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Science News for July 1, 2010


The battle to be researchers in the oPt

Despite these challenges, Palestinian researchers were able to attend a conference on global health issues, showcasing their resilience and determination. The conference, hosted by the Lancet-Palestinian Health Alliance, brought together international and local experts to discuss population health in the context of occupation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 1, 2010

Work-life balance: Brain stem cells need their rest, too

Researchers have identified a key molecular guard that prevents brain stem cells from proliferating, protecting the brain against excessive cell division. This study highlights the importance of bone morphogenetic factor protein (BMP) signaling for maintaining neural stem cells throughout adulthood.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 1, 2010

A Palestinian perspective on aid

A Palestinian perspective on aid critiques the politics behind aid provided to the occupied territory, highlighting how it maintains an unacceptable situation. The authors argue that generous aid subsidizes Israel's expansion and perpetuates donor dependency, with 42% of health expenditure financed by donors.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 1, 2010

High potassium? Check your antibiotic

A recent study found that the TMP-SMX antibiotic combination significantly increases the risk of severe hyperkalemia in older adults, a potentially deadly adverse drug reaction. The risk is five times higher in patients prescribed TMP-SMX compared to those taking amoxicillin.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 1, 2010

A worm bites off enough to chew

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology have discovered a control mechanism behind the development of Pristionchus' mouthparts. The organism's mouth dimorphism is triggered by environmental factors such as food scarcity and high population density, resulting in the development of strong teeth-like denticles.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2010

1 in 4 Palestinian children goes without breakfast

A recent study published in The Lancet finds that 26% of Palestinian children skip breakfast, leading to concerns over anaemia, stunting, and poor eating habits. The study suggests that comprehensive school nutrition programs are needed to address these issues and promote healthy eating habits among all age groups.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 1, 2010

Planned home births associated with tripling of neonatal mortality rate vs. planned hospital births

A new study found that planned home births are associated with a tripling of the neonatal mortality rate compared to planned hospital deliveries. Women giving birth at home experienced fewer medical interventions, but their infants had higher rates of respiratory distress and failed resuscitation.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 1, 2010

RXTE homes in on a black hole's jets

Astronomers using NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite have confirmed that most of the X-rays in a binary system come from the dual, oppositely directed jets around a black hole. The study provides new insights into the complex behavior of these systems and their extreme environments.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 1, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: July 1, 2010

Researchers have identified biomarkers for life-threatening conditions in preterm infants, such as late-onset septicemia and necrotizing enterocolitis. Additionally, studies on leptin's role in childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes have shed light on the importance of hypothalamic signaling in preventing obesity development, while also...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2010

Study shows short-term kidney failure in heart patients may not be as detrimental

Research by UC Health cardiologists found that while worsening kidney function is common among heart failure patients, those with transient worsening kidney function have better outcomes than those with persistent kidney failure. The study of 467 patients also showed a significant difference in mortality rates between the two groups.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·DateJul 1, 2010

Ultrafine particles in air pollution may heighten allergic inflammation in asthma

A new study found that ultrafine particles from vehicular emissions can boost allergic inflammation in the lungs, exacerbating asthma. The researchers used a real-time testing method to isolate the effects of ultrafine particles on the immune response in mice, and found significant enhancement of allergic airway inflammation with expos...

Scientists find moon whiskers

Researchers at the Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory detected and dated Moon carbon in the form of graphite, which survived from the late heavy bombardment era 3.8 billion years ago. The discovery provides a record of the meteoritic carbon input to the Earth-Moon system when life was emerging on Earth.

The terror of childbirth under siege

The article shares harrowing accounts of women who gave birth during the Israeli assault on Gaza strip in December 2008 and January 2009. The women described severe trauma, complications such as sepsis and hypothermia, and their heroic struggles to survive with their families amidst destruction.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 1, 2010

Chromosomal abnormality found for inherited clubfoot

A team of researchers discovered a chromosomal abnormality in chromosome 17 region associated with clubfoot, a genetic cause for the condition. The study found that 6% of familial clubfoot cases had a duplication in this region, which may help predict treatment response and identify patients at risk of hip abnormalities.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 1, 2010

Authoritative parenting style influences family eating behavior and better nutrition in adolescents

Research suggests that an authoritative parenting style is associated with a higher frequency of family meals, leading to better nutrition and eating behavior among adolescents. This style of parenting, characterized by responsiveness and clear boundaries, was found to have a positive influence on teenagers' dietary habits.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJul 1, 2010

Can money buy happiness? Gallup poll asks, and the world answers

A global survey of 136,000 people found that life satisfaction increases with income, but positive feelings are strongly associated with other factors like feeling respected and having autonomy. The study suggests that material prosperity predicts life evaluation, whereas psychosocial prosperity predicts positive feelings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 1, 2010