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Science News Archive July 2008 - Page 7


Page 7 of 20

End of life physician-patient communication

A study found that physician-patient communication training using the Four Habits Model can have a positive impact on the delivery of end-of-life care. The training increased professional satisfaction among physicians and enhanced their ability to express condolences, advance care planning discussions, and manage family emotions.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Psychosocial Oncology·DateJul 22, 2008

Commercial bees spreading disease to wild pollinating bees

New research reveals that commercial bees are infecting and spreading diseases to wild pollinators, contributing to declining pollinator populations. The study found that commercially produced bumble bees carry a harmful pathogen that can be transmitted to wild bees at flowers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2008

Biology enters 'The Matrix' through new computer language

Researchers have developed a computational language called Little b that can assemble complex models of proteins and their interactions with DNA. By incorporating principles of engineering, the program allows for modularity and abstraction, enabling scientists to build upon existing models and refine them in new ways.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 22, 2008

Measuring the stress of forested areas

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country study plants' defence mechanisms to predict photo-oxidative stress. They discover antioxidants like vitamin E and carotenoids, which help protect plants from excessive light, and identify new cycles like the lutein epoxide cycle.

Parasitic worm infections increase susceptibility to AIDS viruses

A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that parasitic worm infections can increase the risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS. The study showed that rhesus macaques with acute schistosomiasis were more susceptible to an HIV-like virus, with higher peak viral loads and memory cell concentrations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 22, 2008

No need for gene screens in breast cancer families

A recent study published in BMC Cancer reveals that a family history of breast cancer does not significantly increase the likelihood of developing the disease at an early age. The research suggests that applying strict screening criteria can help reduce unnecessary testing and alleviate psychological harm.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cancer·DateJul 22, 2008

Cancer drug delivery research at Case Western Reserve University cuts time from days to hours

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a technique that can deliver cancer-fighting drugs to diseased areas within hours, reducing the current delivery time from two days. The system uses gold nanoparticle vectors to deliver photodynamic therapy (PDT) drugs through the bloodstream.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 22, 2008

Malaria control goals are likely to be unachievable

Research finds that international malaria financing is insufficient to achieve the goal of halving the global burden of malaria by 2015. Funding commitments are largely tied to stable P. falciparum risk, leaving countries with high but low-risk populations poorly supported.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 21, 2008

Mangroves key to saving lives

Low-budget, locally led mangrove replanting projects are more successful than high-cost government-led projects, achieving survival rates of up to 97%. Planting the correct species in suitable sites and community involvement are key to ecological benefits.

SourceSpringer·JournalWetlands Ecology and Management·DateJul 21, 2008

Study examines motivations for tattoo removal

A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that women are more likely to remove their tattoos due to social stigma and embarrassment, with 69% of participants being women. The study also revealed that societal support for women with tattoos is limited, leading to increased dissatisfaction with their tattoos over time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJul 21, 2008

Nanotechnology: Learning from past mistakes

The study applies the 12 'late lessons from early warnings' to nanotechnology, concluding that industry and government are repeating past mistakes. The authors call for improved risk research strategies, stakeholder engagement, and a more holistic approach to ensure the safe development of emerging nanotechnologies.

Predicting acute GVHD by gene expression could improve liver stem cell transplant outcomes

Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a molecular signature based on gene expression that can predict the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients receiving liver stem cell transplants. This could lead to better biomarkers for determining patient risk and improving treatment outcomes.

Study outlines measures to limit effects of pandemic flu on nursing homes

Researchers developed mathematical models to determine effective non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) for protecting vulnerable populations in nursing homes. The study found that conventional NPIs can curb mild outbreaks, but higher-level restrictions are needed for severe ones. Staff plays a critical role in controlling disease spr...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2008

Teaching in a disruptive classroom

A college biology teacher found that by addressing student misbehavior directly, he was able to improve classroom attention and engagement. The study suggests that simply being direct with students can resolve problems and encourage cooperation.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateJul 21, 2008

Study: Common wisdom about troubled youth falls apart when race considered

A new study published in Journal of Marital and Family Therapy found that African-American youth exhibit similar levels of externalizing and internalizing behavior once family dysfunction is accounted for. The research suggests that family issues affect children in African-American families differently than they do in white families.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateJul 21, 2008