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Science News Archive May 2009 - Page 21


Page 21 of 22

Meditate your way to better bladder health

A study published in the Journal of Urology found that cognitive therapy is an effective management strategy for urge incontinence, with patients experiencing a substantial improvement in symptoms. Cognitive therapy employs deep-breathing and guided-imagery exercises to train the brain to control the bladder without medication or surgery.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMay 4, 2009

New gene may provide breast cancer diagnostic marker

A new gene called DEAR1 has been found to be genetically altered in breast tumors and may provide a new prognostic marker for breast cancer patients, particularly those with early-onset cancer. The research suggests that DEAR1-negative staining could help identify young women at high risk of cancer recurrence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 4, 2009

Study: Furniture tip-over injuries rising

A recent study found that an average of nearly 15,000 children younger than 18 years old visited emergency departments annually for furniture tip-over injuries from 1990-2007. The majority of injuries occurred among children younger than 7 years of age and resulted from televisions tipping over.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2009

Vaccine records of internationally adopted children may not reflect protection against disease

A study found that vaccine records of internationally adopted children may not guarantee immunity against diseases such as polio, measles, and hepatitis B. The predictive value of immunization records is limited and associated with birth country, due to reasons like falsification, inaccurate entries, and lack of vaccine potency.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 4, 2009

Stopgap DNA repair needs a second step

A recent study by Prof. Zvi Livneh reveals the two-step mechanism of stopgap DNA repair, a major source of mutations in cells. Understanding this process can lead to enhanced treatment options for individuals with deficient natural DNA repair, as well as improved chemotherapy effectiveness against cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 4, 2009

Psyched out by stereotypes: IU research suggests thinking about the positive

A study by Indiana University researchers found that women who are aware of both a negative and positive stereotype related to performance identify more closely with the positive stereotype, improving their performance. The study demonstrated how the negative stereotype can encroach on working memory, but the positive stereotype had no...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 4, 2009

Social networking for terrorists

A new analytical approach can reveal latent connections and patterns in terrorist networks, potentially helping investigators gather information on associates and bring perpetrators to justice sooner. The technique uses graph theory and computational data processing to analyze networks and identify critical nodes.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Services Sciences·DateMay 4, 2009

World's largest tornado experiment heads for Great Plains

The VORTEX2 project, a collaborative international study, aims to gain a better understanding of tornado formation and damage patterns. By deploying advanced weather-sensing tools, researchers hope to identify the characteristics of severe thunderstorms that produce tornadoes, ultimately leading to more accurate tornado warnings.

May 2009 Geology media highlights

Chevron-shaped dunes are not indicative of mega-tsunamis, contrary to popular speculation. Microbial life extends fossil record by 1.5 billion years, while nanoscale cristobalite fibers in volcanic ash hint at adverse health effects. The largest trilobites ever found provide insight into Earth's first animals and fossil evidence.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 4, 2009

Humans, not climate, driving increased dengue risk in Australia

A new study suggests that human behavior, such as installing large domestic water tanks, may enable the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti to re-emerge in Australia and expand its range of possible infections. By 2050, the risk of dengue fever is expected to be high in all capital cities around the country.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 4, 2009

Nanotechnology holds promise for STD drug delivery

Researchers at Yale University have developed a novel approach to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules using biodegradable nanoparticles, achieving sustained release and effective knockdown of gene activity. This breakthrough holds promise for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), particularly HPV and HIV.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 3, 2009

Late motherhood boosts family lifespan

A new study finds that women who have babies in their 40s or 50s tend to live longer than other women, and their brothers also live longer, but not their wives. The study suggests that genes may play a significant role in prolonging lifespan and female fertility.

Tree survival skills

A recent study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that stressors during tree handling and transport, such as root severance, water stress, and mechanical damage, can significantly impact tree health and establishment. Researchers identified key stages in the transplanting process that contribute to reduced growth a...

Photoselective film proves effective for controlling height in potted gardenia plants

A photoselective polyethylene greenhouse covering film has been proven effective in controlling the height of potted gardenia plants. The study showed that this technology can reduce the need for chemical growth retardants, decreasing production costs and environmental pollution. However, further research is needed to optimize its use.

Decreasing deer damage

A recent study by researchers found that certain tree and shrub species are more or less attractive to white-tailed deer, resulting in varying levels of damage. By identifying these preferences, growers can take steps to reduce economic losses, such as harvesting products in late fall and early winter.

Protecting fresh-cut produce

Researchers from three institutions applied harpin to head lettuce prior to harvest to prevent microbial contamination. The study found that harpin improved color, reduced browning, and increased phenolic compounds, which are linked to plant chemical defenses against microbes.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMay 2, 2009