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Science News Archive August 2008 - Page 3


Page 3 of 17

Common treatment to delay labor decreases pre-term infants' risk for cerebral palsy

Researchers found that mothers who received magnesium sulfate during preterm labor had a lower risk of cerebral palsy in their infants. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that magnesium sulfate may protect against cerebral palsy by stabilizing blood vessels and reducing inflammation.

Why is Greenland covered in ice?

Research suggests that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are the primary cause of Greenland's ice formation, contrary to competing theories. The study uses computer climate and ice-sheet models to show that a decline in CO2 levels led to the long-term growth of the Greenland ice sheet.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateAug 27, 2008

Pre-school age exercises can prevent dyslexia

Researchers at the Academy of Finland's Centre of Excellence in Learning and Motivation Research have found that pre-school age exercises can significantly reduce reading and writing difficulties in children. The study suggests that training should focus on phonetics, mathematics, and information technology to aid learning.

Genetic link to dry macular degeneration found

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that offers protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in adults over 50. The study identifies a functional link between toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and geographic atrophy, a type of dry AMD.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 27, 2008

Men defy stereotypes in defining masculinity

A large international study of over 27,000 men found that being seen as honorable and respected is more important to their idea of masculinity than physical attractiveness or sexual performance. Men value good health, family life, and relationships with their partner, regardless of age or nationality.

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateAug 26, 2008

Utah steps into the heavens

The University of Utah is joining the third Sloan Digital Sky Survey to map distant galaxies, understand galaxy evolution, and discover planets with suitable environments for life. The survey will also help scientists test theories about dark energy and explore the mysteries of the universe.

History of nonmelanoma skin cancer is associated with increased risk for subsequent malignancies

A study found that individuals with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer are at two-fold increased risk of developing subsequent cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. The association was strongest in younger participants, suggesting a possible inherited predisposition to cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 26, 2008

Study points to potential new use for Viagra

Researchers at Queen's University have found a new approach to regulating enzymes involved in blood clotting, potentially leading to novel treatments for heart attacks and strokes. The study targets the enzyme PDE5, which is also used in Viagra, and shows its selective inhibition could prevent platelet activation.

SourceQueen's University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2008

Stick with simple antibiotics for pneumonia to avoid super bugs, says researcher

A recent study by University of Melbourne researcher Dr. Patrick Charles found that only 5% of community-acquired pneumonia cases required broad-spectrum antibiotics, while most were caused by easy-to-treat bacteria or respiratory viruses. The study suggests that current Australian guidelines for prescribing antibiotics are appropriate...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 26, 2008

ABC-transporters expressed on endothelial cell membranes efflux anti-HIV drugs

Researchers discovered ABC-transporters expressed on vascular endothelial cells, which decrease the intracellular concentrations of anti-HIV drugs like saquinavir and zidovudine. Inhibiting these transporters with verapamil or MK-571 increases drug retention, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy to improve HAART efficacy.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateAug 26, 2008

Bone parts don't add up to conclusion of Palauan dwarfs

A team of researchers from the University of Oregon refutes claims of Hobbit-like little people living in Palau, citing evidence of normal-sized hunters and gatherers. The study analyzed skeletal remains and cultural data dating back to around 3,500 years ago, finding no evidence of insular dwarfism or reduced stature population.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2008

Medication slows progression of myopia in children

A study published in the Journal of AAPOS found that pirenzepine gel can slow the rate of progressive myopia in children, with an average increase of 0.58 diopters over two years compared to 0.99 diopters in the placebo group. The treatment was generally safe and effective, with only mild side effects reported.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateAug 26, 2008

Angiotensin inhibitors and receptor blockers linked to lower risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer

Researchers found a significant association between ACE inhibitor and ARB use and reduced incidence of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell cancers in U.S. veterans. The study revealed a 39% relative reduction in basal cell cancer and 33% relative reduction in squamous cell cancers among users compared to non-users.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 26, 2008

Java gives caffeine-naive a boost, too

Women who don't drink coffee can experience a significant caffeine boost, improving mental alertness and heart rate, according to new research. The study found that consuming a large cup of coffee had more than enough caffeine to induce these changes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNutrition Research·DateAug 26, 2008

Molecular cubes in the sunlight

Researchers have developed a manganese-containing complex that effectively catalyzes the photooxidation of water, a crucial half reaction in the photocatalytic splitting of water. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of a photoelectrochemical cell that produces pure hydrogen and oxygen from water and sunlight.

SourceWiley·DateAug 26, 2008

How do galaxies grow?

Astronomers study massive galaxies in clusters to understand their growth. The team observed four galaxy groups and found that three of them have a bright companion galaxy, indicating merging systems.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 26, 2008

Also in the Aug. 26 JNCI

A novel multi-arm trial design could test several therapies simultaneously, speeding up cancer drug development. A natural chemical called candidaspongiolide inhibits protein synthesis and kills cancer cells through an unusual biochemical pathway.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 26, 2008