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Science News for June 15, 2010


Treatment with naturally occurring protein prevents and reverses brain damage caused by meningitis

A recent study found that naturally occurring protein IL-10 can prevent and reverse brain damage caused by meningitis in newborns. The research suggests that IL-10 acts to clear antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant E. coli from the circulation, thereby preventing or restoring damaged brain tissue.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 15, 2010

Leaded gasoline predominant source of lead exposure in latter 20th century

A new study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that leaded gasoline was the predominant source of lead exposure for African-American children in Cleveland during the latter half of the 20th century. The study used dental records and other data to show that lead levels in teeth increased dramatically during this period...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 15, 2010

On the face of it, voting's superficial

Researchers found that voters rely heavily on nonverbal cues, such as facial appearance, to make judgments about politicians' competence. Appearance-based competence judgments reliably predict both voting decisions and election outcomes, particularly among less knowledgeable voters who watch a lot of television.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Nonverbal Behavior·DateJun 15, 2010

Study: Getting patients to take their asthma meds

Physicians play a stronger role in asthma patient adherence by monitoring medication use and reviewing electronic prescription information. However, few doctors access detailed adherence data, highlighting the need for effective ways to encourage patients to stay with their prescription regimens.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 15, 2010

New estimates of the global Plasmodium falciparum clinical malaria burden

A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that there were approximately 451 million clinical cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria worldwide in 2007. The majority of this burden was attributed to India, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar. These findings highlight the need for improved diagnosis and surveillance ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 15, 2010

Climate change increases hazard risk in alpine regions says research led by University of Exeter

Research led by the University of Exeter finds that climate change is increasing hazard risks in mountainous regions, including glacier loss and rock-fall activity. The study's findings highlight the need for increased public awareness and preparedness to mitigate the impacts of climate-related hazards.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateJun 15, 2010

Findings indicate digestive disorder in infants may be genetic

A nationwide study in Denmark suggests a genetic component to pyloric stenosis in infants, with a high concordance rate in monozygotic twins and significant familial aggregation among siblings. The study found an 87% heritability estimate, supporting the notion that inherited genes play a key role in the development of this condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 15, 2010

NIH-funded scientists find 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine protects mice from 1918 flu virus

A 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine has been found to protect mice from the 1918 Spanish flu virus. The study's results suggest that people vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 or exposed to the virus may have cross-protective antibodies against the 1918 strain, providing potential protection.

Experience shapes the brain's circuitry throughout adulthood

Research by scientists at Rockefeller University shows that adult brain circuits continually modify themselves in response to experience. After removing a mouse's whisker, excitatory connections rapidly sprout and inhibit networks adjust to maintain balance between excitation and inhibition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2010

Does bankruptcy counseling help debtors establish a fresh start?

A study by Angela Lyons and Money Management International found that debtors who completed credit counseling sessions showed improvement in their financial knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. Despite initial challenges due to medical bills or unemployment, debtors benefited from the counseling, learning essential basic fi...

Topical treatments provide effective local pain relief

A systematic review shows that topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are more effective than placebos for treating short-term pain, reducing pain by 50% or more in over six out of ten cases. The researchers found that topical diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and piroxicam provided the best results with few side effects.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJun 15, 2010

Organic nanoelectronics a step closer

An international team of researchers has effectively discovered a way to order molecules in conducting polymers, opening up possibilities for miniaturized electronics. The technique involves using an inorganic material as a template to create a conducting polymer, with the potential to produce continuous sheets and electronic circuits.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2010