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Science News for May 19, 2010


Over-diagnosis of bipolar disorder and disability payments -- a link?

A study from Rhode Island Hospital found that patients over-diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more likely to receive disability payments for a longer period. The researchers propose a link between the two, suggesting that clinicians may over-diagnose bipolar disorder in complex, chronically ill patients seeking secondary gain.

SourceLifespan·JournalThe Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease·DateMay 19, 2010

Disease control, not climate change, key to future of malaria

A recent study suggests that current malaria interventions could have a more dramatic positive effect on reducing the spread of malaria than negative effects caused by climate change. The research found that disease control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and modern antimalarial drugs can potentially counteract the effect...

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2010

Preschool depression: The importance of early detection of depression in young children

Research highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for preschool depression, which can be a precursor to later childhood depression. Developmental interventions and psychotherapy may be effective in addressing preschool depression, with novel treatments like Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) showing promise.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMay 19, 2010

Proposed diagnostic change not enough to help children currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder

A new pediatric DSM category, Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria (TDD), aims to better reflect symptoms of children currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, the authors argue that this change alone is not enough to promote flourishing in troubled children and may even lead to increased medication use.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 19, 2010

An explosive pair

Researchers identify third type of supernova with unique chemical composition, suggesting a pair of white dwarves are involved. This discovery may explain the prevalence of certain elements in the universe and account for observed concentrations of particles called positrons.

Manmade antibodies hold biomedical promise

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to create synthetic antibodies that can bind with human proteins with high affinity and specificity. This technique, called synbody construction, involves combining random amino acid sequences to form a binding molecule that can target specific proteins.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2010

Dynamic HIV testing

Researchers developed a dynamic HIV testing device that eliminates human error and requires no technician intervention. The device is 100% accurate, inexpensive, portable, and self-contained, making it suitable for rural clinics and pharmacies in developing countries.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateMay 19, 2010

UC Davis study finds new predictor of heart disease in African-Americans

A study by UC Davis researchers has identified a blood component, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), as a predictor of coronary artery disease in African-Americans. The finding highlights the role of inflammation in vascular disease among this ethnic group and may lead to more targeted treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2010

Common birds pass on organic seed

A three-year study found wild birds opt for conventional food due to its higher protein content, challenging the notion that organic food is preferred. The study's findings suggest that consumers may be misled about the nutritional benefits of organic food.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMay 19, 2010

Particulate air pollution affects heart health

Researchers found that particulate air pollution from PM2.5 exposure can affect heart electrophysiology up to six hours after inhalation, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated PM2.5 levels may trigger acute cardiac events and contribute to chronic heart disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 19, 2010

Muscle loss in elderly linked to blood vessels' failure to dilate

Research at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that elderly people's muscles don't respond to insulin by expanding their blood vessels like younger people do. This response is necessary for muscle protein synthesis and growth, with implications for improving strength and health in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2010

Living wills are poor predictors of actual treatment preferences at the end of life

A recent study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine found that living wills often do not accurately reflect patients' actual treatment preferences at the end of life. The authors propose revising living wills to include more realistic scenarios and estimates of treatment effectiveness to guide advance care decisions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateMay 19, 2010

Enabling video systems to react intelligently to content

The EUREKA ITEA 2 project developed advanced digital technologies for robust analytical algorithms, a scalable platform, and content presentation that adapts to devices, users, and content. Key innovations include automated video content analysis for surveillance, medical diagnostics, and multimedia applications.

SourceEUREKA·DateMay 19, 2010

Keeping an ear out for kin

Researchers discovered that bats can differentiate between their own and different species using individualized echolocation calls, similar to how humans recognize voices. This ability may provide an advantage in hunting grounds, while also influencing community-level interactions.

More than 60 percent of teachers have voice problems

A study by researchers at the University of Malaga found that 62.7% of early childhood and primary education teachers suffer from voice disorders on a daily or weekly basis. The study highlights the psychosocial dimensions associated with these disorders, including less social support, role conflict, and reduced respect for their work.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFolia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica·DateMay 19, 2010