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Science News Archive July 2010 - Page 8


Page 8 of 23

Antibiotics for the prevention of malaria

Researchers found that administering antibiotics to mice infected with malaria prevents the disease and induces long-term immunity. The treatment targets the apicoplast, a bacterial organ necessary for parasite reproduction, allowing the immune system to develop robust protection.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 21, 2010

Primitive frogs do a belly flop

A new study reveals that primitive living frogs evolved jumping before perfecting their landing techniques, leading to distinctive belly flop landings. This evolutionary split may have contributed to the frogs' inability to swim synchronously and resulted in unusual anatomical features.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJul 21, 2010

How do you make the perfect sled dog?

Researchers identified the genetic contributions of various breeds to Alaskan sled dogs' performance. The study found that Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky traits are associated with enhanced endurance, while Pointer and Saluki contribute to speed, and Anatolian Shepherd improves work ethic.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genetics·DateJul 21, 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