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Science News Archive August 2011 - Page 21


Page 21 of 27

Drug development in the blink of an eye

Researchers have developed a new method to assess psychoactive compounds' effects on eye movements in mice, which can be used to predict efficacy and detect side effects. This approach shows promise for guiding more efficient drug development for brain-related conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2011

When a man's female partner becomes too buddy-buddy with his pals, his sex life may suffer

A study by Cornell University researchers reveals that men whose partners have stronger relationships with their closest friends are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction and difficulty achieving orgasm during sex. This phenomenon, known as partner betweenness, undermines traditional masculine values of autonomy and privacy.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateAug 8, 2011

Double-agent chemotherapy gives survival benefit to patients over 70 with lung cancer, thus current monotherapy-only strategy should be revised

A new study published in The Lancet found that platinum-based doublet chemotherapy is associated with improved survival rates for elderly patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. The treatment showed better results compared to monotherapy in patients over 70 years old, suggesting a potential shift in the current treatment strategy for...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 8, 2011

Rats control appetite for poison

A new University of Utah study reveals that woodrats that eat a variety of toxic plants can limit their toxin intake more effectively than those that specialize in one plant. By increasing time between meals, reducing meal size, and drinking more water, generalist woodrats regulate their toxin exposure.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateAug 8, 2011

Tracking crime in real time

A new algorithm developed by Tel Aviv University researchers can process massive amounts of digital data instantly, allowing for more efficient tracking and prediction of criminal movements. The algorithm creates probability maps displaying likely locations of suspects, enabling officials to focus resources on high-probability areas

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalQuality Technology & Quantitative Management·DateAug 8, 2011

Fine-tuning the flu vaccine for broader protection

Researchers have discovered an antibody that can neutralize a broad range of flu strains, potentially reducing the need for annual vaccinations. The antibody, called CH65, mimics key aspects of the influenza virus's entry point and could guide the development of vaccines targeting multiple strains.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011

When and how to toilet train children

Child-centered approaches result in older toilet training ages, with key findings including negative outcomes associated with late start times and punishment-based methods. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends starting toilet training at 18 months of age, with expert opinion guiding physicians for patients unlikely to cause harm.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 8, 2011

You can count on this: Math ability is inborn

A study by Johns Hopkins University psychologists found that preschool children's math skills are strongly correlated with their innate 'number sense' abilities. The researchers tested 200 four-year-olds on various tasks measuring number sense, mathematical ability, and verbal ability. Their findings indicate that children's precision ...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateAug 8, 2011

Pitt team finds molecular pathway that leads to inflammation in asthma

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a molecular pathway that helps explain how an enzyme elevated in asthma patients contributes to inflammation and mucus production. The study reveals unique interactions between biological molecules that could be targeted to develop new asthma treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011

Herbal remedies escape EU law

A University of Leeds investigation found that many over-the-counter herbal remedies are missing crucial safety information, despite new EU regulations. The study evaluated 68 products from various stores and pharmacies, revealing 93% were unlicensed and lacking comprehensive warnings.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBMC Medicine·DateAug 8, 2011

Heavy metal -- in and around the lakes

A study published in Interdisciplinary Environmental Review reveals high levels of toxic heavy metals in Jail Talav and Kalwa Lakes, posing a risk to drinking water and crop irrigation. Regular monitoring is crucial for the well-being of the surrounding population.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInterdisciplinary Environmental Review·DateAug 8, 2011

Women more likely to recruit other women for political office

Research by Christine Cheng and Margit Tavits found that the gender of party gatekeepers plays a crucial role in selecting female candidates for political office. Women are more likely to be nominated when local party presidents are also women, as this sends an encouraging signal to potential female candidates.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateAug 8, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: August 8, 2011

Researchers developed a new method to assess CNS drug action using eye movements in mice, which showed promise for treating diseases such as Huntington's disease. Additionally, studies revealed that the protein GSK-3 is critical for lithium's effects on behavior in bipolar disorder patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2011

SHSU studies GPS monitoring of Arizona sex offenders

A recent study by Sam Houston State University found that GPS monitoring of Arizona sex offenders triggered a significant number of false alarms, consuming an inordinate amount of probation officers' resources. The study recommends improving the system to reduce non-violation alerts and increasing officer training to address these issues.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·DateAug 8, 2011

Many top US scientists wish they had more children

A new study by Rice University and Southern Methodist University found that 45.4% of women and 24.5% of men scientists have fewer children than they wanted due to career pressures. Women are more satisfied with their lives despite having fewer children, while men experience a greater impact on life satisfaction.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 8, 2011

Social class as culture

People from lower classes have fundamentally different ways of thinking about the world than people in upper classes. Lower-class individuals are better at reading other people's emotions and act altruistically. In contrast, wealthier people don't read others' emotions as well and hoard resources.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 8, 2011