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Science News for January 27, 2010


Relationship recall: Attachment style may affect memories of relationship events

Research from Psychological Science found that attachment styles can affect how individuals remember relationship events, with anxious and avoidant individuals recalling experiences based on their needs and goals. The study's results suggest that attachment styles influence how we interpret memories of interactions with our partners.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 27, 2010

The hidden cost of schizophrenia

Research found that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of crime and have poorer mental health. The study also estimated a significant economic impact of legal involvement on patients, with direct costs ranging from $1429 per patient per year.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateJan 27, 2010

Metal hydrides for high temperature superconductivity

A team of scientists has discovered a general trend in the behavior of metal hydrides ScH3, YH3, and LaH3, finding that superconducting states are strongest when materials are weakest. The researchers also found differences between the three metal hydrides, with a secondary superconducting phase present in YH3 but absent in ScH3 and LaH3.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2010

Study confirms accuracy of transient elastography in NAFLD

Researchers confirm accuracy of transient elastography for diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and excluding advanced fibrosis. The study found TE to be superior to other non-invasive tests in detecting advanced fibrosis, with the potential to spare two-thirds of NAFLD patients from liver biopsies.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJan 27, 2010

Prayer increases forgiveness

A study published in Psychological Science found that directed prayer can spark forgiveness in both the person praying and their wronged partner. Praying for a close friend also increased selfless concern, which boosted forgiveness. The researchers believe prayer shifts attention from the self back to others, allowing resentments to fade.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 27, 2010

Teens who drink with parents may still develop alcohol problems

A new study found that parents who allow their teenagers to drink at home may increase the risk of alcohol-related problems, including trouble in school and fights with peers. The researchers suggest that prohibiting drinking altogether is a better approach to reducing the risk of heavy drinking and problem drinking in adolescence.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJan 27, 2010

American opinion cools on global warming

A recent survey found a significant decrease in Americans' concerns and trust in climate change. Only 57% believe global warming is happening, and 47% attribute it to human activities. Meanwhile, public trust in institutions and leaders has eroded, with distrust towards scientists, politicians, and the media on the rise

Deadly fish virus now found in all Great Lakes

The viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) has been detected in fish from Lake Superior, Paradise, and Skanee in Michigan, and St. Louis Bay and Superior Bay in Wisconsin. The presence of the virus in all Great Lakes poses a significant threat to New York's $1.4 billion annual sport-fishing industry.

Scientists map changes in science and beyond

A team of researchers used new mathematical tools to reveal major shifts in the structure of scientific research, tracking changes in neuroscience from an interdisciplinary specialty to a full-fledged scholarly discipline. The analysis resulted in striking images demonstrating the evolution of the field over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2010

Losing sleep, losing brain?

A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chronic insomnia is associated with smaller volumes in brain regions involved in memory formation and pleasantness evaluation. Insomnia patients have lower grey matter density in these regions, which may impact their ability to recognize optimal comfort for falling asleep.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 27, 2010

Brain scientists extend map of fear memory formation

Researchers have extended the fear map to include the prelimbic cortex, revealing its importance in emotional regulation. The study found that mice lacking a critical growth factor in the prelimbic cortex struggle to remember to fear electric shocks, suggesting a potential link to anxiety disorders.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2010

Antibiotic found to protect hearing in mice

Researchers discovered that a commonly used antibiotic, kanamycin, protects mouse ears from noise-induced hearing loss when given in low doses. The finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments and could benefit groups such as premature babies, soldiers, and airline workers.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology·DateJan 27, 2010

News brief: Childhood survivors of CNS cancers and leukemia have lowered educational attainment

A recent study found that childhood cancer survivors who had brain or central nervous system cancers, or leukemia, achieved lower-than-expected educational success. The study, which analyzed data from over 10,000 survivors, revealed significant differences in educational attainment between these groups and the general population.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 27, 2010

Integrating private insurance with public health would improve US health care -- study

Researchers propose national health trust to promote optimal mix of personal medical care and population health measures, reducing inefficiencies and administrative waste. The proposed system would target spending to investments with the greatest long-run returns, improving US healthcare outcomes.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 27, 2010

The roots of food security

Researchers found that auxin hormones regulate root branching in plants, enabling more efficient nutrient uptake and storage, which can support high-yield crops and enhance food security.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2010

Brain responses during anesthesia mimic those during natural deep sleep

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison reported finding brain response patterns similar to those during natural deep sleep under anesthesia. The study suggests that loss of consciousness may be linked to a breakdown in cortical connectivity, lending support to the integrated information theory of consciousness.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2010

Vitamin D supplements could fight Crohn's disease

A new study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry found that Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to Crohn's disease. The researchers discovered that Vitamin D acts directly on genes involved in fighting intestinal bacteria and immune responses. Siblings of patients with Crohn's disease may benefit from ensuring they are vitamin ...

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2010

Engineering professor Maura Borrego earns rising star award

Maura Borrego, a Virginia Tech assistant professor of engineering education, has received the Rising Star Award from SCHEV and Dominion. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex technological challenges, while her teaching methods emphasize active learning techniques and student-centered discussion.