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Science News for March 13, 2007


Star family seen through dusty fog

A team of German astronomers has identified a new globular cluster in the Milky Way, comprising approximately 100,000 stars. The discovery is significant as it provides unique laboratory conditions to investigate various aspects of astrophysics and sheds light on the formation and evolution of galaxies.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 13, 2007

Health care system for aging nerve cells

A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that disabling Ret-receptors in mice leads to earlier death of dopaminergic neurons, similar to Parkinson's disease. The loss of these neurons is a hallmark of the disease, and the study suggests that preserving this function may be crucial for preventing neurodegeneration.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2007

A short walk helps smokers quit

A short walk can significantly reduce cravings for cigarettes in smokers, helping them manage withdrawal symptoms and resist the urge to smoke. Moderate exercise can be as effective as a drug in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it a valuable tool for quitting smoking.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAddiction·DateMar 13, 2007

Videotaped confessions can create bias against suspect, study finds

A recent study by Daniel Lassiter found that videotaped confessions focusing exclusively on the suspect can lead judges and law enforcement officers to consider the statements as voluntary. This 'camera-perspective bias' affects trial participants' perceptions, potentially influencing wrongful convictions. The research aims to prevent ...

SourceOhio University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 13, 2007

US businesses not prepared for aging workforce

A national study by Boston College found that over a quarter of US businesses are unprepared for the effects of an aging workforce. Many companies lack strategies to encourage late-career workers to stay past retirement age and face significant HR challenges, including recruiting competent job applicants and management skill shortages.

New cell type identified in cancer development

Scientists have discovered a new type of cell that plays a role in cancer development, which can either remain benign or become malignant depending on environmental cues. The finding may help define the role of cancer stem cells in tumor growth and recurrence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2007

Insomnia drug can improve brain function

A new study reports that zolpidem, an insomnia drug, temporarily improved brain function in a patient with akinetic mutism. The patient was able to communicate and perform basic functions after receiving the drug for insomnia. PET scans revealed increased brain activity in areas involved in motivation and cognitive processing.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 13, 2007

Protein overexpression at heart of heart failure

Increased expression of an accessory subunit of L-type calcium channels is linked to altered channel behavior in human heart failure. Researchers have identified a causal role for this protein overexpression in the development of cardiac dysfunction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2007

New Washington study shows OB anesthesia equally safe when provided by CRNAs or anesthesiologists

A new study published in Nursing Research found that obstetrical anesthesia is extremely safe, with no difference in safety between hospitals staffed by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) or anesthesiologists. The study analyzed data from over 134,000 patients and found similar complication rates for both groups.

SourceAmerican Association of Nurse Anesthetists·JournalNursing Research·DateMar 13, 2007

Global ocean sampling expedition

A new study using global ocean samples has revealed a vast array of microbial diversity, with the largest genomic dataset ever compiled. This massive data set includes over 6 billion base pairs of genetic material from marine microbes, which have been classified into thousands of distinct families.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2007

How long is a child a child?

A fossil juvenile from Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, dated to approximately 160,000 years ago, showed a modern human life history profile at almost 8 years of age. This finding suggests that prolonged childhood development may be linked to the origins of social and biological changes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2007