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Science News for December 8, 2008


Breaking the silence after a study ends

Clinical trials involve millions of individuals, yet there's no formal requirement to inform them of study results, leaving participants confused. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center proposed a novel approach to disseminate study results, which showed high levels of satisfaction among participants.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateDec 8, 2008

Men are red, women are green, Brown researcher finds

A Brown University researcher has discovered that men tend to have more reddish skin and greenish skin is more common for women. The finding has important implications in cognitive science research and potential industry applications in facial recognition technology and advertising.

SourceBrown University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 8, 2008

News from the Journal of Clinical Oncology

A long-term study found that high insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) levels reduced overall death risk by over 50%, while high C-peptide levels doubled the risk of death. Lifestyle factors like obesity and physical inactivity are associated with high insulin levels, which can fuel colon cancer growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 8, 2008

Harm-reduction cigarettes are more toxic than traditional cigarettes, UC Riverside study finds

A UC Riverside study reveals that harm-reduction cigarette smoke retains toxicity and can adversely affect reproductive development in mice and may pose risks to human pregnancies. The research found that both mainstream and sidestream smoke from traditional and harm-reduction brands are toxic to pre-implantation embryos.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateDec 8, 2008

Properties of unusual virus revealed in research

A team of researchers has discovered how the N4 phage injects its own RNA polymerase into E. coli bacterial cells, enabling it to create new proteins without host help. The unique property allows for potential therapeutic applications in killing E. coli bacteria.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 8, 2008

Cellular stress causes fatty liver disease in mice

A University of Iowa researcher and colleagues have discovered a direct link between cellular stress and fatty liver disease in mice. The study found that disrupted protein folding causes abnormal fat metabolism in the liver, which may lead to serious conditions like diabetes and cirrhosis.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 8, 2008

CT scans reveal that dinosaurs were airheads

Dinosaurs had more air cavities in their heads than expected, which may have helped lighten the load of their heads and enabled them to move their heads quickly. These sinus cavities also played a biomechanical role by making bones hollow, similar to hollow beams used in construction.

SourceOhio University·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateDec 8, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 8, 2008

Researchers have developed a mouse model of neonatal diabetes that replicates human disease, providing new insight into the condition. Additionally, studies have identified a link between endothelial dysfunction and altered metabolic responses, particularly in relation to high-fat diets and glucose regulation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 8, 2008

Rice University study finds possible clues to epilepsy, autism

Researchers at Rice University have identified a potential connection between glutamate and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in the development of neurological disorders. A mutation in a glutamate receptor gene found in both fruit flies and humans can disrupt regulatory mechanisms, leading to increased neuronal excitability.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 8, 2008

New results on world's most clinically advanced malaria vaccine candidate to be reported in NEJM

The PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative has reported promising results from two studies on the efficacy of RTS,S/AS malaria vaccine candidate. The first study showed the vaccine's efficacy when co-administered with other childhood vaccines, while the second study demonstrated its effectiveness in children aged 5 to 17 months.

SourcePATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 8, 2008

Educational Researcher devoted to report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel

The National Mathematics Advisory Panel's final report was subject to scrutiny in a special issue of Educational Researcher, with experts discussing the report's limitations and potential solutions. Researchers highlighted concerns over quantitative focus, lack of clear framing, and failure to address achievement disparities.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateDec 8, 2008

Modeling neonatal diabetes

Scientists at Oxford University created a mouse model of neonatal diabetes that mimics the human condition, showing the V59M mutant Kir6.2 protein disrupts insulin production and leads to increased blood glucose levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 8, 2008

Black and white is not always a clear distinction

A new study by University of Oregon sociologists found that Americans who are unemployed, incarcerated, or impoverished are more likely to be classified as black, regardless of their past self-identification. The research suggests that race is closely tied to social status and can be altered by changes in economic position.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2008

Are men hardwired to overspend?

A University of Michigan researcher found that men who overspend on consumer goods have higher mating intentions and past success in attracting mates. The study suggests an evolutionary link between financial consumption and mating behavior, with men competing for status and resources to attract partners.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateDec 8, 2008

Viewing US politics through the lens of race

A recent mini-symposium in Political Research Quarterly explores the critical role of race in shaping US political history. The studies reveal how and why racial factors have influenced major developments, including debates over slavery and internal improvements.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateDec 8, 2008

Search engine marketing for non-profits

A study published in the International Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising suggests that non-profits can exploit online marketing strategies to gain traffic and raise awareness. By focusing on relevant keywords and optimizing their websites, non-profits can improve their search engine rankings and increase donations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising·DateDec 8, 2008