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Science News Archive February 2009 - Page 7


Page 7 of 24

Female genital mutilation among Israel's Negev Bedouins has virtually disappeared -- BGU study

A follow-up study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that none of the 132 women under 30 had scarring from female genital mutilation, indicating a significant decline in its practice among the Bedouin population. Improved healthcare and westernization are believed to be key factors contributing to this shift.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2009

Global warning: Hotter days, increased hospitalizations for respiratory problems

An analysis of European cities found that higher temperatures lead to a significant increase in respiratory-related hospitalizations. For every degree increase above 90% of the maximum apparent temperature, there was a four percent average increase in respiratory-related hospitalizations, especially among the elderly.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2009

Knowledge of genetics improves uncertain medication

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a model to calculate the appropriate dose of Waran before treatment starts. The study used data from 5,700 subjects across four regions to identify two genes, VKORC1 and CYP2C9, which can predict dosage needs for patients of European, African, and Asian origin.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2009

Gene to reduce wheat yield losses

Scientists from the US and Israel have discovered a new gene that provides resistance to stripe rust, a fungal disease responsible for significant wheat yield losses. The novel gene has been found in wild wheat and is absent in modern varieties, offering a potential solution to devastating disease outbreaks.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2009

Scripps Research study shows how microscopic changes to brain cause schizophrenic behavior in mice

Researchers discovered that mice lacking neuregulin develop dendritic spine abnormalities and exhibit hallmarks of schizophrenia, supporting the hypothesis that glutamatergic neurons play a crucial role. The study suggests that developmental defects in brain structure may contribute to schizophrenia's onset.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2009

Bacteria in urinary tract infections caught making burglar's tools

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that bacteria causing urinary tract infections produce compounds called siderophores to steal iron from their hosts. These tools provide a potential way to target bad strains of bacteria for eradication without affecting good strains. The discovery could lead to new treatment...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 19, 2009

Coffee cultivation good for diversity in agrarian settlements but not in forests

Research shows that coffee cultivation under shade trees can preserve forest plant and animal diversity in areas with deforestation. In contrast, growing coffee in forests leads to a decline in species richness of forest birds. This study highlights the importance of sustainable land use practices in conserving biodiversity.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 19, 2009

Business information services focus on added value to deal with difficult financial climate

The 2008 financial crisis has radically transformed the business information landscape, with senior information managers seeking to add value and manage costs. The survey found that companies are pushing for more strategic management of their information services, with a focus on appraising how to add value and managing vendors.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalBusiness Information Review·DateFeb 19, 2009

Fruit flies sick from mating

Researchers found that fruit fly females' genes are activated similarly to an immune reaction when they mate, leading to a heightened defense system. The cost of mating is also revealed to be high, as females produce fewer offspring due to male harassment and toxic sperm fluid.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 19, 2009

How Volvox got its groove

Researchers discovered that ancestors of Volvox algae transitioned to multicellularity at least 200 million years ago. This finding provides insights into the evolution of complex life forms, highlighting the importance of cooperation among cells in overcoming conflicts that hinder collective growth and reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2009

K-State marketing professor says online shopping will look something like Second Life in the future

A Kansas State University marketing professor says online shopping will borrow from Second Life, allowing shoppers to interact with virtual avatars and purchase items in a social setting. The future of e-commerce may also involve mobile devices, with research suggesting that gaming and chat features are key to attracting young customers.

SourceKansas State University·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing·DateFeb 19, 2009