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Science News for August 6, 2008


When it comes to abstinence teens, adults aren't speaking the same language

A new University of Washington study reveals that abstinence-only programs do not effectively prevent teenage sexual activity because they fail to speak the same language as adolescents. The research found that attitudes and intentions about sex were more powerful than those about abstinence, leading to increased instances of teen sex.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPerspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health·DateAug 6, 2008

Quantum chaos unveiled?

A University of Utah study demonstrates fundamental new property – chaotic behavior in a quantum system – in frozen xenon nuclei, challenging conventional understanding. The findings provide new insights into the relationship between chaos theory and quantum mechanics.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 6, 2008

Study finds connections between genetics, brain activity and preference

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital linked genetics to brain reward circuitry and preference, revealing a connection between gene variants and brain activity. The study used brain imaging, genetics, and experimental psychology techniques to identify a correlation between the CREB1 gene variant and brain structure activity.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 6, 2008

AGU journal highlights -- August 6, 2008

Researchers study drought patterns in northwestern Africa, finding a recent drought is consistent with climate model projections. Hail precipitation in China decreases by nearly half since the 1980s, likely due to rising freezing levels. New data reveals variable wind speeds on Venus, including strong vertical shear at low latitudes.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 6, 2008

Jeers of peers may affect adolescent adjustment

Research suggests that obese adolescents who experience peer victimization are more likely to struggle with depression and negative feelings about their physical appearance. Non-obese adolescents who face peer victimization also report decreased self-esteem and increased negative body image over time.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateAug 6, 2008

Jupiter and Saturn full of liquid metal helium

Researchers at UC Berkeley and University College London discovered that metallic helium is produced under extreme conditions found at the centers of Jupiter and Saturn, mixing with metal hydrogen to form a liquid metal alloy. This finding challenges previous theories about the energy source powering these planets.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2008

The Schiavo case

A study analyzing media coverage of the Schiavo case found that most articles contained medical inaccuracies and false hopes about her recovery. The researchers emphasize the importance of accurate information in end-of-life decision-making, which was challenged by relatives and public opinion during this high-profile controversy.

New step forward in search for solution to infection puzzle

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how Staphylococcus aureus bacteria bind to human proteins fibronectin, shedding light on serious heart infections. The study could lead to the development of new treatments for rare but life-threatening conditions like infective endocarditis.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2008