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Science News for June 26, 2008


A simple therapy for brain injury

Researchers found that administering a simple polymer, Polyethylene glycol, within four hours of a head injury can limit damage and improve behavioral tests in rats. The treatment is potentially feasible for victims of traumatic brain injury, especially when delivered at the scene of an accident.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biological Engineering·DateJun 26, 2008

How to build a plant

Scientists have unraveled plant architecture at the molecular level using genomic data, shedding light on flower and grain development in maize. They characterized key gene networks and biochemical pathways, providing insights into plant construction and evolutionary conservation.

Device blocking stomach nerve signals shows promise in obesity

A new implantable device blocks stomach nerve signals, resulting in significant weight loss in obese participants. The study found that a quarter of patients lost over 25% of their excess weight and three patients lost more than 30%. A follow-up double-blinded study will be conducted to assess the device's true effectiveness.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalSurgery·DateJun 26, 2008

Treatment for cigarette, alcohol and drug use in pregnancy improves outcomes for mom and baby

A Kaiser Permanente study published online in the Journal of Perinatology found that integrating substance abuse screening and treatment into routine prenatal care improved health outcomes for pregnant women. The study, which examined nearly 50,000 women, found that treating pregnant women with substance abuse early in their pregnancy ...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of Perinatology·DateJun 26, 2008

'No men allowed' in women's secret world

A University of Missouri professor found that men conducting field research on women are limited to specific subjects due to restrictions on access. The Diola people's culture and rituals, such as their fertility shrine Ehugna, were difficult for male researchers to study due to social norms and expectations.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMen and Masculinities·DateJun 26, 2008

'Early bird' project really gets the worm

The Early Bird Project, a five-year study funded by the National Science Foundation, has collected DNA sequence data from 169 bird species. The research revealed that birds adapted to diverse environments multiple times and that distinctive lifestyles evolved independently. The study's findings will be published in Science on June 27.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScience·DateJun 26, 2008

Study links gastric bypass surgery to increased risk of kidney stones

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery are at an increased risk of developing kidney stones as early as three months post-operation. The study suggests a possible link between the surgical procedure and changes in urinary electr...

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 26, 2008

New study examines the validity of epo testing

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology examines the validity of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) testing. The research found that the detection power of the test is poor, with high rates of false negative results. This has significant implications for anti-doping efforts and fair competition.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJun 26, 2008

Improving university recruitment process may increase female surgical faculty, study finds

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that optimizing university recruitment strategies and processes can lead to a significant increase in female surgical faculty. The research also identified cultural stereotypes, insufficient mentoring, and family responsibilities as barriers to women's career ad...

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 26, 2008