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Science News for April 3, 2008


High-flying moths don't just go with the flow

Scientists have found that migratory moths use various strategies to control their flight direction and speed, including selecting favorable wind directions and compensating for wind drift. These findings provide the first conclusive evidence for a compass mechanism in nocturnal insect migration.

Continuous oral contraceptives better at easing pain, bleeding

Researchers found that continuous oral contraceptives significantly improved pain and behavioral changes in women compared to standard 28-day birth control pills. The study also showed a significant decrease in moderate to heavy bleeding days among women who received the continuous birth control regimen.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2008

Traders who sell short stocks are well-informed

Researchers found that short selling activity is widespread across large and small NYSE stocks, accounting for at least 12.9% of trading volume. Short sellers can identify overvalued stocks and profit by anticipating price declines, indicating they are extremely well-informed.

SourceWiley·DateApr 3, 2008

Active living in diverse and disadvantaged communities

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Active Living Research Program highlights the need for tailored interventions to address disparities in physical activity participation among underserved communities. The special issue identifies safety concerns related to crime as a key barrier to active living, while also pointing towards policy a...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 3, 2008

A place in the sun

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a key enzyme involved in auxin synthesis, which allows plants to stretch towards sunlight. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields by manipulating the plant's response to shade avoidance syndrome.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateApr 3, 2008

Proximity to a flood zone lowers property values

A recent study found that properties located within a floodplain have significantly lower sales prices compared to those outside the flood zone. The estimated price reduction is 7.3% on average, with a total loss of $11,600.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Risk & Insurance·DateApr 3, 2008

Climate change -- research suggests it is not a swindle

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters finds no correlation between cosmic rays and cloud cover, contradicting a 2007 TV program that suggested global warming is caused by a decrease in cosmic rays. The researchers from Lancaster and Durham Universities analyzed data and found no reliable connection between the two.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 3, 2008

Mitosis gets harder thanks to new gene discovery

Researchers at the University of Bath discovered that RASSF7 is crucial for building microtubules during mitosis, a process that allows cells to divide in two. Without this protein, cell division is halted, highlighting its potential as a future cancer treatment target.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateApr 3, 2008

Cultural biases may influence parenting studies, scientist finds

Researchers conducted a study on Chinese and American parenting behaviors to understand cultural differences. They found that cultural biases can affect the analysis of behaviors, leading to inaccurate conclusions about parenting styles across cultures. The authors recommend using a combination of researchers from both cultures to mini...

Food for thought

A meta-analysis of over 50 studies found that bird feeding can lead to immediate positive outcomes, such as increased chick survival, but also creates ecological traps and disrupts natural selection. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive research on the impact of bird feeding on ecosystems.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateApr 3, 2008

Are animals stuck in time?

A recent study by William Roberts and his team found that rats can keep track of how much time has passed since a discovery, but not when it occurred. The researchers used an experiment with varying cues to test the rats' ability to remember episodic-like memories.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2008

Stem cell breakthrough offers diabetes hope

Scientists have discovered a way to genetically manipulate embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic tissue, potentially treating type-1 and type-2 diabetes. The team found that the transcription factor PAX4 encouraged high numbers of stem cells to become beta cells with insulin-producing capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2008

LSU spotlights strong African American marriages

Research by Louisiana State University sheds light on positive, long-lasting African American marriages, challenging the 'deficit perspective' that emphasizes problems. The study reveals four key themes: overcoming external challenges, resolving intramarital conflict, and maintaining unity through shared values.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalFamily Relations·DateApr 3, 2008

Pregnant mothers' diet linked to baby's obesity

Research published in Lipids in Health and Disease found that pregnant and lactating rats fed a diet rich in hydrogenated fats had babies with increased fat content. The study also showed that the gene expression of adipokines was affected, leading to changes in insulin production.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalLipids in Health and Disease·DateApr 3, 2008

Researchers uncover new genetic links to psoriasis

A comprehensive study of the genetic basis of psoriasis has discovered seven new sites of common DNA variation that increase the risk of this skin condition. The variations were found to be strongly linked to psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune disorders, paving the way for more targeted therapies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 3, 2008

Keep on running

Research published in Dynamic Medicine found that low levels of physical activity and aerobic fitness in children are associated with metabolic syndrome, a precursor to heart disease. The study suggests that efforts to increase exercise from an early age can help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalDynamic Medicine·DateApr 3, 2008

Possible link found between earthquakes along the Cascadia and San Andreas faults

Researchers have found a potential link between seismic activity on the southern Cascadia Subduction fault and major earthquakes along the northern San Andreas Fault. The study suggests that Cascadia earthquakes may trigger San Andreas earthquakes, with an average recurrence rate of approximately 220 years for both faults.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 3, 2008

Pioneer of paramedic model to be honored

Dr. Criley developed the paramedic model in 1969, training firefighters to provide emergency care to heart attack victims. The program was later adopted nationwide, thanks in part to a TV show about it, and continues to save lives today.

Male partner violence severely affects women's health

A recent WHO multi-country study found that ever experiencing physical or sexual partner violence is linked to poor health overall and specific health problems. Women who experienced partner violence reported more emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or attempts than those who never experienced abuse.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 3, 2008