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Science News Archive October 2008 - Page 18


Page 18 of 24

Learning how not to be afraid

Mice conditioned for safety display reduced anxiety in stressful situations, comparable to antidepressant medications. The study reveals learned safety influences brain development, including increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dopamine neurotransmitters.

Waterborne disease risk upped in Great Lakes

A new study suggests that increased climate-related extreme rainfall events in the Great Lakes region will aggravate the risk for outbreaks of waterborne disease. The researchers found a potential 10 to 40% increase in extremely heavy precipitation events, leading to greater potential for flooding and sewage overflow into Lake Michigan.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 8, 2008

Genome of a monkey-human malaria parasite

The genome of Plasmodium knowlesi, a mosquito-human malaria parasite, has been decoded, revealing unique genetic features that enable it to evade host immune systems. The study found that the parasite's genes are scattered throughout its genome, unlike other malaria parasites, and that it uses molecular mimicry to survive and propagate.

Guidelines urge physical activity during pregnancy

The new guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy, with benefits including reduced risk of complications and improved long-term child health. Regular postpartum physical activity also supports a woman's overall health and weight management.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateOct 8, 2008

Pollution from livestock farming affects infant health

A new study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics explores the effects of livestock facility pollution on infant health. The research found a strong positive relationship between livestock production and infant mortality, with an estimated 7.4% increase in infant deaths for every 100% increase in livestock production.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Agricultural Economics·DateOct 8, 2008

U of T creates fake proof personality test

Psychologists at U of T create a bias-resistant personality inventory that predicts real-world performance even when respondents are trying to fake their answers. The study shows that traditional personality questionnaires fail to predict outcomes when respondents have strong incentive to distort the results.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateOct 7, 2008

What is the influence of tumor removal on the serum level of carbohydrate's antibody?

Research found that surgical tumor removal significantly elevated serum levels of TF and Tn antibodies in gastrointestinal cancer patients, particularly those with G3 tumors. The postoperative follow-up showed a correlation between the level of anti-TF IgG and lymphocyte count, as well as between anti-Tn IgG and serum CA 19-9 levels.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 7, 2008

Climate change will affect public health -- a call to action

A special issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine examines the intersection of climate change and health, highlighting various impacts including heat-related illnesses, vectorborne diseases, and air quality issues. The issue emphasizes the need for a systems approach to address climate change and its effects on public health.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 7, 2008

Study provides insight on a common heart rhythm disorder

Researchers at the University of Iowa and France have discovered a gene variant that causes sinus node disease, a potentially fatal heart rhythm disorder. The study found that variants in the ANK2 gene result in dysfunction in the protein ankyrin-B, leading to variable heart rates and bradycardia.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2008

Study: Even occasional smoking can impair arteries

A new University of Georgia study found that even occasional cigarette smoking can decrease arterial responsiveness by up to 36% in young, healthy adults. Repeated bouts of smoking further impaired flow-mediated dilation, indicating a potential long-term risk for cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalUltrasound in Medicine & Biology·DateOct 7, 2008

New light on link between snoring and cognitive deficits in children

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) experience cognitive deficits, but the severity is difficult to correlate. Researchers measured regional cerebral oxygen concentration and blood pressure during sleep to understand the comple...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 7, 2008

Also in the Oct. 7 JNCI

Researchers propose a nested case-control study design called PRoBE to evaluate biomarker classification accuracy, minimizing bias. Regular NSAID use is associated with a 12% relative risk reduction in breast cancer risk, according to a meta-analysis of 38 studies involving 2,788,715 women.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 7, 2008