Protein
Linked to Depression
January
6, 2006
Researchers
have identified a protein that seems to play a key role in fighting depression.
The protein, called p11, appears to help regulate signaling of the brain
chemical serotonin. Mice deficient in this protein
display depression-like behaviors, while those with sufficient amounts behave as
if they have been treated with antidepressants.
Source:
News24.com
Viral
Infection at Birth Linked To Cerebral Palsy
January
7, 2006
Exposure
to certain viral infections
shortly before and after birth (the perinatal period) is associated with cerebral
palsy.
Source:
ScienceDaily.com
Human
Bird Flu Spreads to Ankara
January
8, 2006
Two
children and an adult have tested positive for the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain
in Turkey's capital Ankara, The results have not
been confirmed by World Health Organization labs, but are still likely to
trigger panic.
Source:
BBC News
India
Is Missing 10 Million Daughters
January
9, 2006
India
is missing about 10 million daughters since the widespread use of ultrasound,
estimates a new study. Over the last 20 years, about 10 million female fetuses
may have been selectively aborted following ultrasound results in India.
Source:
New Scientist.com
China
Recognizes Value of Science Popularization
January
10, 2006
Science
popularization has been recognized for the first time in China's annual national
science awards, reflecting a recent increase in the importance policymakers
attach to the field.
Source:
SciDev.net
Global
Warming Boosts Fungal Epidemic in Frogs
January
11, 2005
Global
warming may be fuelling a fungal epidemic which is wiping out amphibian
populations, according to a new study. And the finding may mean that current
estimates of future species extinctions due to climate change may need to be
revised upwards.
Source:
New Scientist.com
Obesity
in Middle Age Raises Heart Disease, Diabetes Risk in Older Age
January
12, 2006
Obesity
in middle age, even without established cardiovascular disease risk factors such
as high
blood pressure or high cholesterol
levels, greatly increases risk of hospitalization for and death from heart
disease and diabetes in older age, according to a study published in the
Journal of the American Medical
Association.
Source:
ScienceDaily.com
MRIs
Better at Diagnosing Needs for 'Bionic Ear' Implants
January
12, 2006
Magnetic
resonance imaging is a better diagnostic tool for cochlear ear
implants than the more commonly used high-resolution computed tomography, a
recent study shows. A cochlear
implant, sometimes called a "bionic ear," allows patients with
congenital hearing
loss to bypass the problem and again perceive sound.
Source:
ScienceDaily.com
