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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 4


Page 4 of 28

Poor behavior doesn't always lead to poor academics

Researchers followed 350 students in seven at-risk schools over a 5-year period, finding that well-behaved students were more likely to achieve academically. However, teachers' expectations and perceptions of student behavior played a significant role in determining academic outcomes.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateMar 29, 2011

Canadian Journal of Cardiology publishes advice on genetic testing of inherited cardiac arrhythmias

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and Canadian Heart Rhythm Society have published comprehensive guidelines on the use of genetic testing in managing patients with inherited heart rhythm disorders. The guidelines emphasize the importance of ordering physicians having a clear understanding of ethical issues surrounding genetic testing.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2011

Scientists find cause of fatal inflammation of the heart muscle

Researchers found that a specific type of immune cell attacks the heart muscle because it fails to develop tolerance against a unique protein. This leads to inflammation and potentially fatal consequences, highlighting the need for targeted therapies. The study's findings have significant implications for treating autoimmune myocarditis.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 29, 2011

Communicating uncertain climate risks

A new study proposes a communications strategy to improve layman understanding of climate science, focusing on strategic organization and strategic listening. The authors argue that scientists should work in cross-disciplinary teams and use systematic feedback to evaluate their communication skills.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 29, 2011

Fitness tests for frogs?

A new study found that the most toxic and brightly colored poison frog species are also physically fit, with higher aerobic capacity than their non-toxic cousins. This is due to their specialized diet of ants and mites, which requires them to forage further and exercise more.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2011

Parasite-induced genetically driven autoimmune chagas disease

Scientists demonstrate a novel mechanism for Chagas disease's devastating effects: a parasite-driven autoimmune response that alters host genome. This chicken model reveals the origin of Chagas-like heart disease in the absence of parasitism, shedding new light on this lethal endemic infectious disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 29, 2011

Moderate sleep and less stress may help with weight loss

A Kaiser Permanente study found that people who slept 6-8 hours a night and reported lower stress levels lost more weight. The study involved nearly 500 participants who were trying to lose at least 10 pounds, and those with the lowest stress levels and adequate sleep were most likely to succeed.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 29, 2011

Next steps to making open access a global reality

Two articles in PLOS Medicine emphasize the importance of addressing issues that restrict open access to information in developing countries. Experts propose improvements to journal quality assessment standards and increased collaboration between publishers, authors, and readers from these regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 29, 2011