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Science News for June 20, 2008


Charles Taylor awarded Kyoto Prize

Charles Taylor, a renowned scholar of spirituality and secularism, has been awarded the Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy. The recognition acknowledges his decades-long efforts to integrate spiritual dimensions into public policy, history, and other humanities fields.

JCI table of contents: June 20, 2008

A study found that chemicals in cigarette smoke activate nerves in guinea pig airways, causing damage. Leptin levels also play a role in weight loss, with low levels helping protect against weight regain.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 20, 2008

Reliance on unverifiable observations hinders successful conservation of wildlife species

Researchers found that unverifiable observations can lead to the overestimation of rare species' ranges and abundance. A 'sliding scale' of evidentiary standards was developed to help managers determine the suitability of evidence in conservation decisionmaking, prioritizing physical evidence for extinct or highly rare species.

Mayo researchers discover how measles virus spreads (in its host)

Researchers found that the measles virus can replicate only in immune cells, causing disease in monkeys and potentially improving cancer therapy efficacy. The study's findings challenge traditional textbook assumptions about how the virus spreads, paving the way for more effective vaccines and treatments.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 20, 2008