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Science News for November 12, 2007


Cost of AIDS drugs in Brazil, and more

A study found that Brazil's strategy of negotiating AIDS drug prices with multinational companies and producing generic drugs locally saved the country approximately $1 billion between 2001 and 2005. However, recent years have seen a significant rise in total AIDS drug costs, driven by increasing treatment numbers and longer life expec...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 2007

Proteins pack tighter in crowded native state

A new study from Rice University and the University of Houston found that proteins pack more tightly in their natural environment, with increased structural content and stability. The research suggests that protein structure is affected by crowding, even when proteins are in their folded state.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Health professionals responding to ethnic diversity

A study of British doctors and health professionals found they struggle with language barriers, cultural understanding, and uncertainty about how to care for patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. This uncertainty can lead to hesitancy and inertia in practice, contributing to inequalities in care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 2007

Human ancestors: more gatherers than hunters?

A recent study of chimpanzees in western Tanzania suggests that early humans may have dug potato-like foods with tools, challenging the long-held assumption that meat was more important for brain evolution. The research found that chimps only dig for roots during the rainy season, when other food sources are abundant.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Pursuing parenthood: Discourses of persistence

A new study investigates how culturally engrained systems of ideas influence persistent goal striving for parenthood. The researchers identify three major discourses: scientific rationalism, self-management, and fatalism, which shape people's appraisals of means, planning, and persistence in achieving parenthood. These discourses help ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 12, 2007

Using neural signals to predict sensory decisions

A study using high-speed videography and neural recordings reveals that cortical neurons' firing patterns can predict the texture identification decisions of rats. The findings shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying tactile sensory discrimination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2007

Emergency response

A new analysis highlights the need for federal and state support to enable local governments to work effectively with communities to prepare for and respond to all disasters. Local organizations often lack resources and training, making it essential for local government officials to take a proactive role in disaster preparedness.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Management·DateNov 12, 2007

Chimps dig up clues to human past?

A team of scientists reports that chimpanzees in Tanzania are using digging tools to gather underground foods, suggesting that this ability may have been present in early human ancestors. The study provides insights into the role of dietary shifts in hominid evolution and challenges current hypotheses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007

Clean, carbon-neutral hydrogen on the horizon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to convert cellulose and other biodegradable organic materials into hydrogen using microbial fuel cells. This process produces 288% more energy in hydrogen than the electrical energy added to it, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2007