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Science News Archive July 2009 - Page 8


Page 8 of 23

Can brain scans read your mind?

A study by UCLA and Rutgers neuroscientists found that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can accurately predict a person's mental task, such as reading words aloud or counting tones. The research suggests that brain patterns are similar across healthy individuals, allowing for predictions on new people.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 22, 2009

Hepatitis C infection: treatment options equally effective, likelihood of success known early on

A landmark study finds that treatment with either of two standard antiviral drug therapies is safe and offers the best way for people infected with hepatitis C to prevent liver scarring, organ failure and death. The study showed that treating patients in early or less advanced stages of the disease leads to higher success rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 22, 2009

Foot & Ankle Specialist accepted in Medline

The Foot & Ankle Specialist journal has been accepted for inclusion in the MEDLINE database, providing researchers and clinicians with improved access to high-quality studies on foot and ankle treatments. This acceptance aims to enhance the dissemination of techniques and advancements in foot and ankle care.

SourceSAGE·JournalFoot & Ankle Specialist·DateJul 22, 2009

LSUHSC shows for first time infant inhalation of ultrafine air pollution linked to adult lung disease

Early exposure to airborne ultrafine particulate matter in infancy has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma later in life. This study found that infant inhalation of ultrafine air pollution caused genetic defects leading to dysfunctional proteins and permanent changes in immune responses.

'Go to the doctor? Only if I'm really sick ...'

African American men are avoiding disease screening due to concerns that it may threaten their masculinity. The study found that they view being sexually active as an important component of their notion of masculinity, and health-seeking behaviors can interfere with this.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of African American Studies·DateJul 21, 2009

For horned lizard, horns alone do not make the species

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that California's horned lizard diverged into at least three new species when it moved north from Baja California. The findings provide clarity for conservation actions to follow, highlighting the importance of integrating genetic, anatomical and ecological in...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2009

Australia discovered by the 'Southern Route'

Genetic analysis reveals Australian Aborigines originated from south Asia, tracing back to Indian populations with exclusive mutations. This discovery supports archeological evidence of human occupation in Australia dating back to approximately 45 thousand years ago.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 21, 2009

Fecal incontinence and quality of life

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that fecal incontinence significantly impacts patients' quality of life, affecting lifestyle, coping behavior, depression, and embarrassment. The results show that over 22% of patients experience severe QOL effects due to FI.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 21, 2009

Fighting disease atom by atom

The study reveals the atomic structure of the hepatitis E protein shell, which could lead to new ways to stop the virus. Researchers have identified potential sites on the model for designing drugs that can interrupt the binding process and prevent the virus from attaching to cell receptors.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2009

A drug-dispensing contact lens

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a drug-dispensing contact lens that can gradually release medication to the eye. The prototype lens dispensed antibiotic ciprofloxacin for up to 30 days in laboratory testing, with potential applications in conditions like glaucoma and dry-eye.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 21, 2009

New research finds possible genetic link to cause of pregnancy loss and disorders

Scientists at the University of Tennessee have found that a single mutation in the Bub1 gene can lead to an increased risk of pregnancy loss and disorders such as Down Syndrome. The study suggests that the mutation affects fertility and increases with maternal age, highlighting a potential genetic link to these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2009