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Science News for February 21, 2008


Paving the way for green roads

The University of New Hampshire's Recycled Materials Resource Management Center is developing criteria for green roads, which could lead to sweeping reforms in the construction industry. The center's research focuses on reducing the environmental impacts of road-building, such as carbon footprint and stormwater runoff generation.

Jekyll-Hyde neutron star discovered by researchers

Researchers have discovered a neutron star that undergoes a dramatic transformation from a pulsar to a magnetar, providing insight into the evolutionary connection between these two types of ultradense objects. The discovery was made using data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer and Chandra X-ray Observatory satellites.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2008

Premature births linked to physical abuse

A large-scale study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found a strong link between physical abuse during pregnancy and premature births. Researchers surveyed 2660 Caucasian women and discovered that 24% of mothers of preterm newborns had experienced physical abuse, compared to 8% of those with term births.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 21, 2008

JCI table of contents: Feb. 21, 2008

A study found that genetic variations in the MBL2 protein are associated with more severe clinical symptoms of cystic fibrosis. In contrast, daily administration of growth hormone increased CD4+ T cell numbers in HIV-1 infected individuals, potentially treating conditions where CD4+ T cell function is impaired.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2008

Kidney donor age linked to aortic siffening

A new study has found that kidney donor age is associated with increased aortic stiffness in recipients, which may explain higher rates of cardiovascular disease and death. The study suggests that targeted interventions after kidney transplantation could improve long-term results by reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 21, 2008

National Lung Cancer partnership

The National Lung Cancer Partnership has partnered with three organizations to co-sponsor new lung cancer research grants, focusing on survivorship care and nursing-sensitive patient outcomes. This move aims to address the lack of research funding for lung cancer, a leading cancer killer in the US.

University of Denver bullying victimization study

A University of Denver study found that a bullying prevention program reduced self-reported bully victimization among students by 20%, compared to a 10% drop in the control group. The 'Youth Matters' curriculum taught social and emotional skills to help students avoid becoming bullies or victims.

SourceUniversity of Denver·JournalPrevention Science·DateFeb 21, 2008

Gladstone and UCSF scientists reactivate immune

Researchers at Gladstone and UCSF found that growth hormone therapy stimulates the production of vital T-cells, leading to increased thymic mass and improved immune function. The study suggests that this treatment could help HIV-infected patients rebuild their compromised immune systems.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2008

Researchers explore the antidepressant effects of ketamine

A new study finds that ketamine's antidepressant effects are mediated by its ability to increase AMPA receptor stimulation, suggesting drugs enhancing this function may have rapid antidepressant properties. Researchers now aim to develop AMPA-boosting drugs without ketamine's side effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 21, 2008

A regular dip could benefit fibromyalgia sufferers

A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that patients with fibromyalgia who participated in supervised training exercises in warm water experienced reduced symptoms and improved health-related quality of life. This cost-effective approach may offer a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateFeb 21, 2008

Poorer countries need more evidence to shape their policies to transform human resources for health

A recent Lancet study reveals that there is a lack of evidence to guide policies on human resources for health in middle- and low-income countries. The authors analyzed published literature from 1979 onwards and found that only a few studies included data from these countries, highlighting the need for more systematic reviews and resea...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 21, 2008