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Science News Archive October 2007 - Page 19


Page 19 of 21

War more traumatic than tsunami

A study published in International Journal of Mental Health Systems highlights the long-term effects of war on mental health. The research suggests that grassroots community approaches are effective in coping with disasters and promoting collective well-being.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health Systems·DateOct 3, 2007

How do patients choose the best treatment for their disease?

Research in Medical Decision Making explores how patients select optimal treatments by weighing factors such as health outcomes, side effects, and cost. New approaches and best practices for assessing and conveying risk information are also discussed to improve decision-making processes.

SourceSAGE·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateOct 3, 2007

Brain's 'social enforcer' centers identified

The study found activation of specific areas in the prefrontal cortex when subjects knew they could face punishment for non-compliance. People with Machiavellian traits showed higher brain activity in these areas, suggesting a link to their selfish behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateOct 3, 2007

Patients over age 60 do well after liver transplantation

A study of over 400 patients found that those over 60 years old had similar 1-year and 5-year survival rates as younger patients, with fewer rejection episodes. The researchers attribute this to the older patients' softer immune systems, which may also increase their risk of infection and cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateOct 2, 2007

Tamiflu survives sewage treatment

A study found that Tamiflu is not removed or degraded during normal sewage treatment, leading to high levels of the drug in surrounding waters. This increases the risk of influenza viruses developing resistance to the medication, posing a threat to public health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2007

The 'MIP-MAP' game: Indian bug is the ancestor of Crohn's disease pathogen

Researchers found that Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) is the earliest ancestor of generalist mycobacterial pathogens, including Crohn's disease pathogen M. avium paratuberculosis (MAP). The study suggests that MIP and MAP descended from a common ancestor and infected marine organisms before arriving on soil through bird-droppings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2007

Major gender gap in use of life-saving heart device

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed Medicare records of over 236,000 patients between 1999 and 2005, finding that men were two to three times more likely than women to receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The study also revealed racial disparities in ICD use, with white men receiving the most devices.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 2, 2007

First significant genetic finding in severe PMS, or PMDD

A study has identified genetic variants associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. Women with specific variants in the estrogen receptor alpha gene were more likely to experience PMDD, suggesting hormonal factors play a key role in its development.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2007

New clinical guideline for low-back pain

The new guideline recommends clinicians rely on evidence-based therapies, limit X-rays, and consider non-pharmacologic options like exercise therapy, chiropractic care, and massage. The guidelines aim to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and improve patient outcomes for low-back pain treatment.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 2, 2007

On-screen smoking in movies linked to young adult smoking behavior

A new study by the University of California, San Francisco, found that exposure to on-screen smoking in movies is strongly correlated with beginning or becoming established smokers among young adults aged 18-25. The research team also identified positive expectations about smoking and exposure to friends and relatives who smoke as key ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 2, 2007

Titan's icy climate mimics Earth's tropics

Scientists at the University of Chicago have found that Titan's climate is analogous to Earth's tropics, with methane clouds and a tropical weather system. The moon's slow rotation rate and atmosphere produce an updraft that lifts evaporated methane into clouds, similar to Earth's ITCZ.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2007

Avoiding sweets may spell a longer life, study in worms suggests

A new study suggests that avoiding sweets may spell a longer life. Researchers found that worms lived up to 20% longer when unable to process glucose, increasing mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress. This finding raises questions about the effects of sugar on human lifespan and treatment for type 2 diabetes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 2, 2007