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Science News Archive September 2008 - Page 13


Page 13 of 24

From Xbox to T-cells: Michigan Tech researchers borrow video game technology to model human biology

A team of Michigan Tech researchers is harnessing video game technology to model complex biological systems, such as the human immune response to tuberculosis. Using GPUs, they have created a powerful new tool for medical research, allowing for faster and more efficient simulations of diseases like sepsis.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering·DateSep 16, 2008

NIEHS invests $21.25 million to find environmental causes of Parkinson's disease

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is awarding three new grants to investigate the role of environmental factors in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The research will focus on identifying mechanisms that link pesticide exposure, mitochondrial damage, and altered dopamine storage to the dev...

Migraine linked to blood clots in veins

A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with migraines are more likely to develop venous thrombosis or blood clots in their veins. The research, which involved 574 participants in Italy, revealed a significant association between migraine and increased risk of blood clots.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 15, 2008

Genetic profile reveals susceptibility to cleft palate

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine have identified a series of genetic mutations associated with significant risk for cleft palate and other dental abnormalities. The study, published in Genetics in Medicine, analyzed DNA sequences from over 500 individuals and found more than a dozen gene mutations...

Common bronchodilator linked to increased deaths

A new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that ipratropium increases the risk of heart attack or arrhythmia by 34% compared to albuterol or no treatment. The study suggests that the medication may have a systemic cardiovascular effect, increasing mortality risk in COPD patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 15, 2008

The language of luxury: Advertisers' language choices evoke different reactions

A new study reveals that multinational companies should advertise luxury goods in English, while necessities may be more effective in local languages. Multinational corporations marketing to bilingual populations must pay attention to language choices, as perceptions of ads change significantly with different languages.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 15, 2008

Newer antipsychotics no better than older drug in treating child and adolescent schizophrenia

A new study found that newer atypical antipsychotic medications were not more effective than an older conventional antipsychotic in treating child and adolescent schizophrenia. The study also revealed potential metabolic side effects, particularly with olanzapine, which may lead to serious health issues.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 15, 2008

'Biological clock' genes control plant growth

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified the biological clock genes responsible for plant growth spurts, which occur at night. The study uses DNA microarrays and bioinformatics to analyze thousands of genes in a short period, revealing that most plant genes are expressed only at a particular time of day.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateSep 15, 2008