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Science News Archive 2010 - Page 63


Page 63 of 283

Lose the weight, not the potatoes

A 12-week study of 86 overweight participants found that all three groups lost weight when consuming five to seven servings of potatoes per week. The results suggest that potatoes, when prepared in a healthy manner, do not contribute to weight gain and can be part of a weight loss program.

Getting out of the house after stroke

Researchers are conducting a national study to assess whether a targeted rehabilitation approach can aid stroke patients in leaving their homes more confidently. The study will compare outcomes of volunteer patients receiving the intervention with those not receiving it, aiming to improve physical capabilities and boost confidence.

Diagnosing autism with MRI is 1 step closer

Researchers at the University of Utah Health used MRI to identify areas where the left and right hemispheres of the brains of people with autism do not properly communicate. The study found functional connectivity abnormalities in the entire brain, adding to the understanding of this disorder.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 12, 2010

Gambling on bacteria

Research by Prof. Eshel Ben-Jacob suggests that bacteria can effectively control 'noise' in their environment and make decisions that benefit the entire colony. Bacteria's group decision-making processes can inform human decision-making, particularly in situations with multiple stakeholders.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2010

Nurses critical in assuring health needs of LGBTIQ youth

A Concordia University professor argues that nurses can advocate for better healthcare and services for teenagers who are LGBTIQ, reducing transmission of sexually transmitted infections by discussing safe sex practices. Nurses should be nonjudgmental, tolerant and supportive of LGBTIQ individuals in the clinic and community.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing·DateOct 12, 2010

Being more realistic about the public health impact of genomic medicine

Researchers argue that genomic risk prediction for population-level preventive healthcare is not yet supported by evidence. A cost-effective approach would require interventions for those at risk, but such an approach has yet to be demonstrated. The authors caution against widescale implementation of genetic screening for disease risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 12, 2010

Landing lights for bumblebees

Growing plants with red flowers or striped blooms can significantly increase the number of visits from bumblebees, according to a study by Norwich BioScience Institutes. The research found that stripes following the veins of flowers provide a visual guide for pollinators, directing them to nectar and pollen.

Microbial hair: It's electric

Researchers have discovered that specialized bacterial filaments, known as nanowires, can conduct electricity, allowing microbial colonies to thrive. The findings suggest a new way for bacteria to transfer electrons and support each other, potentially leading to breakthroughs in biofilm resistance and sustainable energy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Population trends: Another influence on climate change

A new study found that a slowing of population growth could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with slower growth paths by 2050 accounting for 16-29% of necessary emissions reductions. Urbanization and aging also play significant roles in shaping future emissions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Hormone therapy after menopause might increase risk of kidney stones

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that hormone therapy after menopause increases the risk of developing kidney stones by approximately 20 percent. The research calls into question the long-held belief that estrogen protects women from the disease, and clinicians need to consider the risks and benefits of hormone ...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 11, 2010

Intriguing viral link to intestinal cancer in mice

Research by Sergio Lira at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that HCMV-infected mice develop intestinal tumors as they age, with increased tumor growth compared to normal mice. The study suggests a potential viral link to intestinal cancer in humans, although further work is needed to confirm the association.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 11, 2010

Modeling shows that factors beyond crowding affect how molecules interact within cells

Using large-scale computer simulations, researchers at Georgia Tech have identified hydrodynamic interactions as a dominant factor in intracellular diffusion, accounting for much of the reduction in molecular movement. This finding has significant implications for understanding disease states and developing therapeutic drugs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Dogs may be pessimistic too

A new study by the University of Bristol has found that dogs with separation-related behaviors tend to make more pessimistic judgments, suggesting a cognitive bias. The research provides insight into animal emotions and highlights the importance of addressing underlying negative emotional states in dogs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 11, 2010