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Science News for June 10, 2014


Moles linked to risk for breast cancer

Two studies published in PLOS Medicine found a link between moles and increased breast cancer risk. Women with more moles were more likely to develop breast cancer, particularly postmenopausal women. The findings suggest that nevi may be affected by hormone levels, which could be used as a marker for breast cancer risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 10, 2014

The whole truth

Researchers found that children can tell when adults are telling the truth but not the whole truth, and compensate by exploring more on their own. This skill is crucial for learning from others, as much knowledge comes from other people. Children's ability to evaluate information helps them adjust their trust in teachers.

The real risks of growing up with bipolar parents

Children of parents with bipolar disorder are more susceptible to psychosocial problems, including risky sexual behavior, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. A new study reveals that family-based interventions can help mitigate these risks by teaching effective coping strategies and stress management techniques.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJun 10, 2014

Male dwarf spiders make sure offspring is their own

Male dwarf spiders use mating plugs made of a liquid material that hardens over time to block access to the female's sperm storage organ. Small plugs are less effective than large ones, but both size and age play important roles in their efficacy.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 10, 2014

Inside the adult ADHD brain

Researchers discovered distinct patterns of brain activity in adults with and without childhood ADHD, finding that those who recovered from the disorder have restored normal synchrony in their brain's default mode network. However, both groups showed impaired executive function, a sign separate from ADHD.

Soldiers who kill in combat less likely to abuse alcohol

Researchers found that killing experiences may cause soldiers to become more aware of their own mortality, triggering a focus on self-preservation and reduced high-risk alcohol consumption. The study suggests that this increased sense of vulnerability leads to decreased alcohol abuse rates among soldiers who have killed in combat.

SourceAmerican University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 10, 2014

The BMJ launches patient partnership strategy

The BMJ is implementing a patient partnership strategy to integrate patients' perspectives into its editorial processes, research, and healthcare advocacy. This initiative aims to advance shared decision-making, patient-centered care, and impact assessment of patient partnerships.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 10, 2014

A plan to share the carbon budget burden

A four-step compromise is proposed to share the burden of carbon reductions, reducing actors involved in initial efforts, switching to consumption-based carbon accounting, redistributing the burden based on responsibility and capability, and bringing changes back to the larger U.N. group for inclusive emissions management

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 10, 2014

A shot against heart attacks?

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a genome-editing approach that permanently reduces cholesterol levels in mice through a single injection. This approach could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks in humans, translating to a potential 90% reduction in heart attack risk. The technique targets the PCSK9 gene and ...

SourceHarvard University·JournalCirculation Research·DateJun 10, 2014

Experts unlock key to blood vessel repair

Scientists from the University of Leeds have found a way to restore the function of damaged blood vessel repair cells. A protein called Akt was identified as the reason for reduced effectiveness in South Asian men's cells, which were able to be restored through the addition of active Akt.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 10, 2014

Study: Little evidence that No Child Left Behind has hurt teacher job satisfaction

Researchers analyzed a nationally representative sample of 140,000 teachers and found that NCLB's accountability pressures may have improved classroom autonomy and administrator support, rather than reducing job satisfaction. The study contradicts conventional wisdom on the law's impact on teacher morale.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateJun 10, 2014

Women appear in only 5 percent of sports newsprint

A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid researcher Clara Sainz de Baranda found that women appear in just 5.11% of sports newsprint, with men making up 92.2%. This disparity is reflected in the types of stories covered, with soccer being the most prominent sport, and achievements in other sports often relegated to short news items.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalCuadernos de Psicología del Deporte·DateJun 10, 2014

Game changer for leukemia therapy

Researchers have found that cancer cells decide whether to live or die after a short period of intense exposure to targeted therapy. This discovery presents a new treatment strategy with significant potential for reducing side effects in patients.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalLeukemia·DateJun 10, 2014