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Science News Archive October 2007 - Page 16


Page 16 of 21

Transcutaneous cervical esophageal ultrasound can not substitute for 24-h pH monitoring or manometry

The study found that transcutaneous cervical esophageal ultrasound (TCEUS) is not a substitute for 24-hour pH monitoring or manometry in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal motor disorders. TCEUS can aid in estimating GER and motility disorders, but it cannot replace these established diagnostic methods.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 9, 2007

Chronic job strain doubles the risk of a second heart attack

A new study from Université Laval found that people who experience chronic job strain after a first heart attack double their risk of suffering from a second one. Researchers discovered that high levels of work stress increase the probability of experiencing another CHD event, even after taking into account other health factors.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 9, 2007

New findings solve human origins mystery

A recent study published in PLoS ONE confirms that many early hominoid apes were upright bipedal walkers sharing the basic body form of modern humans. This groundbreaking research reveals a specific genetic change that generated the upright human body form and identifies four upright bipedal species that precede Australopithecus Lucy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 9, 2007

Nobel prize in physics for Helmholtz scientist

Peter Grünberg's discovery of Giant Magnetoresistance led to increased storage capacity in hard disks and the development of spintronics, a new research field exploiting quantum spin states. The award marks the Helmholtz Association as a leader in providing an excellent working environment for exceptional researchers.

Patients with pneumonia who received pneumococcal vaccine have lower rate of death, ICU admission

A study found that patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia who received the pneumococcal vaccine had a significantly lower risk of death and intensive care unit (ICU) admission compared to those who were not vaccinated. The vaccine was shown to reduce ICU admissions by less than 1%, resulting in potential cost savings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 8, 2007

Study shows impact of protests on stock prices

A new study by Sarah Soule and Brayden King found that protests related to labor or consumer issues provoke a more negative reaction from investors. Protests with greater levels of media coverage also have a stronger impact on stock prices, even if the actual size of the protest is small.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateOct 8, 2007

How do cannabinoids make us feel that way?

Researchers discovered specific neuronal subpopulations mediate distinct effects of THC, leading to potential therapeutic use for neuronal disorders. The study provides rationale for developing drugs that selectively activate CB1 in specific neuronal subpopulations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 8, 2007

Friends help friends avoid drug use

A USC study found that social network-tailored prevention curricula can significantly reduce substance use among teenagers, with a 15% decrease in high-risk teens. The program's success depends on how peer influence is channeled, with positive influences boosting participation and negative influences hindering it.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAddiction·DateOct 8, 2007

Plant viruses from past provide ecological clues

Historical viral RNA sequences found in native and invasive grasses provide insights into the complex picture of species interactions and implications for modern agriculture. The study suggests that ancient viruses may have contributed to the takeover of California's native grasslands by invasive annual plants.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateOct 8, 2007

'Green' leather is in this season

Researchers have modified the tanning process to make it more environmentally friendly, reducing chemical usage by 82% and energy consumption by nearly 40%. The new method does not compromise on leather quality, making it a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateOct 8, 2007

Folic acid lowers blood arsenic levels, according to Mailman School of Public Health study

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood arsenic levels by up to 14 percent. Folate deficiency is common in Bangladesh, where the study was conducted, and supplementation enhanced detoxification of arsenic.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 8, 2007

Gene may hold key to future cancer hope

Scientists have identified a key gene called Bub 1 that plays a critical role in normal cell division, and deactivating it has been shown to prevent cells from dividing successfully. The team hopes that targeting this gene may selectively kill cancer cells and develop new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 8, 2007