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Science News for August 4, 2009


Are kids today truly more autonomous?

A recent study analyzing childrearing advice in popular US magazine Parents found a historical trade-off between children's autonomy in private spaces at home and public spaces outside the home. While children have gained more autonomy in self-expression, they have lost substantial freedom of movement and delayed responsibilities.

SourceSpringer·JournalQualitative Sociology·DateAug 4, 2009

Looking at language

A study published in Cortex found that Parkinson's patients struggle with grammatically complex sentences due to degeneration of dopamine-secreting neurons. Eye-tracking data revealed slower response times when processing relative clauses, but not at the end of sentences.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateAug 4, 2009

Neuropathic pain: The sea provides a new hope of relief

A newly discovered compound from a soft coral may hold the key to developing effective treatments for neuropathic pain. The research suggests that inflammation in the nervous system is a major factor in this condition, and the compound has been shown to reduce pain-related activities in isolated microglia and experimental rats.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateAug 4, 2009

Brain difference in psychopaths identified

Researchers at King's College London discovered a significant reduction in the integrity of a key brain tract associated with emotions and decision-making in individuals with psychopathy. The findings suggest that biological differences in the brain may underpin psychopathic behavior.

SourceKing's College London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 4, 2009

Perceiving touch and your self outside of your body

A study published in PLOS ONE found that sensations of touch can be felt and mislocalized towards where a virtual body is seen, altering the mapping of touch sensations in space. This research demonstrates the crucial role of brain mechanisms in multisensory processing for conscious experience.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 2009

Extreme BMI cause for concern in liver transplantation

Patients with BMI under 18.5 kg/m2 had higher retransplantation rates due to graft failure, and were more likely to die from hemorrhagic complications or cerebrovascular accidents. Patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 experienced higher death rates due to infectious complications and cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateAug 4, 2009

Pitt researchers find promising candidate protein for cancer prevention vaccines

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a protein called cyclin B1 that is made in excess levels in many cancers. A vaccine targeting this protein may prevent malignancies in high-risk individuals, with promising results in mice vaccinated against it. The study's findings suggest that natural immu...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2009

Sociologists debate: Are Americans really isolated?

A widely publicized analysis found a near tripling in reports of Americans' social isolation between 1985 and 2004. However, sociologist Claude S. Fischer questions the findings, citing anomalies in the data and contrary results from other studies. Researchers defending their work argue that Fischer's proposed artifact is not credible ...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateAug 4, 2009

Hip and back fractures increase mortality rates in older adults

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that approximately 25% of men and women who develop hip fractures will die within five years, as well as 16% of those with spine fractures. The study also highlights the importance of fall prevention strategies, osteoporosis medications, and rehabilitation to re...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 4, 2009