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Science News for August 18, 2010


A seismic triple whammy

A magnitude-8.1 earthquake triggered two major quakes of magnitude 7.8 within two minutes, revealing a unprecedented pattern in the Samoa-Tonga region. The study suggests that normal fault earthquakes can trigger subduction zone quakes, affecting tsunami hazard calculations globally.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateAug 18, 2010

New satellite data reveals true decline of world's mangrove forests

Scientists have created the most comprehensive map of the Earth's mangrove forest distribution, revealing a 12.3% decline in forest coverage compared to earlier estimates. The map shows that approximately 75% of remaining forests are found in just 15 countries, with only ~6.9% protected under existing networks.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateAug 18, 2010

Targeting hit-and-run cancer viruses

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a vaccine to stop cancer-causing viruses that invade host cells, initiate cancer, and then disappear. The vaccine has been shown to protect against subsequent cancer development in mouse models, holding promise for preventing human cancers.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateAug 18, 2010

A cure for HIV could be all in the 'mix'

A new research approach targets infected cells to eliminate HIV, offering a potential cure. By inducing programmed cell death, the approach aims to reduce the viral load and prevent disease progression. If successful, this therapy could lead to an eradication of the virus.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAIDS Research and Therapy·DateAug 18, 2010

Mount Sinai researchers discover new mechanism behind cellular energy conversion

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have gained atomic-level insight into how organisms synthesize their major form of chemical energy using the enzyme ATP synthase. The discovery provides a clearer understanding of how these nano-machines function, including the role of water molecules in the rotary mechanism of ATP synthesis.

Early life influences risk for psychiatric disorders

Research suggests that early life influences can lead to a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Maternal stress and exposure to famine during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of these conditions in offspring.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 18, 2010

Study shows Italian youths who drink with meals are less often adult problem-drinkers

A new study published in Addiction Research & Theory found that Italian adolescents and young adults allowed alcohol with meals while growing up were less likely to develop harmful drinking patterns. This suggests that introducing moderate amounts of alcohol in a family setting can prevent binge drinking and nurture healthier behaviors.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateAug 18, 2010

For teens, early sex and media exposure not linked

A Temple University study reevaluates data from a widely publicized 2006 study on the effects of sexualized media on teens, finding no link between the two. The researcher controlled for other factors, such as school performance and parental relationships, to rule out potential correlations.

SourceTemple University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateAug 18, 2010

Drug-eluting stents confirmed safe, effective for long-term use

A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions confirms the safety and effectiveness of drug-eluting stents (DES) for long-term use. The use of DES reduces the occurrence of myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and mortality compared to bare-metal stents.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateAug 18, 2010

Advanced Web-based medical technologies foster better informed consumers

The use of advanced web-based medical technologies is increasing the role of consumers in their own healthcare, providing access to reliable drug information and decision support tools. These innovative solutions, such as Healthline DrugSearch, enable users to compare treatments and understand interactions with multiple prescriptions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateAug 18, 2010