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Science News for July 24, 2008


HIV/AIDS in Latin America and the Caribbean

The HIV/AIDS epidemic affects nearly 2 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean, with most transmission through unprotected sex. The region faces unique challenges due to socio-economic disparities, homophobia, and lack of access to healthcare and education.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 24, 2008

Study shows emergency physicians have good first instincts in diagnosing heart attacks

A new study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal found that emergency room doctors correctly identify patients with heart attack symptoms even when laboratory tests have not yet confirmed it. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 patients and showed that physicians are relying on their clinical impression to diagnose heart att...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateJul 24, 2008

Accretion discs show their true colors

A new study using VLT observations verifies the long-standing prediction that accretion discs emit intensely blue radiation. The researchers used polarised light from six quasars to uncover the buried light from the discs, vindicating the standard picture of these discs.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2008

Cow power could generate electricity for millions

Converting livestock manure into biogas can produce enough electricity to meet up to 3% of North America's energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The process has the potential to generate 100 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, equivalent to powering millions of homes.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 24, 2008

Older people may need less sleep, study finds

Research suggests that older adults require less sleep than younger individuals, with a decline in both the quality and quantity of sleep. This finding has implications for the treatment of insomnia in older adults, who may overestimate their need for sleep and use medications unnecessarily.

Early cessation of breastfeeding by HIV+ women in poor countries and child survival

Researchers found that early cessation or continued breastfeeding by HIV-infected women in low-resource settings does not significantly affect child survival. Infants who were weaned abruptly had higher death rates than those whose mothers continued breast-feeding, while formula-fed infants missed out on protective antibodies.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 24, 2008

Gummy bears that fight plaque

A new study shows that giving children four xylitol gummy bears three times a day reduces harmful bacteria in their plaque after six weeks. The findings suggest that a clinical trial to develop a gummy-based caries prevention program is feasible.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Oral Health·DateJul 24, 2008

JCI table of contents: July 24, 2008

Researchers have found that cigarette smoke significantly worsens the consequences of viral infections in mice, leading to increased immune responses and airway damage. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the negative impact of cigarette smoke on lung health and may have implications for human disease preven...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 24, 2008

Material may help autos turn heat into electricity

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new thermoelectric material that can convert waste heat from engine exhaust into electricity, with twice the efficiency of current market materials. The material is effective between 450-950 degrees Fahrenheit and has potential applications in power generators and heat pumps.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateJul 24, 2008