9 months showed limited protection in HIV-infected children, highlighting the need for supplementary vaccinations to maintain immunity. In contrast, rates of influenza vaccination among ...

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJul 23, 2007

'Closing the front door' on homelessness

A two-pronged approach is showing success in preventing and ending homelessness by helping those currently homeless while closing the front door on homelessness. The special issue outlines innovative strategies for specific groups at high risk, including veterans, individuals with substance use and mental health conditions, and vulnera...

SourceSpringer·JournalThe Journal of Primary Prevention·DateJul 23, 2007

Nicotine rush hinges on sugar in neurons

A University of Southern California study reveals that sugar molecules attached to the surface of the receptor act as a hinge, opening a gate in the cell membrane and transmitting news of nicotine's arrival. The research also identifies a water molecule deep in the receptor's core, which may enable the receptor to alter its shape.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 22, 2007

How do newcomers make changes in long-standing groups?

Research in PSPB finds that newcomers' statements arouse less agreement and more negativity than those from old-timers, making it harder for them to bring about positive change. However, authors suggest that newcomers can gain more influence by showing commitment to their group identity.

SourceSAGE·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 20, 2007

Cancer research summaries

A retrospective study published in The Lancet found no excess risk of cancer among individuals who received blood products from donors with previously diagnosed cancers. The study included over 12,000 exposed individuals and 342,082 unexposed individuals, concluding that long-term cancer survivors might be a safe donor group.

SourceEuropean School of Oncology·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 20, 2007

Health-care providers could help avert depression in fathers of children with fatal cancer

A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that parents' intellectual and emotional awareness time of their child's impending death is strongly associated with future health outcomes. Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in reducing long-term depression, employment issues, and psychological problems by providing adequate in...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJul 20, 2007

Status of adolescent peer groups plays role in understanding groups influence on early teen behavior

A new study found that popular peer groups have a profound influence on early teen behavior, causing children to become more similar in behavior to their group members. Conversely, well-liked groups have little impact, except for adolescents who are part of disliked groups, which can lead to increased deviant behavior.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 20, 2007

One species, many genomes

Researchers found nearly four percent of Arabidopsis genes are variable and some are non-functional, revealing a highly adaptable plant with a streamlined genome. The study suggests that environmental conditions drive gene variation, enabling plants to adapt to different climates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2007

JCI table of contents: July 19, 2007

A study on mucins reveals their crucial role in protecting the gut from bacterial infection. In contrast, lupus research identifies shared signaling networks active in B cells from genetically distinct mouse models. Meanwhile, a new study shows that blocking ERK1/2 activation can prevent congenital heart defects in mice with Noonan syn...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 19, 2007

Study links manic depression with brain tissue loss

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that people with bipolar disorder experience accelerated brain tissue loss, particularly in areas controlling memory, face recognition, and coordination. The study shows that repeated episodes of illness can lead to greater brain loss and decline in mental ability.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 19, 2007

Molecular detectors may refine cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new method to detect subtle differences in leukemia cells using molecular probes called aptamers. This technique has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients by providing more precise and personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateJul 19, 2007

Probing biology's dark matter

A new microfluidics device has enabled researchers to analyze a rare bacteria found in the human mouth and sequence over 1,000 genes from an unstudied group of bacteria, known as TM7. This breakthrough technology holds promise for advancing microbial ecology and discovering new species.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2007

Self-injury found to be common in high-school students

A new study suggests that non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common occurrence among high school students, with nearly half of teens experiencing NSSI in the past year. The most common reasons for engaging in NSSI include regulating emotional states and managing situations.

SourceLifespan·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 19, 2007

Alternative farming cleans up water

A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that alternative cropping systems reduced nitrate levels in surface and ground water by 41-62% compared to conventional farming practices. Increasing cropping system biodiversity can improve water quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 19, 2007

MIT IDs link between brain tumor proteins

MIT scientists have discovered a connection between two proteins found in brain tumors that could help treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Attacking both EGFRvIII and c-Met simultaneously is more effective than targeting either protein alone, offering new hope for treating this deadly disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2007