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Science News for April 24, 2009


Run! It's the student council president

A new study from Temple University graduate student Maureen Dzanis found that extracurricular activity participants, particularly student council presidents and glee club members, are more likely to experience bullying in urban schools. The research surveyed 1,203 students and explored the role of program quality on violence.

New mediator of smoking recruits

Researchers found high osteopontin levels in patients with interstitial lung disease and healthy smokers, while healthy non-smokers produced no osteopontin. Osteopontin expression could be stimulated by nicotine treatment, leading to immune cell recruitment and symptoms similar to smoking-related lung diseases.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 24, 2009

Mind over muscle

A Temple-led study found that a two-phased program combining body image group counseling sessions and nicotine patches was more effective in helping young women quit smoking and maintain weight loss. The program showed an 18% rate of smoking cessation, compared to 8% for the exercise-only group.

Can middle class families make urban schools better?

A Temple University study found that middle-class parental involvement in urban education can have a positive impact when parents focus on making the school better for everyone. However, the study also shows that this influence can sometimes be exclusive to their own children's needs at the expense of working-class students.

Lice can be nice to us

Lice parasites have been found to modulate the immune system of wild wood mice, suggesting a potential link between parasite exposure and reduced autoimmune disease risk. This research implies that modern humans, lacking natural parasite exposure, may develop less regulated immune systems leading to increased disease susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBMC Biology·DateApr 24, 2009