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Science News for June 26, 2007


Drugs used to fight cancer-related bone problems boost odds of jaw- or face-bone disease

A large-scale comparative study has found that treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates increases the risk of jaw or facial bone disease or infection. After six years, about 5.5% of bisphosphonate users had undergone facial or jaw bone surgery or been diagnosed with inflammation of the jaw bone, compared to 0.3% of non-users.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 26, 2007

Why do power couples migrate to metropolitan areas? Actually, they don't

A new study challenges prior research on power couple migration patterns. Researchers found that college-educated singles are more likely to move to big cities where they meet and marry other educated individuals. This finding has implications for city planners seeking to attract a well-educated workforce. Power couples with only one c...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateJun 26, 2007

Increasing physical activity with a little boost

A study by Temple University found that personalized mail feedback programs were more effective in increasing physical activity levels compared to phone-based counseling. Participants who received print-based feedback showed significant improvements in physical activity, with an average of 160 minutes per week.

SourceTemple University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJun 26, 2007

New reovirus isolated

A new reovirus has been isolated from bats and can cause a serious but non-fatal respiratory illness in humans. The virus, named Melaka, is closely related to two other bat-borne reoviruses and can be transmitted between people.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2007

Gene deficiency is a protective barrier to obesity

Researchers found that mice without CD38 were protected from high-fat diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. The study suggests that a CD38 deficiency has a protective effect against obesity, highlighting the importance of genes in regulating body weight.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 26, 2007

News tips from ACS Chemical Biology

Recent studies from ACS Chemical Biology reveal new insights into how cells die when chemicals bind to DNA, fast ways to create novel molecules, thyroid hormone regulation, and the regulation of attaching proteins to membranes. The journal provides a platform for exploring cellular function from both chemical and biological perspectives.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJun 26, 2007

More than just bare bones -- New research suggests emotions can affect recovery from hip surgery

A new study by Saint Louis University researchers found that patients' emotional well-being is a crucial factor in determining the success of hip surgery. The clinical test used to evaluate hip function was shown to be less effective than previously thought, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to patient care.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJun 26, 2007

Among youth in US, whites have highest incidence of diabetes

A study published in JAMA found that non-Hispanic white youth have the highest incidence of diabetes, with type 1 being the predominant kind. The study, which included over 2,400 multi-ethnic youth with newly diagnosed diabetes, also found a significant increase in type 1 diabetes cases worldwide during the past two decades.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 26, 2007

Greenhouse gas burial

Researchers have found that deep coal seams can be used for permanent storage of carbon dioxide, displacing methane and potentially reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. The study suggests that unmineable coal seams could represent a vast sink for CO2 produced by industry.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateJun 26, 2007