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Science News for November 5, 2008


Data revelations

A recent study reveals that a significant proportion of used hard disks still contain sensitive information, highlighting the need for improved data security measures. The research suggests that public awareness campaigns and better education are essential to reduce the risk of harm from data entering the black market.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry·DateNov 5, 2008

Alcohol advice needs to play a greater role in sex education for teenagers

Researchers found that teenage girls are more aware of the complexities of relationships and see their partner's point of view, while boys often use aggressive language and pressure girls into sex. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to address alcohol use and promote healthy attitudes towards sex education.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateNov 5, 2008

Extreme weather postpones the flowering time of plants

A study by the University of Bayreuth and Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research found that extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rains can postpone or accelerate plant flowering times in Central Europe. On average, a one-month drought postponed the time of flowering by 4 days, equivalent to a decade of global warming.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 5, 2008

Mitochondria could be a target for therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease patients

Researchers found that blocking Cyclophilin D and developing surrounding mitochondrial targets may be viable strategies for preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease. The study provides new insights into the mechanism underlying amyloid beta-mediated mitochondrial stress, which links to synaptic plasticity and learning/memory.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 5, 2008

Proteomics study yields clues as to how tuberculosis might be thwarting the immune system

A proteomics study has identified new proteins that facilitate communication between the immune system and the self-cleaning process, potentially leading to new treatments for tuberculosis. The research found that autophagy plays a crucial role in immune response, particularly against intracellular pathogens.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2008

Reducing epidemic proportions

A radical new software program developed by Tel Aviv University researchers has been adopted by top medical centers in America to fight hospital-borne infections. The system, which collects information from microbial lab cultures, sends real-time alerts and reminders to wards every day to identify potentially contagious patients.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 5, 2008

Dead famous: Research says 18th century obituaries sparked modern cult of celebrity

Research by Dr Elizabeth Barry reveals how 18th century obituaries popularized the concept of celebrity, shifting attention from historically significant achievements to eccentric lives. The rise of newspapers and magazines played a crucial role in this phenomenon, cementing the public's fascination with famous individuals.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalInternational Journal of Cultural Studies·DateNov 5, 2008

DNA chunks, chimps and humans

Researchers compared many human and chimpanzee genomes to identify duplicated or lost regions during evolution, finding similar patterns in copy number variation but key gene differences. CNVs affected genes involved in inflammation and cell proliferation, with one gene linked to HIV susceptibility found to have reduced numbers in chimps.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 5, 2008

Multiple sclerosis progression can be predicted with MRI

Researchers used MRI scans to detect gray matter damage in MS patients, finding that unnatural darkness was linked to higher risk of disability progression. This new marker shows closer correlations with clinical status than other established markers.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroimaging·DateNov 5, 2008

Therapy may block expansion of breast cancer cells

A new study reveals that therapy targeting cyclin D1 can block the expansion of breast cancer cells, which are involved in therapy resistance and tumor recurrence. The findings provide a potential new treatment approach for targeted therapies at cancer stem cells in humans.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical and Translational Science·DateNov 5, 2008

Study shows pine bark reduces jetlag

A new study shows Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract from pine bark, reduces jetlag symptoms by nearly 50% in both healthy individuals and hypertensive patients. The study found significant reductions in fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and brain edema, as well as minimal lower leg edema.

SourceMWW Group·JournalMinerva Cardioangiologica·DateNov 5, 2008

Friendly bacteria reduce hospital infections

Researchers found that applying a probiotic bacterial solution in place of antiseptics effectively prevents respiratory illness in ventilated patients. The friendly bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum 299, has no negative side effects and does not contribute to antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateNov 5, 2008