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Squirrels show softer side by adopting orphans, study finds

Red squirrels have been found to adopt orphaned pups from related individuals, challenging the assumption that such behavior is common only among extended family groups. Over two decades of study, researchers observed only five cases of adoption out of thousands of litters born, highlighting the rarity of this altruistic behavior.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2010

Siblings target of intervention program

A pilot prevention program targeting fifth graders and their younger siblings will receive funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The program combines family intervention with a non-stigmatizing focus on sibling relationships to decrease risky behavior and use of drugs among youth.

Seagulls: Are males the weaker sex?

Researchers found that males hatch faster than females when isolated, but are disadvantaged in social environments, leading to poorer hatching conditions. Females have an upper hand in responding to environmental challenges during embryonic development.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 7, 2008

Obesity is 'socially contagious'

A study by Harvard and the University of California, San Diego found that obesity is socially contagious, spreading from person to person in a social network. The greatest effect was seen among friends, with a 171% increase in chances of becoming obese if a mutual friend becomes obese.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 25, 2007

Effects of nutrition on learning

A study published in PLOS Biology found that zebra finch siblings reared on lower-quality diets showed improved growth rates after switching to a normal diet, but at the cost of impaired learning performance. Compensatory growth, rather than diet quality itself, was linked to poor cognitive ability in adulthood.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 17, 2006

Targeted melanoma education of high risk groups improves screening

A new study reveals that targeted melanoma education of high-risk groups leads to sustained improvements in skin self-examination rates. The intervention, which included personalized educational materials and counseling sessions, significantly increased the number of siblings who performed regular skin self-examinations.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 10, 2006

Evolutionary shifts in olfactory sensitivities in fruit flies

Researchers found that fruit fly species D. sechellia develops a specialized olfactory system to detect the morinda fruit, which is toxic to other species. This unique system involves increased numbers and sensitivity of specific olfactory hairs, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation in just a limited time span.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 9, 2006

Reading ability and ADHD affected by same genes

A genome-wide investigation found that reading ability in individuals with ADHD shares common genetic variants with the condition, but also has distinct genetic underpinnings. The study identified four chromosomal regions associated with reading ability, overlapping previously identified areas for ADHD and reading disorder.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 2003

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

Researchers found that future SIDS victims showed more frequent airway obstruction during sleep tests, with less decrease in obstructive sleep apnea as they aged. Additionally, siblings of smokers with COPD had a high probability of airflow obstruction. The study also confirmed the effectiveness of anti-IgE monoclonal antibody treatmen...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 8, 2001

Does chromosome 4 hold the secret to human longevity?

A genome-wide study of 308 long-lived individuals revealed a significant correlation between allele sharing on chromosome 4 and longevity. This suggests that the region may contain genes influencing human lifespan, with potential applications in preventing age-associated diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2001