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Science News Archive May 2007 - Page 2


Page 2 of 20

Mule deer moms rescue other fawns

A study by the University of Alberta found that mule deer mothers respond to distress calls from both their own and other species' fawns, often putting themselves at risk. This behavior defies traditional explanations for parental care and suggests a more primal instinct for survival.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMay 30, 2007

Evolution of animal personalities

Researchers propose that animal personalities evolve due to trade-offs between current and future reproduction, with cautious individuals investing more in future opportunities. This leads to populations with consistently risk-averse or risk-prone personality traits.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2007

Better insight into brain anatomical structures

Researchers have developed a new, biocompatible MRI contrast agent using manganese oxide nanoparticles that produces clear images of mouse brains. The agent allows for high-contrast views of brain anatomy and has potential applications in diagnosing brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceWiley·DateMay 30, 2007

Moths mimic sounds to survive

Researchers discovered that tiger moths use ultrasonic clicks to warn bats of their bad taste, allowing them to survive in a predator-rich environment. The study provides the first definitive evidence of acoustic mimicry as a defensive strategy.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2007

The general public lacks basic medical knowledge

A study found that only 32% of adults possess minimal medical knowledge of serious health conditions, despite higher education or personal experience not providing significant improvement. This lack of awareness poses a risk to early detection and treatment outcomes, as well as public health costs and behavior.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMay 30, 2007

Galaxy cluster takes it to the extreme

Astronomers discover a bright arc of extremely hot gas in a massive galaxy cluster, suggesting an exceptionally dramatic event, such as a collision between two clusters. The temperature and mass of the cluster make it a giant among giants, with a quadrillion suns' worth of mass bound by its hot gas.

Talking sex on the factory floor in China

Young women in urban China want more information on contraception but need private and anonymous access due to judgmental attitudes. A pilot workplace intervention showed promising results with popular information leaflets, but low uptake of free family planning services.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateMay 30, 2007

Arithmetic is child's play

Researchers found that children can solve large number problems without mastering place value or addition facts, using their natural sense of number to perform approximations. This talent can be built upon in the classroom to enhance interest and understanding in elementary mathematics.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2007

Extra-aggressive form of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis identified

A subset of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been found to have a short duration of symptoms before diagnosis and an accelerated clinical course to end-stage disease. This 'rapid progressor' group is characterized by distinct gene expression patterns, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 29, 2007

Help for pediatricians in treating behavioral health problems only partially successful

A follow-up study found that pediatricians' behavioral health treatment methods showed only partial success, despite receiving structured interventions, FDA warnings, and mental health reforms. The interventions, including newsletters and resource guides, aimed to increase education on anxiety and depression recognition, collaboration ...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMay 29, 2007

Researchers create new nanotechnology field

A University of Alberta research team has created a novel way to control the quantum state of an electron's spin using plasmonics principles in spintronics technology. This new technology, called spinplasmonics, may lead to revolutionary advances in computer electronics and other areas.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 29, 2007

Access to alcohol among middle school children

A study of over 3,700 middle school students found that most obtain alcohol from their parents' homes, with one-third of users getting it from family members. The research highlights the importance of parental involvement in preventing underage drinking.

SourceElsevier·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMay 29, 2007

A new zest for life

Research shows that treating subclinical hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone improves symptoms, cholesterol levels, and reduces heart disease risk. Patients experience increased energy, weight loss, and improved quality of life.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 29, 2007

New study suggests potential for a broadly-protective HIV vaccine

Researchers at USU have developed a new HIV vaccine that induces broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies, capable of neutralizing all 48 tested strains. The study provides encouraging results for vaccine development, showing the feasibility of eliciting cross-reactive antibodies against multiple viral strains.

SourceHenry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2007

Decapitation and rebirth

A newly excavated headless skeleton from Nasca, Peru provides important new data on ancient decapitation practices. The analysis suggests that decapitation was part of powerful rituals aimed at ensuring fertility and the continuation of life and rebirth of the community.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 29, 2007

Innovative device to treat brain cancer shows promise in early studies

The Novo-TTF device has been shown to disrupt tumor growth by interfering with cell division of cancerous cells, causing them to stop proliferating and die off. In a pilot trial, 10 patients with recurring GBM experienced improved survival rates, with median overall survival doubling compared to historical data.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2007