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Science News for November 4, 2008


Pregnancy disorder signals need to screen for heart disease

Researchers found that high blood pressure during pregnancy can be an early warning sign of future cardiovascular problems. A study followed 400 Ontario women with pre-eclampsia and found they had higher rates of elevated blood pressure and lipids, suggesting a link between the condition and increased cardiovascular risk.

SourceQueen's University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 4, 2008

Boston Medical Center Receives Grant from Avon Foundation

The Boston Medical Center has received a $50,000 grant from The Avon Foundation to support the Child Witness to Violence Project (CWVP), which provides trauma-focused counseling and advocacy to children affected by violence. CWVP will use the grant to train police officers to better recognize and respond to child witnesses of violence.

Community support wins 'ghost'

A new study by Queen Mary University of London highlights the success of a grassroots coalition in winning higher wages for low-paid migrant office cleaners. The research shows that community action and cooperation among faith groups, unions, and community organisations can bring positive changes.

Healthy bones program reduces hip fractures by 37 percent

A five-year study tracked over 625,000 patients in Southern California to find that a healthy bones program reduced hip fracture rates by an average of 37.2%, with some reductions reaching as high as 50%. Implementing initiatives such as bone density tests and anti-osteoporosis medications led to significant improvements.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 4, 2008

Hip resurfacing is not for everyone

A Rush University Medical Center study of over 500 hip resurfacing surgeries reveals that complications occur more frequently in women of all ages and men over 55. The most common complication was a fracture of the femoral neck.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateNov 4, 2008

Death by hyperdisease

Genetic research reveals black rats carried a pathogenic protozoan that exterminated two endemic species on Christmas Island. The study is the first to demonstrate extinction in a mammal due to disease, contradicting most scientists' view of pathogens' effect on species.

The overall channels of the lightning discharges

Researchers used a VHF radio interferometer system to study cloud-to-ground lightning flashes, revealing new characteristics and progression speeds of different types of leaders. The system allows for microsecond-order time and space reconstruction, enabling detailed analysis of lightning flash processes.

New spaceship force field makes Mars trip possible

Researchers have successfully shielded spacecraft from deadly space weather using a portable magnetosphere, making a manned mission to Mars more feasible. The technology uses knowledge gained from nuclear fusion research to scatter solar wind particles away from astronauts.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPlasma Physics and Controlled Fusion·DateNov 4, 2008