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Science News Archive July 2009 - Page 22


Page 22 of 23

Those unsure of own ideas more resistant to views of others

A recent study found that individuals with uncertain opinions tend to avoid contradictory information, while those with confident beliefs are more likely to seek out opposing views. Certain factors, such as personal values and confidence in one's own ideas, can influence an individual's willingness to consider alternative perspectives.

New class of black holes discovered

A new class of black hole has been discovered, with masses between 100 and several hundred thousand times that of the Sun. The discovery, made by an international team of astronomers using XMM-Newton observations, confirms the existence of intermediate mass black holes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2009

Inbred bumblebees less successful

Researchers found that inbred bumblebee colonies suffer from decreased growth rates, lower offspring production, and reduced colony survival. The presence of diploid males, produced at the expense of female workers, has a detrimental effect on colony fitness.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 1, 2009

NEJM study addresses impact of Medicare Part D on medical spending

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Medicare Part D led to increased pharmacy spending among beneficiaries, particularly those with limited or no prior drug coverage. However, this increase was offset by decreased spending on other medical care services such as hospitalizations and doctor visits.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 1, 2009

Women with endometriosis need special care during pregnancy to avoid risk of premature birth

A study published in Human Reproduction found that women with endometriosis are at a higher risk of premature birth, C-sections, and other pregnancy complications. The researchers also found that women with endometriosis were more likely to have difficulty conceiving and required assisted reproduction technology.

The 'other' cruciate ligament: Newer treatments for PCL tears

Two newer surgical options, two-bundle grafts and inlay reconstruction, show promise for treating PCL tears, with one study suggesting improved results over traditional methods. Orthopaedic surgeons debate the best treatment approach, emphasizing patient-specific care and experience with PCL reconstructions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJul 1, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: July 1, 2009

Researchers have found that the circadian clock protein Period 1 regulates expression of the renal epithelial sodium channel in mice, leading to decreased sodium loss in urine. Additionally, a study on gene therapy revealed that TLR9-MyD88 pathway is critical for adaptive immune responses to AAV vectors. Another study on kidney repair ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2009

Plants put limit on ice ages

Researchers found that plants played a critical role in maintaining stable carbon dioxide levels during the last ice age, preventing runaway 'icehouse' conditions. The team's discovery highlights the importance of plant buffering agents in controlling atmospheric CO2 concentrations.

Joint replacement patients with diabetes greatly benefit from controlled glucose

A study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that controlled glucose levels significantly reduce complications after total joint replacement surgery for diabetic patients. Patients with uncontrolled glucose were more likely to experience surgical complications, infection, blood transfusions, and longer hospital stays.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 1, 2009

Siblings target of intervention program

A pilot prevention program targeting fifth graders and their younger siblings will receive funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The program combines family intervention with a non-stigmatizing focus on sibling relationships to decrease risky behavior and use of drugs among youth.

ADA releases updated position paper on vegetarian diets

The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on vegetarian diets, concluding they are healthy and nutritious for adults, infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant individuals. Vegetarian diets have been linked to lower blood cholesterol levels, reduced risk of heart disease, and improved cancer rates.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJul 1, 2009

Colorectal cancer

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have identified 115 genes associated with metastatic potential in colorectal cancer. The study found that BAMBI gene is more active in metastatic tumors, promoting metastasis formation through key signaling pathways.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 1, 2009

The least sea ice in 800 years

Researchers have reconstructed sea ice extent from 13th century to present using historical records and climate curves. The findings show a significant decrease in sea ice coverage since the start of the 20th century, with some record-breaking low levels in recent years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJul 1, 2009