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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 29


Page 29 of 240

Anti-same-sex marriage amendments spark distress among GLBT adults and families, says new research

Research by the American Psychological Association found that living in a state with anti-GLBT legislation leads to increased minority stress and psychological distress among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. Social support from communities and allies played a crucial role in mitigating these effects.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateNov 18, 2008

The psychology of deja vu

Researchers found that déjà vu experiences are associated with a sense of familiarity, even when the source is unknown. The study suggests that specific aspects of current situations can trigger feelings of familiarity, leading to Déjà vu experiences.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateNov 18, 2008

Are ants that specialize better at their job?

A new study by Anna Dornhaus found that individual rock ants specializing on one task are no more efficient than those performing multiple tasks. Despite concentrating their work on a specific job, specialized ants do not perform better or faster, but instead spend more hours working.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2008

Effective global regulation

A study by Professor Demetriades and colleagues suggests that government-owned banks are a safe haven for depositors when regulatory institutions are perceived as weak. The research challenges the 'political view' of state banks, arguing that privatisation can lead to financial instability and dis-intermediation.

What cures you may also ail you: Antibiotics, your gut and you

A new study finds that antibiotics like ciprofloxacin significantly affect the diversity and abundance of health-associated bacteria in the human gut. The study reveals that even after treatment is stopped, some strains of beneficial bacteria may take up to four weeks or longer to return to pre-treatment levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2008

World's earliest nuclear family found

Researchers found evidence of a mother, father, and two sons aged 8-9 and 4-5 years buried face-to-face with arms interlinked. The graves also showed signs of violent raids and injuries, indicating a tragic event in prehistoric Central Europe.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2008

Cancer in Canada

Mortality rates for most Canadian cancers are declining, while others are increasing, including liver and lung cancer. Research shows that at least half of all cancers are preventable, emphasizing the need for effective cancer control measures.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 17, 2008

Gaps in adhesion

Scientists have reproduced the protein responsible for mussel adhesion in a synthetic material, showing that adhesion is independent of link number. The findings could lead to manufacturing polymers with binding sites for different materials.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 17, 2008

'Orphan' genes play an important role in evolution

A team of scientists discovered that novel genes are responsible for morphological differences between two closely related species of freshwater polyps called Hydra. The study found that a secreted protein encoded by one such gene controls the pattern in which the tentacles develop, leading to species-specific traits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2008

Acinetobacter baumannii -- dangerously increasing its profile as a health-care-associated infection

The Lancet Infectious Diseases review highlights the growing concern of Acinetobacter baumannii infections, which can be caused by environmental exposure, skin colonization, or hospital-acquired conditions. Researchers emphasize the need for strict hygiene compliance and further research on antibiotic treatment options to prevent major...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 17, 2008

'Let the sunshine in' to protect your heart this winter

A new review article in Circulation highlights the link between vitamin D deficiency and heart disease, with rates of severe disease or death potentially 30-50% higher among sun-deprived individuals. Treatment options such as vitamin D supplements may help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateNov 17, 2008