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Science News for August 22, 2008


UC Davis researchers define characteristics, treatment options for XXYY syndrome

The study provides an accurate picture of XXYY syndrome, identifying unique medical and psychological characteristics, including cardiac abnormalities, dental problems, and learning disabilities. Treatment recommendations focus on targeted therapies for behaviors, emotional problems, and community services to support independent living.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateAug 22, 2008

Stellar still births

Researchers at the University of Bonn discover brown dwarfs must be treated as a separate class due to their unique mass distribution and 'mating behaviour'. This reclassification challenges current understanding of stellar formation and population dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 22, 2008

Charities take note: Personal relationships increase donations

A study by Deborah A. Small and Uri Simonsohn found that people become more sympathetic towards victims suffering from the same misfortune as a close relationship, leading to increased donations to charities supporting those causes. The researchers recreated this phenomenon in an experiment where participants formed new friendships and...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008

Asthma monitoring on the Web

Researchers at Texas Instruments have developed a low-cost, portable spirometer using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology. The device can measure airflow and volume in a patient's lungs and is ideal for remote monitoring by healthcare workers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateAug 22, 2008

Part of the in-group? A surprising new strategy helps reduce unhealthy behaviors

Researchers found that associating binge drinking with graduate students reduced junk food consumption by 28%. Linking unhealthy behaviors to an 'outgroup' can be a successful strategy for improving consumer health. By shifting perceptions of identity associated with risky behaviors, better health outcomes can be achieved.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 22, 2008

Seeing through tooth decay

Researchers in India developed an X-ray image analysis technique that detects the early stages of tooth decay by analyzing X-ray wavelengths. This method could help save affected teeth and prevent tooth loss.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateAug 22, 2008

Women exposed to negative life events at greater risk of breast cancer: BGU study

A recent study published in BMC Cancer found that women who experienced multiple negative life events are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The research, conducted by Professor Ronit Peled and her team, suggests that a general feeling of happiness and optimism can play a protective role against the disease.