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Science News for May 14, 2007


The 'driving' force behind electric vehicles

A comparative study of US and French policies on electric vehicles reveals the impact of cultural differences on technological innovation. The study shows that despite similar goals, different approaches led to varying outcomes, with the US adopting hybrid cars as an alternative solution.

SourceSpringer·JournalPolicy Sciences·DateMay 14, 2007

Rx for heart failure: patient-centered care from a pharmacist

A study of 314 low-income Indiana residents with heart failure found that pharmacist-led patient-centered care resulted in patients taking their medications 16% more consistently. This approach also reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations by 19%, saving the healthcare system $14 in costs for every dollar spent.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 14, 2007

Older patients with major depression live longer with appropriate treatment, Penn study shows

A Penn study found that older adults with major depression who receive coordinated care with primary physicians and depression care managers have a 45% lower risk of dying within five years compared to those receiving standard care. The study suggests that engaging primary care practices in mental health services is crucial for improvi...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 14, 2007

Spreading viruses as we breathe

A study by Queensland University of Technology found that droplets carrying viruses can travel large distances in the air, posing a risk to people breathing nearby. The research dispels the myth that viruses only travel a short distance from a person, suggesting that one infected individual can spread the virus simply by exhaling.

Marine reserves could save coral reefs

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that marine reserves can double the number of young corals, leading to a healthier reef ecosystem. The Bahamas' Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was used as a testing ground for this innovative approach.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2007

Log-on to shape-up

A study by The Miriam Hospital found that web-based intervention programs for inactive adults were just as effective as traditional programs in increasing physical activity. Participants reported approximately 120 minutes of physical activity per week, with a 5.2% improvement in fitness over six months.

SourceLifespan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMay 14, 2007

Female-led infanticide in wild chimpanzees

Researchers report instances of three female-led infanticidal attacks in wild chimpanzee community, challenging the notion that infanticide is a male-dominated behavior. The findings suggest that deadly aggression may be part of the female behavior repertoire, possibly driven by demographic shifts and increased competition for resources.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 14, 2007

Cluster makes a shocking discovery

Scientists observed large fluctuations in magnetic and electric field readings around each spacecraft, revealing variations in solar wind protons reflected by the shock. This discovery provides valuable insights into bow shocks around distant celestial objects, which can accelerate particles to extreme energies.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 14, 2007

'Might have been' key in evaluating behavior

Researchers discovered a key role for fictive learning in evaluating behavior, influencing decisions and potential addiction. The study used investment games and fMRI to measure brain responses to 'what could have been' outcomes, revealing a distinct signal in the ventral caudate nucleus.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2007

Psychosocial support for cancer survivors needs strengthening

A new study found that cancer survivors are more likely to attend support groups compared to people with other chronic conditions. However, few survivors receive referrals to such programs from their physicians. The study also revealed that predictors of use include female gender, Caucasian race, and symptoms of depression or anxiety.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 14, 2007

Brain, size and gender surprises in latest fossil tying humans, apes and monkeys

A recently discovered fossil skull of Aegyptopithecus zeuxis, an ancient primate relative of humans, apes, and monkeys, contradicts previous assumptions about its brain size. The study suggests that the species' brain was smaller than expected, with a visual cortex indicating sharp vision, and may have had a large social group.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2007

Unfair treatment boosts heart attack risk

A study of over 8,000 British government workers found that unfair treatment increased the risk of a heart attack or angina, with those in the highest category being 55% more likely to have serious heart disease. Women and lower-income individuals were also disproportionately affected.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMay 14, 2007

Testosterone may help men with multiple sclerosis

A small pilot study suggests that testosterone treatment is safe and well-tolerated and may reduce symptoms, slow brain degeneration, and increase muscle mass in men with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Testosterone treatment showed a possible neuroprotective effect on the brain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateMay 14, 2007

Mammography rates declining in the United States

A new study reveals that mammography rates have declined significantly in the US between 2000 and 2005, with a notable decrease among women aged 50-64 and higher socioeconomic levels. The decline in screening rates coincides with a reduction in reported breast cancer incidence, raising concerns about potential impact on mortality rates.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 14, 2007