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Science News Archive May 2008 - Page 20


Page 20 of 22

Ecologists tease out private lives of plants and their pollinators

A study published in Functional Ecology reveals that plants producing high-quality pollen have closer relationships with pollinators, which is crucial for the survival of certain bumblebee species. The research found that plants relying on insects for pollination produce pollen with 65% more protein than those not reliant on insects.

SourceWiley·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateMay 5, 2008

Anxiety, mood disorders put cancer patients at risk for PTSD

Breast cancer patients with a history of mood and anxiety disorders are more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after diagnosis. The study found that 16% of breast cancer patients developed PTSD within 18 months of diagnosis, with women having previous mood disorders being over twice as likely to develop the condition.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateMay 5, 2008

BILBO1 a bearer of bad fortune for trypanosomes

Researchers identified BILBO1 as crucial for Flagellar Pocket formation in trypanosomes. The protein is essential for the structure's functions, including endo- and exocytosis. Inhibition of BILBO1 function is fatal to the parasite.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 5, 2008

Moran Eye Center researchers find gene linked to severe diabetic eye and kidney diseases

A study published in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences identifies the erythropoietin (EPO) gene as a contributor to increased risk of severe diabetic eye and kidney diseases. The research highlights the importance of considering blunting EPO's effects in future therapeutic strategies, such as anti-VEGF therapy.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2008

Breastfeeding may improve children's intelligence scores

A randomized trial found that exclusively breastfed children scored an average of 7.5 points higher on verbal intelligence tests and 2.9 points higher on non-verbal intelligence tests compared to formula-fed children. Teachers also rated these children significantly higher academically in reading and writing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMay 5, 2008

Bacterial slime helps cause serious disease

Leptospirosis is a major public health problem in South East Asia and South America, with over 500,000 severe cases every year. Researchers have discovered that bacteria can form biofilms, which protect them against harsh conditions and make them more resistant to antibiotics.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalMicrobiology·DateMay 4, 2008

Turning fungus into fuel

A team of researchers has decoded the genetic sequence of Tricoderma reesei, a fungus that can break down plant fibers into simple sugars. This finding could unlock possibilities for industrial processes that convert corn, switchgrass, and cellulose-based waste into ethanol.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 4, 2008

A safer alternative to aspirin?

A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that cilostazol is as effective as aspirin in preventing recurrent stroke, but causes fewer bleeding events. This suggests that cilostazol could be a more effective and safer alternative for Chinese patients with ischemic stroke.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateMay 4, 2008

Second genetic link to weight and obesity

A recent study published in Nature Genetics has identified two new genetic variants associated with fat mass, weight, and risk of obesity. The variants, located near the MC4R gene, act in addition to previously described FTO gene variants, resulting in an average increase of 3.8 kg (or 8.5 lb) in weight.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 4, 2008

Treatment advances for fibroids, menopause

Treatment advances for fibroids and endometriosis aim to preserve reproductive potential while treating these conditions. Novel conservative approaches, including medical treatments and non-invasive procedures, are now available, offering women more choices during menopause.

NASA calls on APL to send a probe to the sun

The Solar Probe mission will study the streams of charged particles emitted by the sun, exploring the processes that heat its corona and produce solar wind. The spacecraft will zip past the sun at speeds up to 125 miles per second, gathering data on magnetic fields, energy flow, and energetic particle formation.