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Science News Archive March 2010 - Page 25


Page 25 of 27

First signal received by future telescope

The first antenna of the Australia Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope has received its first radio signals, paving the way for further development. The successful test demonstrates the feasibility of ASKAP's innovative design and sets a promising stage for the future telescope's scientific discoveries.

'Distributed energy' has power to save billions

A new report by CSIRO outlines the potential of distributed energy to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Distributed energy systems can provide local generation, efficiency, and demand management, offering an immediate and cost-effective response to climate change.

Study finds delay in referrals for older women with ovarian cancer

Researchers found that GP referrals for gynaecological investigation were delayed for older women with suspected ovarian cancer. Women over 70 years old had a 20-week wait for referral, while those aged 75-79 years had a peak wait of 24 weeks. The discrepancy may be due to differences in data recording and GPs' motivation.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 2, 2010

Lesbian, gay, bisexual individuals risk psychiatric disorders from discriminatory policies

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals living in states with same-sex marriage bans experienced significant increases in mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorders. The prevalence of any psychiatric disorder also increased among heterosexual respondents, ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 2, 2010

Only the beautiful need apply

A new study finds that undergraduate women who join a sorority are more likely to experience self-objectification, higher levels of bulimic attitudes, and increased body shame. Sorority membership may exacerbate pre-existing problematic attitudes and behaviors.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 2, 2010

How estrogen feeds breast tumors

Researchers found that estrogen inhibits MLK3, a protein that causes normal cell death, leading to uncontrolled growth of cancer cells and resistance to chemotherapy. This discovery could lead to new cancer-fighting drugs.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 2, 2010

Small molecule with high impact

Researchers at HZI have discovered a new adjuvant, c-di-IMP, that enhances immune responses and provides long-lasting protection. The molecule has been shown to stimulate important effector mechanisms in mice, making it a promising candidate for improving existing vaccines.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalVaccine·DateMar 2, 2010

Even the boss doesn't follow the doctor's orders

A study of corporate executives found that only 68% took their cholesterol-lowering medication as prescribed. Executives who took statins were twice as likely to meet their cholesterol goals and achieved better outcomes than those who didn't take the medication, even sporadically.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateMar 2, 2010

'Stepping up' asthma treatment in children leads to improvement

A new study found that increasing dosage or adding asthma drugs to low-dose inhaled corticosteroids improves asthma control in 98% of children. LABA shows the highest response rate, but individual patients require personalized treatment due to factors like Asthma Control Test score, eczema, and ethnicity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 2, 2010

Mother's milk turns on the heat

Researchers discover that mother's milk induces liver production of FGF21, a molecule that activates brown fat to increase body temperature. This phenomenon may have far-reaching consequences for metabolic health in adulthood.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 2, 2010

Cocaine-related deaths rise in warm weather

Researchers found that accidental overdose deaths from cocaine use rose significantly when ambient temperature exceeded 24 degrees Celsius. The number of cocaine-related overdose deaths continued to climb as temperatures increased, due to cocaine's effect on core body temperature and cardiovascular system.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 2, 2010

Political corruption has impact on social trust

A new study by Georgia State University professor Sean Richey found that residents of states with more government corruption have less trust in the general public. Increases in corruption before a survey were taken lead to decreases in belief that government officials and ordinary citizens are trustworthy.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateMar 2, 2010

Moderate drinking before trauma leads to more flashbacks

New research at UCL suggests that moderate alcohol consumption before a traumatic event can lead to increased recall of the traumatic experience, resulting in more frequent flashbacks. In contrast, high levels of alcohol consumption may disrupt both types of memory, leading to fewer flashbacks and reduced overall memory for the event.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 2, 2010

A new generation of rapid-acting antidepressants?

Researchers found that scopolamine, a muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist, reduced symptoms of depression within three days. The study also showed that participants experienced full symptom remission by the end of the treatment period.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2010