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Science News Archive March 2009 - Page 12


Page 12 of 26

Hippo ancestry disputed

Researchers dispute a recent study that creates a different family tree for the hippo, arguing that it ignores important DNA data. Hippos are closest living relatives of whales, according to most DNA evidence from the last 12-13 years.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 2009

6.5 million more patients might benefit from statins to prevent heart attacks, strokes

Researchers estimate that around 6.5 million older adults with low cholesterol and high C-reactive protein levels might benefit from statin therapy to prevent cardiovascular events. Expanding prescribing criteria to include CRP levels could potentially prevent thousands of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths each year.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 2009

Study finds biological clue in brain tumor development

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have uncovered a vital new biological clue that could lead to more effective treatments for CNS PNETs, a type of brain tumour predominantly occurring in children. The research found that WNT pathway activation is linked to patient survival and may represent an important new target for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 18, 2009

Exclusive marketing contracts best when competition is fierce, Rotman study finds

A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that exclusive marketing contracts are more lucrative when firms and products have low market differentiation. By analyzing a real-world example, researchers discovered that non-exclusive contracts can be beneficial in highly competitive markets.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalInternational Journal of Marketing Research·DateMar 18, 2009

Swimming pool game inspires robot detection

Researchers used the pursuit-evasion game 'Marco Polo' to create a system for controlling moving robots that can autonomously detect and capture other moving targets. The system, which uses multiple sensors and cell decomposition algorithm, has broad applications in security, environmental monitoring, and tracking endangered species.

SourceDuke University·JournalSIAM Journal on Control and Optimization·DateMar 18, 2009

Longer bouts of exercise help prevent childhood obesity

A new study by Queen's University researchers found that children who engage in longer periods of sustained physical activity are less likely to become obese. The study analyzed data from over 2,400 youth aged eight to 17 and confirmed the benefits of sustained, rather than sporadic, exercise.

SourceQueen's University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 18, 2009

It's for the birds

Citizen scientists transcribe historical bird records into scientific database for better understanding of climate change effects on bird populations. The USGS North American Bird Phenology Program aims to unravel the impact of global warming on bird behavior and migration patterns.

PSA screening cuts deaths by 20 percent

The study found that PSA screening can reduce prostate cancer deaths by 20%, saving one life for every 1,408 men screened. The European Association of Urology's largest prostate cancer screening study provides robust evidence for the effectiveness of screening on prostate cancer mortality.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2009

Factors associated with decline in child kidney function identified

A study found that proteinuria levels are higher in children with low glomerular filtration rates and non-Caucasian race, suggesting genetic or environmental factors. The study also found that patients taking renin-angiotensin system antagonizing drugs had lower levels of proteinuria compared to those not on these medications.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 18, 2009

Tobacco makes medicine

Scientists successfully produced biologically-active interleukin-10 in genetically modified tobacco plants, offering a potential new treatment for autoimmune diseases. The transgenic plants can produce the active cytokine at high levels without lengthy extraction and purification processes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateMar 18, 2009

Liking sweets makes sense for kids

Research from the University of Washington and Monell Center found that children's high growth rate is linked to their heightened liking for sweetness. Children prefer higher levels of sweetness as their physical growth increases, but this preference declines as growth slows down.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateMar 18, 2009

Shellfish and inkjet printers may hold key to faster healing from surgeries

Researchers have developed new medical adhesives using marine mussel glue and inkjet technology that are non-toxic, biodegradable and precise, promising improved wound repair and reduced scarring in surgeries. The adhesives could replace traditional sutures, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B Applied Biomaterials·DateMar 18, 2009

Big and small dents

The GOCE satellite will study global ocean currents, ocean topography, and the structure of the Earth's crust with unprecedented precision. The satellite's high-resolution gravity mapping will enhance our understanding of climate change.

Grand prizes might help induce sports 'hot streaks'

A forthcoming study by North Carolina State University economists found that players who perform well early in the season have an incentive to maintain their high level of performance into the middle part of the season. This is because they are competing for a top-30 finish and a spot in the Tour Championship, which guarantees them mon...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateMar 17, 2009