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Science News Archive June 2007 - Page 15


Page 15 of 17

Postoperative complications of living right liver donors

A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that more than 78 percent of living right liver donors experienced post-operative complications, with most being minor but some life-threatening. The modified Clavien system was used to classify the severity of complications, with Grade I being minor and Grade V resulting in death.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJun 4, 2007

Land conversion and climate threaten land birds

A study projects that climate change and land conversion will imperil 950 to 1800 bird species by 2100, with tropical birds being particularly vulnerable due to their small ranges. The protection of tropical forests is crucial in mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 4, 2007

Dating violence and sexual assault associated with suicide attempts among urban teens

A study analyzing self-administered questionnaires from 8,080 urban teen students found associations between persistent sadness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Lifetime history of sexual assault was reported by 9.6% of females and 5.4% of males, while dating violence in the past year was associated with female suicide attempts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 4, 2007

Marine sediment microbial fuel cells get a nutritional boost

Researchers at Penn State developed a novel approach to extend the life of marine microbial fuel cells by providing bacteria with chitin, found in crustacean shells. The addition increased power production and allowed for longer-term remote operation, making it suitable for ocean sediments.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 4, 2007

How sneaky HIV escapes cells

HIV scientists discovered that cells use small sacs known as exosomes to export proteins, including the virus's major protein Gag. This means HIV can leave infected cells and infect new ones, raising hopes for new treatment options.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 4, 2007

Bias in statin trials, failure to control malaria, and more

Research on statin effectiveness found to be influenced by funding source, with results favoring sponsored products. Additionally, a study on breast cancer cell survival discovered that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) acts as an internal autocrine survival factor through its receptor VEGFR1.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 4, 2007

Divorce increases risk of Ritalin use

A new study by Dr. Lisa Strohschein found a significantly higher risk of Ritalin use among children whose parents divorce compared to those whose parents stay together. The research suggests that parental divorce may act as a stressful life event, leading to adjustment problems and increased ADHD symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 4, 2007

Stanford researchers track human stem cells transplanted into rat brain

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully tracked human neural stem cells transplanted into the brains of rats, which migrated towards damaged areas and matured into functional neurons. The study used iron particles to track the cells in real-time, paving the way for potential human clinical trials.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2007

Too much of a good thing?

A new study from the Journal of Consumer Research found that people tend to feel ambivalent even when all the evidence is positive due to anticipating conflict. The researchers discovered that the more information consumers are given, the less likely they are to suspect conflicting information.

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

News from BSSA's June issue -- Identifying nuclear blasts, examining earthquakes, and more

Scientists developed a new technique to discriminate between small earthquakes and mine blasts, achieving a success rate of 97%. Researchers also created the most detailed 3D model of the Hayward Fault System in Northern California, revealing that it poses the greatest risk for major quakes in the next 30 years.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 4, 2007