Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 1, 2008


The IARC candidates exposed!

Seven IARC candidate names are publicly disclosed for the first time, sparking concerns over lack of transparency in the election process. The absence of a Search Committee and Scientific Council raises questions about bias and credibility.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 1, 2008

Discovery has implications for heart disease

A study by University of Iowa researchers reveals a new dimension for a key heart enzyme and sheds light on an important biological pathway involved in cell death in heart disease. The team found that oxidation can sustain the enzyme's activity, which is implicated in arrhythmias, hypertrophy, and heart cell death.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCell·DateMay 1, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: May 1, 2008

Researchers have found that tricyclic antidepressants can restore vagal function and reduce intestinal inflammation in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those who are also depressed. Genetic mutations linked to permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus have been identified, and bacteria can blunt the responses of inv...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2008

Wakame waste

A new study has found a marine bacterium, AW4, that can accelerate the composting process of polluted seaweed, making it a promising method for disposing of toxic wakame waste in oceans. The discovery could provide an effective means of recycling organic substances and reducing pollution.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biotechnology·DateMay 1, 2008

Study shows power of police and fire officers as injury-prevention messengers

A new study reveals that police and fire officers who give interviews can significantly improve the media's coverage of risk factors and prevention for injuries, accidents, and fires. The study analyzed thousands of hours of local news broadcasts and found that such stories are more likely to include prevention information.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 1, 2008

Largest study to date finds benefits of ICDs in children

A recent study analyzing data from 443 patients who received implants found that ICDs are life-saving, but also deliver more inappropriate shocks to children than adults. Inappropriate shocks can be unpleasant and may be caused by difficulties in differentiating normal increases in heart rate from abnormal rhythms.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2008

Study finds TV portrayals of mental health professionals influence willingness to seek therapy

TV portrayals of mental health professionals often depict them as incompetent, untrustworthy, and even buffoons, leading to negative perceptions about seeking psychological services. The study suggests that this can contribute to lower intentions to seek therapy, exacerbating the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·DateMay 1, 2008

More than a quarter of Americans experience pain

A study published in The Lancet found that nearly 30% of men and women reported feeling some level of pain at sampled times. People with lower incomes or less education spent more time in pain and had higher average pain ratings. Pain also imposes significant costs on the healthcare system, economy, and lost productivity.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 1, 2008

Women whistleblowers suffer more discrimination, INFORMS-published study suggests

A new study published in Organization Science finds that women who report organizational wrongdoing experience more severe retaliation and discrimination than their male counterparts. The study examined the impact of factors such as power relationships and support from colleagues on the severity of retaliation.

Obesity worsens impact of asthma

A new study reveals that obesity can exacerbate asthma symptoms by increasing dynamic hyperinflation, making it harder for individuals to breathe. The research found significant differences in lung function between obese and non-obese asthmatic women, highlighting the need for more targeted treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 1, 2008

Researchers explore altruism's unexpected ally -- selfishness

A new study suggests that selfish individuals have a strategy called 'Selfish Punisher' that exploits altruists and punishes other selfish individuals, making it a successful approach in Darwinian terms. Altruism can evolve by natural selection as long as its collective advantage outweighs its local disadvantage.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2008

Global warming linked to caribou-calf mortality

A study by Eric Post at Penn State has found that global warming is causing trophic mismatch in West Greenland's caribou population, where plant growth is advancing ahead of animal births. This phenomenon, linked to climate change, may hinder the species' ability to adapt and persist.

Searching the heavens

The Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) will study the gamma-ray sky in unprecedented detail, revealing extreme astrophysical processes like pulsars and supermassive black holes. The mission aims to comprehend the origin and distribution of dark matter.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateMay 1, 2008

May 2008 Ophthalmology highlights

Two studies shed new light on eye health issues: the role of antioxidant supplements in preventing cataract development and their relationship to mortality. Glaucoma research also explores the link between cerebrospinal fluid pressure and optic nerve damage, revealing a potential contributor to glaucoma's progression.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 1, 2008