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Science News for October 21, 2008


Building a better bee

A UC Davis researcher has crossed New World Carniolans with Old World bees to create a more productive, winter-hardy, and resistant strain. This genetic research aims to increase resistance to pests and diseases, which are major contributors to the decline of honey bee colonies.

Study documents safety problems for biological products

According to a study published in JAMA, approximately one in four approved biological medicinal products had at least one safety-related regulatory action issued 10 years after their approval. The average time to a safety-related regulatory action was 3.7 years, with 70.7% of actions occurring within five years after approval.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 21, 2008

Markers of inflammation and blood-clotting tied to hazards of intermittent HIV treatment

Researchers found strong associations between intermittent HIV treatment and higher levels of inflammation and blood-clotting biomarkers, leading to a higher risk of death from non-AIDS diseases. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and D-dimer levels rose significantly in the intermittent-treatment group after one month.

Fertilizers -- a growing threat to sea life

A new study by Professor Grace Brush highlights the negative impact of fertilizer use on water quality and fish populations in Chesapeake Bay. The imbalanced nitrogen cycle has led to eutrophication, reducing oxygen concentrations and affecting aquatic life.

SourceSpringer·JournalEstuaries and Coasts·DateOct 21, 2008

Depression, health care services and heart attacks -- what's the connection?

A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that depression symptoms are associated with a nine percent increase in heart-related hospitalizations and a 43 percent increase in non-heart related hospitalization visits after a heart attack. Depression caused the greatest increase in health service use in those patient...

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateOct 21, 2008

A special issue on space physics

Papers in this special issue cover data analysis and investigations of the Double Star Program, as well as CMEs, Solar wind, and magnetosphere topics. The conference brought together prominent researchers, including Z.X.LIU and S.T. WU, to share their latest findings on solar and magnetospheric physics.