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Science News Archive June 2009 - Page 5


Page 5 of 26

Alcohol must be given political priority

A global Framework Convention on Alcohol Control is seen as crucial to addressing the alcohol-related health crisis. Non-governmental organisations and governments must work together to overcome industry resistance and generate political priority for alcohol control efforts.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 25, 2009

Health care outcome boost needs better studies

A study on quality improvement (QI) research found that most studies had methodological limitations, including inadequate study duration, selection bias, and poor implementation. The review highlights the need for longer-term results and improved intervention design to accurately assess QI effectiveness.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateJun 25, 2009

Nematode courting caught on camera

Researchers have produced video footage of a male nematode worm preparing to mate with a hermaphrodite, showcasing the complex process. The study revealed that the male uses acetylcholine to regulate tail muscles for an exploratory embrace, and then searches for the vulva before mating commences.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 25, 2009

A penny for your prions

Researchers discovered that prion proteins bind more stably to copper in human bodies, which may prevent their misfolding. The study suggests that copper binding could play a beneficial role in early stages of prion diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2009

In the warming West, climate most significant factor in fanning wildfires' flames

A study by the USDA Forest Service and university scientists found that climate plays a critical role in shaping wildfire behavior, particularly in the Western United States. Climate influences fuel production and drying, which varies among different ecosystems, leading to varying fire sizes and severities.

Kidney damage from medical imaging procedures can cause long-term health problems

A recent study found that contrast-induced kidney damage from medical imaging procedures increases the risk of having a stroke or heart attack over the next year or two. Patients who developed this damage had twice as many long-term negative health effects compared to those whose kidneys were not damaged.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 25, 2009

Online ethics and the bloggers' code revealed

A recent study found that bloggers adhere to an ethical code based on standards journalists follow, with key principles including truth telling, accountability, and minimizing harm. However, the extent of their adherence depends on context and intended audience, highlighting the need for 'teeth' in ethics codes.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalNew Media & Society·DateJun 25, 2009

International framework convention on alcohol control, similar to that for tobacco, is needed to confront alcohol disease burden

The authors emphasize the need for an effective international response to address alcohol-related harm, citing inadequate policies and industry influence as major obstacles. Cost-effective interventions exist but require scaling up; governments, NGOs, and academia must work together to develop and implement policies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 25, 2009

'Neurologger' reads bird brains in flight

Researchers used a 'neurologger' device to record pigeon brain activity while flying over familiar terrain. The study found that pigeons respond to visual cues with distinct brain patterns, including high-frequency oscillations reflecting memory processing.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 25, 2009

Latino teens happier, healthier if families embrace biculturalism

A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Latino adolescents who maintain strong ties to their native cultures perform better academically and adjust more easily socially. Parents who develop a strong bicultural perspective also have teen children who are less likely to face social problems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe Journal of Primary Prevention·DateJun 25, 2009

ATS, ERS jointly issue asthma assessment guidelines

The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society have released standardized definitions and measurement recommendations for assessing asthma control, severity, and exacerbations. The guidelines provide a framework for clinicians to diagnose and manage asthma, with a focus on improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 25, 2009

Good males are bad fathers

A new study on seed beetles reveals that low genetic quality males are more successful in fertilizing eggs, contrary to predictions. Females' multiple mating does not guarantee the sperm of the highest genetic male.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2009

Study challenges routine use of MRI scans to evaluate breast cancer

A study of 577 breast cancer patients found that routine use of MRI scans was associated with delays in starting treatment and increased mastectomy rates. The study suggests that more research is needed to determine the benefits of MRI scans in evaluating breast cancer, as their disadvantages may outweigh any potential advantages.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 25, 2009

Your arteries on Wonder Bread

A new study from Tel Aviv University shows that high glycemic index foods, such as cornflakes and white bread, can cause sudden expansion of artery walls, leading to reduced elasticity and increased heart disease risk. The research provides a new mechanism for understanding how these foods affect the progression of heart disease.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 25, 2009