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Science News for October 3, 2008


Singing to females makes male birds' brains happy

A study found that male birds' brains are activated in 'reward' areas when they sing to attract females, similar to the brain response to addictive drugs. This suggests that social interactions, like courtship, can activate the same brain reward circuits as natural and artificial rewards.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2008

Medical student gender and self-confidence

A new study found that female medical students consistently report decreased self-confidence and increased anxiety, particularly over issues related to their competency. Female medical students appeared less confident in their interaction with patients, a finding that has important implications for medical education.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateOct 3, 2008

New study on effects of disclosing financial interests on participation in medical research

A new study by Johns Hopkins University found that patients are more concerned about certain types of financial interests, especially when the investigator owns stock in the company financing the study. Patients expressed a moderate degree of willingness to join a clinical trial regardless of disclosure, but were less willing and made ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateOct 3, 2008

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News reports on growing role of molecular diagnostics

Molecular diagnostic products are based on cutting-edge research in genomics and proteomics, enabling early detection of cancer and optimizing drug therapy. Companies like Roche, Myriad Genetics, and Genomic Health are well-positioned for future growth with their genetic tests and companion diagnostics.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateOct 3, 2008

Discovery of a type of aerosols from Sahara which will be useful to study climate change

Researchers have discovered a new type of atmospheric aerosol particle called iberulite, which forms in the troposphere from mineral small grains emitted from desert soils. The iberulites can provide valuable information on environmental and paleoclimatic markers, as well as change models of radioactive transference in the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateOct 3, 2008

Egalitarian revolution in the Pleistocene?

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the first egalitarian societies may have appeared tens of thousands of years ago, driven by the social brain hypothesis. The research uses a complex mathematical model and large-scale numerical simulations to explore how alliances can emerge in groups, leading to a phase transition toward...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2008

Discovery of natural compounds that could slow blood vessel growth

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have identified over 100 human protein fragments that can slow or stop the growth of cells making up new blood vessels. These compounds, known as antiangiogenesis peptides, could lead to treatments for diseases such as cancer, macular degeneration, and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2008