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Science News for June 18, 2008


Walk your way to a healthier lifestyle

A new study shows that various interventions can motivate individuals to initiate walking behaviors, with certain strategies showing more promise than others. The review of studies found that frequency and duration of telephone prompts, as well as encouraging moderate-paced walking, were key factors in increasing walking behavior.

SourceLifespan·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJun 18, 2008

Study links vitamin D to colon cancer survival

A new study by scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients diagnosed with colon cancer who had abundant vitamin D in their blood were less likely to die during a follow-up period. The researchers identified 304 participants and followed them until death or 2005, whichever occurred first.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 18, 2008

Tuna populations at risk

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission's failure to adopt effective conservation measures is threatened by rising pressures from fishing fleets and nations demanding increased fleet sizes. Urgent action is needed to protect tuna stocks, including time and area closures and research into fish aggregating devices.

Trap and zap: Harnessing the power of light to pattern surfaces on the nanoscale

Researchers at Princeton University have invented a technique to pattern surfaces on the nanoscale using lasers and plastic beads. The method enables the creation of ultrasmall features, such as lines and dots, that are 1,000 times narrower than a human hair, with potential applications in biology, medicine, and computing.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 18, 2008

Kidney transplant patients may benefit from going off of certain immunosuppressive drugs

Withdrawing calcineurin inhibitors after kidney transplantation can prolong survival, improve kidney function, and save money compared to lifelong medication use. The study found that treatment with sirolimus plus steroids may be more efficacious and less costly than regimens using calcineurin inhibitors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 18, 2008

When the spirit moves into the hospital

A new study from Brandeis University found that hospital chaplaincy services are strongly predicted by general demographic and institutional characteristics, rather than national accreditation guidelines. The study also suggests that increasing attention to religion and spirituality in medicine may be the result of doctors' and nurses'...

SourceBrandeis University·JournalSouthern Medical Journal·DateJun 18, 2008

Stress during childhood increases the risk of allergies

A long-term study has found that childhood stress can increase the risk of developing allergies, with higher levels of stress-related peptide VIP detected in children who experienced life events like moving house or parental separation. Researchers also found a link between stress and immune system regulation, but not severe illnesses ...

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateJun 18, 2008

Great apes think ahead

A study by Mathias and Helena Osvath found that chimpanzees and orangutans can plan ahead, overriding immediate needs in favor of future rewards. The apes demonstrated self-control and pre-experiencing a future event, visualizing the use of tools to achieve goals.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJun 18, 2008