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Science News Archive January 2010 - Page 14


Page 14 of 20

Stable climate and plant domestication linked

A new study argues that a stable climate, rather than climate change, played a crucial role in the emergence of agriculture in the Near East. The research suggests that farming communities chose crops that functioned within the normal east Mediterranean rainfall pattern, allowing for sustainable farming practices during drought years.

SourceSpringer·JournalVegetation History and Archaeobotany·DateJan 12, 2010

New stroke therapy successful in rats

Scientists have discovered a protein that can restore motor function in rats with impaired mobility after a stroke, with administered directly to the brain showing 99% regain. The intranasal method also demonstrates significant behavioral improvements and regenerative anatomical process.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateJan 12, 2010

News brief: Having a family member under 50 diagnosed with pancreatic cancer increases risk

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that having multiple family members with pancreatic cancer significantly increases an individual's risk of developing the disease. Relatives with a relative diagnosed under 50 years old are at a ninefold higher risk than the general population.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 12, 2010

When work interferes with life

Researchers found that educated individuals and professionals report more work interference with personal life, highlighting the 'stress of higher status'. Long hours also contribute to work-life imbalance, but only among those with control over their schedules.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJan 12, 2010

New findings reveal loss of smell function may predict early onset of Alzheimer's disease

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found a link between loss of smell function and amyloid protein accumulation in the brain, potentially serving as an early diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers suggest that olfactory dysfunction may be used to detect the disease prior to substantial brain degeneration.

UC Davis study: Butterflies reeling from impacts of climate and development

A new analysis led by UC Davis expert Arthur Shapiro reveals that climate change and habitat loss are devastating butterfly populations, with lowland species being hit hard. The study's findings also show that 'ruderal' butterfly species, often considered insignificant, are declining faster than other species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2010

Got cognitive activity? It does a mind good

A large national study from Brandeis University found that intellectual activities undertaken regularly can make a difference in maintaining memory. Those with low education who engaged in reading, writing, attending lectures, doing word games or puzzles regularly had memory scores similar to people with more education

SourceBrandeis University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJan 11, 2010

Captured by true crime

Research in Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that women's fascination with true crime stems from a desire to learn strategies for prevention and survival. The study found that women are more likely to be drawn to true crime books than men, as they seek to understand warning signs and escape tips.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 11, 2010

Discovery provides new drug targets for malaria cure

Researchers have identified a set of proteins related to the malaria parasite that can serve as new drug targets. The discovery uses a plant-based model, Arabidopsis, to understand how these proteins normally function, which could lead to the development of more effective antimalarial drugs.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 11, 2010

Researchers question the safety of gene therapy targeting I-1c in treating heart failure after finding it can cause abnormal heartbeats and sudden death. Additionally, a study reveals that certain anticancer drugs can cause heart failure by triggering PDGFR-beta signaling in heart muscle cells.

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