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AGU Journal highlights -- Aug. 29, 2006

Climate scientists analyzed data to determine that global warming is increasing Atlantic hurricane intensity. Additionally, the water cycle is changing, with seasonal trends shifting into spring. The study also found a connection between atmospheric tides and weather in the tropics influencing the equatorial ionosphere.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 29, 2006

Melatonin improves mood in winter depression

A study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals that low-dose melatonin taken in the afternoon can help most people with winter depression whose bodily rhythms are out of sync. The treatment was found to be effective for those who were naturally 'night owls', while morning larks responded better to taking melatonin in the morning.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2006

Predators keep the world green, ecologists find

A study in a Venezuelan reservoir found that predator-free islands had significantly fewer plant species and smaller sapling densities than larger land masses. The researchers concluded that the presence of predators is essential for maintaining biodiversity and preventing ecosystem collapse.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 27, 2006

Fatal attraction

A new study suggests that reminders of death can increase support for charismatic leaders, who promise a heroic victory over evil. This is because people want to identify with special and great things, which charismatic leaders offer.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 25, 2004

Nevada researcher re-ignites mammal reproduction debate

A recent study by a University of Nevada researcher suggests that glucose levels in female mammals may influence the sex of their offspring, challenging a long-standing hypothesis in evolutionary biology. The study's findings have significant implications for wildlife conservation and agriculture production.

SourceUniversity of Nevada College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateAug 23, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for April (second issue)

A recent study found that stress increases anxiety and depression scores in college students with mild allergic asthma, leading to enhanced airway inflammation. In contrast, intravenous sildenafil reversed vascular resistance in an animal model of neonatal pulmonary hypertension, offering new hope for treating this serious condition.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 19, 2002

Siestas in space?

A NASA-funded study is investigating the effects of reduced sleep on astronauts in space, with a focus on finding optimal combinations of anchor sleep and daily naps. The research aims to mitigate cognitive impairments, improve reaction times, and enhance overall well-being among space travelers.

Lewin Study Confirms Diabetes Treatment Centers of America’s Diabetes NetCareSM Program Improves Health Status, Reduces Medical Costs

A Lewin study confirms Diabetes Treatment Centers of America's Diabetes NetCareSM program improves health status by increasing eye exams, foot exams, and cholesterol screenings. The program also reduces medical costs, including hospital admissions and inpatient costs.

SourceFleishman-Hillard, Inc.·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 3, 1998