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Science News Archive March 2009 - Page 6


Page 6 of 26

When it comes to intelligence, size matters

A collaborative study by McGill University researchers discovered a positive correlation between cognitive ability and cortical thickness in the brains of healthy 6 to 18-year-olds. The link was found in regions integrating information from different parts of the brain, including 'multi-modal association' areas.

SourceMcGill University·JournalIntelligence·DateMar 25, 2009

Is consensus in anti-aging medical intervention an elusive expectation

A new study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics challenges the concept of consensus in anti-aging medical intervention, citing diverse therapeutic approaches and conflicting opinions. Dr. Imre Zs.-Nagy proposes an open-minded approach to reconcile differences and achieve a realistic goal of aging intervention.

SourceElsevier·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics·DateMar 25, 2009

Researchers decipher blood stem cell attachment, communication

A breakthrough study has revealed that blood stem cells produce chemical signals of their own that influence their attachment to the bone marrow or migration into the circulatory system. This discovery holds implications for improving leukemia treatment and artificially culturing infection-fighting immune cells.

HIV-1 protease inhibitor induced oxidative stress in pancreatic B-cells: thymoquinone protection

Researchers found that HIV-1 protease inhibitors like nelfinavir induce oxidative stress in pancreatic beta-cells, leading to decreased insulin secretion. Thymoquinone, an antioxidant from black seed oil, protects these cells by decreasing reactive oxygen species and increasing antioxidant levels.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateMar 25, 2009

Billions spent on health IT stimulus could lead to major boom... or bust

Researchers propose a platform model for health information infrastructure that would improve healthcare delivery, increase productivity and stimulate job growth. The model aims to support applications for clinical care, public health, and research, with key characteristics including data liquidity and substitutability of applications.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2009

Fructose metabolism by the brain increases food intake and obesity

Research suggests that fructose metabolism in the brain plays a significant role in increasing food intake and obesity risk, particularly with high consumption of high fructose sweeteners. The study's findings raise health concerns for youth and adults consuming large amounts of these sweeteners.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateMar 25, 2009

Erratic black hole regulates itself

Researchers discovered a mechanism for regulating the rate at which stellar-mass black holes grow, suggesting that they can regulate themselves. The study found that the black hole in GRS 1915+105 toggles between expelling mass via a jet and a wind from its accretion disk.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2009

The matchmaker that maintains neuronal balance

The protein LMO4 helps maintain a critical balance between two types of neurons, preventing motor dysfunction in mammals. Inhibitory neurons promote calm activity, while excitatory neurons encourage activity. LMO4 promotes inhibitory neurons by forming a complex that binds to DNA and blocks the development of excitatory neurons.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 25, 2009

Structure more effective in high school science classes, study reveals

A study by University of Virginia professor Robert Tai and Harvard University researcher Philip Sadler found that high school students with weak math backgrounds who engage in self-structured learning practices may perform poorly in college science. In contrast, those with stronger math skills who receive more guidance in their high sc...

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalInternational Journal of Science and Mathematics Education·DateMar 25, 2009

Study: Morbidly obese sedentary for more than 99 percent of day

A new study in Clinical Cardiology examines the fitness level of morbidly obese individuals and finds they are sedentary for more than 99% of the day. The results show that even light physical activity, such as walking at a speed of 1-2 miles per hour, may yield significant health benefits and improve aerobic capacity over time.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers at the University of Tokyo identified a novel biomarker to monitor acute kidney injury, while a study found that the unfolded protein response contributes to nerve cell death in Alzheimer's Disease. Additionally, a bacterial toxin disrupts intestinal epithelial barrier function, leading to systemic infection.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 25, 2009

AGU journal highlights -- March 25, 2009

Research highlights coral reefs' decline due to rising CO2 levels and ocean acidification. Ocean proximity also exacerbates ozone pollution in Houston by increasing reactive chlorine mass. New measurements reveal the impact of nitryl chloride on ozone formation, with significant increases observed.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 25, 2009

Finding trapped miners

Researchers at the University of Utah developed a new method to locate trapped miners in collapsed mines by installing seismic listening devices on the ground. The system uses unique 'fingerprints' generated by miners banging on iron plates to pinpoint their location, showing promising results in tests.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalThe Leading Edge·DateMar 25, 2009

Personality influences reproductive success

A new study published in the Journal of Personality reveals that personality at adolescence predicts reproductive success later in life. Adolescents with socially dominant personalities were more likely to have children as adults, suggesting that status striving may be important for reproductive success even in modern humans.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Personality·DateMar 25, 2009

A fast magnetic fix for sepsis?

A team of researchers has created a microdevice that uses magnetism to remove pathogens from the bloodstream, showing promise as a potential treatment for sepsis. The device, developed by Chong Wing Yung and Don Ingber, achieved over 80% clearance of fungi in contaminated human blood.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMar 25, 2009

Rice fine-tunes attack on cancer

Rice University scientists have developed a method to optimize the attack on cancer cells using laser-nanoparticles. By adjusting the size and composition of nanoparticles, researchers can create more uniform temperature profiles within tumors.

SourceRice University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateMar 25, 2009

Values predict attitudes toward nuclear power

A new study published in Risk Analysis found that public support for nuclear power is highest among those who trust the industry and hold traditional values. The study's findings suggest that increasing public trust in the nuclear industry is crucial for a resurgence of nuclear power in the US.

SourceWiley·JournalRisk Analysis·DateMar 25, 2009

Male circumcision reduces risk of genital herpes and HPV infection, but not syphilis

A study found that medically supervised male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of acquiring genital herpes (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV), but has no effect on syphilis. Circumcision was also associated with a 28% lower risk of HSV-2 infection and a 35% reduced prevalence of HPV.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2009

Knobbly kneed ID

A study published in the International Journal of Biometrics proposes using knee X-rays for biometric validation, providing a unique and secure method for identifying individuals. The Wnd-charm algorithm rapidly analyzes X-ray images to identify specific knees and match them with a database, making it difficult for fraudsters to spoof ...

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biometrics·DateMar 25, 2009

Herbal medicines for treatment of gastrointestinal disease

Researchers reviewed data on Japanese herbal medicines and found them to be effective in reducing symptoms of functional dyspepsia, constipation, and postoperative ileus. The use of standardized formulations of herbal medicines requires further examination for their health benefits.

SourceWiley·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateMar 24, 2009