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Science News for October 26, 2010


New snub-nosed monkey discovered in Northern Myanmar

A new species of snub-nosed monkey, Rhinopithecus strykeri, has been discovered in Northern Myanmar with distinctive characteristics. The species is critically endangered due to increasing hunting pressure from logging road construction by Chinese companies, threatening its survival.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateOct 26, 2010

Breaching the breech protocol

Researchers at Tel Aviv University argue that traditional vaginal delivery for breech babies is not only safe but also safer than C-sections. The study's findings indicate reduced morbidity and mortality for mothers. The expert advocates for retraining obstetricians and midwives in traditional techniques to revive vaginal birth methods.

Targeted radiation therapy minimizes GI side effects for prostate cancer patients, Penn study shows

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) minimizes gastrointestinal complications in prostate cancer patients. The study compared IMRT to three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and found that men treated with IMRT had fewer serious bowel complications.

Getting the big picture quickly

Researchers created a software that quickly edits massive images, called ViSUS, allowing users to interactively edit and analyze them in seconds. This technology has the potential to transform various fields such as medicine, where it can be used to edit medical images like MRI and CT scans.

Nature's backbone at risk

The study confirms an extinction crisis with one-fifth of species threatened, but highlights the positive impact of global conservation efforts. Conservation actions have prevented a decline in biodiversity by nearly 20%, with 64 species improving in status and three species being re-introduced back to nature.

SourceIUCN·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2010

Restaurant customers willing to pay more for local food

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that restaurant patrons are willing to pay more for meals made with local ingredients. When the price of local options was 18% higher than non-local options, a higher proportion of customers chose the local meal.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Revenue Management·DateOct 26, 2010

Better transparency needed on medical journals' competing interests

A study found that medical journals with higher levels of industry support had lower impact factors. The researchers suggest that journals should apply the same level of transparency to themselves as they do to authors. By disclosing sources and amounts of income, journals can improve trust and maintain their reputation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 26, 2010

WHO pesticide regulations should be based on toxicity in humans, not rats

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that agricultural pesticide poisoning is the single most common means of suicide worldwide, with significant variation in case fatality rates among different pesticides. The authors argue that basing regulation on human toxicity, rather than animal data, could help reduce suicides and improve pu...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 26, 2010

Follow-ups prove powerful tool for treating depression in primary care

A new study by University of Michigan researchers shows that providing small amounts of flexible, targeted follow-up care can help chronically depressed patients manage their symptoms. The approach includes self-monitoring tools and follow-up phone calls from a care manager, resulting in higher remission rates and reduced-function days.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateOct 26, 2010

Mosquito monitoring saves lives and money, analysis finds

Researchers conclude that cutting mosquito surveillance would lead to exponential increases in human cases and health costs. A delayed response can result in drastically escalated costs, with some estimates suggesting a 10-fold increase. The study highlights the need for sustained funding of mosquito surveillance programs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 26, 2010

Haptoglobin as an early serum biomarker of virus-induced type 1 diabetes in rats

Researchers have discovered haptoglobin as a reliable serum biomarker for predicting the onset of virus-induced type 1 diabetes in rats. The findings suggest that sustained elevations of serum haptoglobin are predictive of ensuing diabetes, with early detection potentially allowing for timely intervention.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateOct 26, 2010

Tendency to obesity starts with pre-schoolers

A two-year study found that children who approach food with emotional over-eating or boredom tend to be overweight, while those who avoid food due to fussiness or slow eating are more likely to be underweight. The researchers suggest that household environments and parental behaviors play a significant role in shaping these early food ...

SourceUniversity of Alberta - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Obesity·DateOct 26, 2010

70 children died from H1N1 influenza in England over 9 month period; ethnic minorities and those with serious pre-existing disorders had highest mortality; these children should be vaccinated as a priority

A study found 70 pediatric deaths related to pandemic influenza A H1N1 in England over a 9-month period. Children from Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities had significantly higher mortality rates compared to white British children.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 26, 2010

Scrambling for climate change solutions

Researchers have discovered that eggshell membranes can absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, with one study showing absorption of up to seven times the membrane's own weight. This finding presents a promising approach for mitigating climate change by utilizing waste eggshells as a carbon capture material.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Warming·DateOct 26, 2010