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Science News Archive January 2010 - Page 3


Page 3 of 20

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.

Babies' brains tuned to sharing attention with others

Researchers found that infants as young as five months old engage in joint attention with adults, activating the left prefrontal cortex, a region involved in complex cognitive and social behaviors. This suggests that the human brain develops this important social skill surprisingly early in infancy.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 26, 2010