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Science News for May 16, 2007


Nutrition and heredity are genetically linked

Scientists discovered a genetic link between glycolysis and DNA replication in Bacillus subtilis, indicating that metabolic signals influence DNA synthesis and stability. This finding suggests a global regulatory function of central carbon metabolism in adjusting cellular functions to nutritional conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 16, 2007

There's much more to a walk in the park

Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that parks with high biodiversity levels have a greater impact on people's general well-being. The study suggests that successful urban green space management should prioritize biological complexity to enhance human wellbeing beyond just conservation.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 16, 2007

New study: Pycnogenol reduces heart failure

A new study shows Pycnogenol supplementation can prevent damage to the heart caused by high blood pressure and hypertension. The natural pine bark extract enhanced collagen connective tissues in cardiac tissue, resulting in stronger cardiac chambers.

SourceMWW Group·JournalCardiovascular Toxicology·DateMay 16, 2007

AGU Journal Highlights -- May 16, 2007

The Three Gorges Dam in China is shrinking the Yangtze delta due to sediment retention. Meanwhile, a new model suggests that massive methane releases from Arctic permafrost are unlikely in this century. Satellite data also reveals complex flood wave patterns in the Amazon River, which can improve hazard identification. Additionally, hi...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 16, 2007

Permanent ice fields are resisting global warming

Researchers found that high-altitude ice fields, like Mont Blanc and Dôme du Goûter, have remained stable in mass balance over the last 100 years. The accumulation of snow and ice has varied little since the beginning of the 20th century, indicating a lack of significant melting due to climate change.

SourceCNRS·DateMay 16, 2007

How will responders respond?

Healthcare workers' perceptions of their role in disaster response and safety concerns significantly impact their willingness to report to work. Hospital crisis planners must address these factors to ensure adequate staffing during disasters.

Africa's doctors' access assessed

Despite challenges such as password issues and internet outages, African postgraduate doctors are making regular use of online medical literature. Textbooks remain a central source of information for many, but 66% have used the Internet for health information in the last week.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateMay 16, 2007

Fingerprint instead of blood sample

Researchers have successfully used specific antibodies to differentiate between fingerprints of smokers and nonsmokers, detecting cotinine metabolite in sweat. This technique could be used for forensic applications, doping detection, medical diagnostics, and drug screening without taking blood samples.

SourceWiley·DateMay 16, 2007

Award-winning staffer honored by peers

Laura Wade, associate director at the Texas Center for Superconductivity, has received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of University Research Administrators. Her colleagues praised her commitment to the profession, citing her tireless efforts in grant proposals and educational workshops.

Exposure to mercury preservatives before birth is no higher in children with autism

A recent study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics found no association between Rh immune globulin preserved with thimerosal and an increased risk of autism. Researchers investigated the exposure to thimerosal during pregnancies resulting in children diagnosed with autism and found no correlation.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateMay 16, 2007

Decoding protein structures helps illuminate cause of diabetes

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a powerful analytical tool capable of measuring molecular structures quickly and accurately, capturing intermediate steps of protein folding and revealing clues to type II diabetes. The technique uses two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy and has potential applications in...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2007

Violent sleep disorder linked to a form of dementia

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a correlation between violent rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and eventual onset of parkinsonism or dementia. Patients with the disorder may be exhibiting early signs of an evolving neurodegenerative disease caused by abnormal synuclein protein clumps.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalBrain·DateMay 16, 2007

Hives ferment a yeasty brew, attract beetle pest

Researchers found that small hive beetles can detect some alarm pheromones at levels below those detected by honeybees. The beetles associate the alarm chemicals with a good food source and head for the hive. Domesticated European honeybees are not as diligent in cleaning their hives, making them more susceptible to infestation.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2007

Better health twice as likely for nonsmokers who live and work with smoking restrictions

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that household smoking restrictions are more strongly associated with better health status than workplace restrictions. Nonsmokers living in households and workplaces with comprehensive smoking bans report improved health, while those without such protections do not.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 16, 2007

Exposure to mercury preservatives before birth is no higher in children with autism

A recent study published in American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A found no causal link between Rh immune globulin (preserved with thimerosal) exposure before birth and the development of autism. The study included over 200 mothers of children diagnosed with autism, revealing that Rh negative status and pregnancies with thimerosal...

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateMay 16, 2007