Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 20, 2010


Less than 10 percent of injecting drug users covered by existing HIV prevention interventions; huge scale-up of combined approaches needed

Less than 1 in 10 injecting drug users globally are covered by effective HIV prevention interventions, with most relying on a combination of needle and syringe programs, opioid substitution therapy, and antiretroviral therapy. Scaling up these combined approaches is crucial to reduce HIV transmission among IDUs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 20, 2010

Inadequate provision of treatments, plus laws prohibiting opioid substitution, all driving drug-related HIV epidemics

Experts conclude that inadequate provision of opioid substitution therapy, needle exchange programs, and antiretroviral treatment, along with laws prohibiting OST, are all contributing to the spread of HIV among people who use drugs. Scaling up combination HIV prevention interventions is shown to be effective in curbing the epidemic.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 20, 2010

Feeling insecure in relationships may predispose people to later health problems, says research

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people with insecure attachments in relationships may be at higher risk for cardiovascular problems. Those with anxious attachments were particularly associated with a range of health conditions, including chronic pain and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers al...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJul 20, 2010

Genetic mismatch keeps yeast species distinct

Researchers identify genes causing sterility in yeast hybrids, shedding light on reproductive isolation mechanisms. A genetic mismatch between nucleus and mitochondria is found to be a common cause of sterility in yeasts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 20, 2010

Taking music seriously

A review of research linking musical training to learning highlights the neural connections made during musical training also prime the brain for other aspects of human communication. Music training enhances neuroplasticity and enables the nervous system to provide stable patterns for meaningful learning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateJul 20, 2010

BUSPH researchers link widely used chemicals to ADHD in children

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a link between polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found increased odds of ADHD in children with higher serum PFC levels.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 20, 2010

Consumers love underdogs

A recent study found that consumers strongly relate to underdog brands, identifying with their stories of struggle and perseverance. The authors' experiments showed that brand biographies highlighting external disadvantage and passion for overcoming adversity drive purchase interest.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 20, 2010

New hypothesis for human evolution and human nature

Paleoanthropologist Pat Shipman suggests that humans' ability to nurture other animal species contributed to the development of language and tool-making, ultimately leading to domestication. This 'animal connection' allowed early humans to develop a system of communication and observation, which became increasingly advantageous over time.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateJul 20, 2010

Women in their 50s more prone to PTSD than men

Research found that women are more prone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men, with the highest risk peaking at age 51-55. The study suggests that increased lifespan may contribute to this difference, as individuals have more years to experience traumatic events and their consequences.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAnnals of General Psychiatry·DateJul 20, 2010

New method developed for synchronizing clocks

Researchers have developed a new method to accurately synchronize clocks by leveraging both GPS and the Internet. This technique uses a common-view disciplined oscillator (CVDO) to set clocks within 10 nanoseconds of a reference clock, providing unparalleled accuracy in complex systems such as computers, telecommunications, and more.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJul 20, 2010

Women, minorities more likely to see doctor of choice in emergency room

A study by the University of Michigan Health System found that female physicians are more supportive than male physicians when it comes to honoring patient requests for a doctor of the same gender or background. The study also showed that racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslim patients, are more likely to have their requests...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 20, 2010

Temperature constancy appears key to tropical biodiversity

A new study reveals that consistent year-round temperatures in the tropics, rather than higher temperatures or more sunlight, are key to its stunning biodiversity. The research suggests that the world is likely less diverse today than it was tens of millions of years ago, when the entire Earth had consistent year-round temperatures.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPaleobiology·DateJul 20, 2010

Drug users must be decriminalized along with scale-up of combination treatment and changes to drug control and law enforcement

Experts call for decriminalization of drug users, alongside a massive scale-up of opioid substitution, needle and syringe programs, and antiretroviral treatment. Current treatment programmes only reach around 10% of people who use drugs worldwide, highlighting the need for reform in justice systems and policy decision making.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 20, 2010

Why does everything look gray when you feel blue?

Researchers found that people with depression have difficulty detecting black-and-white contrast differences in their retina. The study used a pattern electroretinogram to measure retinal responses in patients with depression and healthy individuals, revealing dramatically lower contrast gain in depressed patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 20, 2010

6 new research units established

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is setting up six new Research Units to facilitate transregional and interdisciplinary cooperation among researchers. The new networks focus on topics such as neurophysiological processes, correlated solids, the Mamluk era, combustion processes and climate change.

Data presentation and consumer confidence

A recent study found that data presented in frequency format elicits higher confidence and more accurate conclusions in consumers. In contrast, percentages appear easier for consumers to understand, but may lead to averaging errors. The results have practical implications for regulators trying to discourage smoking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 20, 2010

Cellulose: Hard to digest, but full of energy

Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify CSI1 protein involved in cellulose synthesis, linked to improved cell wall digestibility and energy generation. The discovery aims to increase animal feed efficiency and tap into plant cell walls as a renewable energy source.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2010

Alcohol: The forgotten drug in HIV/AIDS

A new study finds that hazardous alcohol consumption is linked to increased HIV infection rates in Southern and Eastern Africa. Venue-based interventions have been shown to be effective in changing individual behavior and social norms, but more research is needed to address the gender gap in these programs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 20, 2010

Schools safer, discipline worse

Research by Professor Aaron Kupchik finds that schools are safer than ever, yet disciplinary practices continue to be overly aggressive and ineffective. He recommends alternatives such as removing police from schools and involving students in the rule-making process to promote safety and well-being.

Where the wild veggies are

Researchers have found that the wild populations giving rise to melons and cucumbers originated in Asia, contrary to previous assumptions. The study analyzed genetic material from over 100 species of Cucumis, revealing a close living relative of the cultivated melon is native to Australia.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2010

Liverpool scientists construct molecular 'knots'

Researchers at the University of Liverpool construct molecular 'knots' with dimensions of around two nanometers, using a process called self-assembly to mechanically bond interpenetrating loops. The discovery has potential applications in building molecular machines to trap harmful gases and pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 20, 2010

HIV testing for children must be improved

Children account for 18% of HIV-related deaths and 15% of infections annually, highlighting the need for improved testing. New approaches, such as routine newborn testing, could help detect more children with HIV in resource-limited settings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 20, 2010

Dairy farmers can fight growing disease threat with chlorine and stainless steel

USDA researchers found that using stainless steel water troughs with chlorinated water significantly reduces the survival of Johne's disease-causing bacteria. Chlorine is particularly effective in killing the bacteria on stainless and galvanized steel surfaces, but has limited impact on concrete and plastic.

UCLA scientists isolate the first stages of tissue production in human embryonic stem cells

Researchers have isolated the first stage of tissue production in human embryonic stem cells, marking a significant breakthrough in regenerative medicine. The discovery may lead to the development of safer tissues for use in treating various medical conditions, including leukemia and sickle cell anemia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2010

What causes hybrid vigor?

Researchers found that genetic variation, known as gene expression noise, can lead to increased vigour in species hybrids. This study provides a new explanation for hybrid vigor, covering both natural and domesticated varieties.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 20, 2010