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Science News Archive July 2007 - Page 9


Page 9 of 16

Eye test causes severe lethargy in infants

Researchers warn of a rare but serious complication associated with eye tests in infants. Apraclonidine eyedrops used to diagnose Horner syndrome can lead to severe lethargy lasting up to 10 hours, requiring hospital admission and oxygen administration.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateJul 16, 2007

New publication presents latest in HIV/TB treatment, research

The new publication provides up-to-date recommendations for clinicians treating patients with both HIV and TB, emphasizing the urgent challenge of integrating these two complex diseases. Key articles focus on treatment options, diagnostic tools, and prevention strategies, highlighting the need for closer collaboration between experts.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJul 16, 2007

Lower mortality rates associated with hospitals that rank highest on quality of care indicators

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that hospitals in the top quartile of performance had nearly 1% lower mortality among patients with AMI, 0.4% among those with CHF, and 0.8% among those with pneumonia. This suggests that using quality measures to choose a hospital can increase survival odds.

Study identifies energy efficiency as reason for evolution of upright walking

A new study suggests that walking on two legs, or bipedalism, evolved because it used less energy than quadrupedal knucklewalking. Researchers collected metabolic, kinematic and kinetic data from chimpanzees and humans walking on a treadmill, finding that humans only used one-quarter of the energy as chimpanzees when walking upright.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2007

What determines the speed at which birds fly?

A study analyzing 138 bird species reveals that maximum flight speed is not solely determined by aerodynamic scaling rules. The authors found that flight speed also reflects the evolutionary history of the species, with species from the same group tending to fly at similar speeds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 16, 2007

Nasal cannula may be viable treatment for sufferers of sleep apnea

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that nasal insufflation using a nasal cannula significantly reduced symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea. The treatment, known as TNI, delivered warm, humidified air at a high flow rate, showing marked improvements in patients with both mild and severe disorders.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 16, 2007

Outwitting pesky parasites

Scientists identified molecular markers linked to two root-knot nematode resistance genes, enabling breeders to efficiently screen for resistant plants. This breakthrough allows for faster and cost-effective development of root-knot resistant soybean crops.

SourceCrop Science Society of America·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateJul 15, 2007

MIT IDs mechanism behind fear

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have discovered a molecular mechanism that governs the formation of fears stemming from traumatic events. Inhibiting a kinase called Cdk5 facilitates the extinction of fear, while increased activity persists fear learned in a particular context.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 15, 2007

Tumor painting revolutionizes fight against cancer

Researchers developed a new cancer treatment called Chlorotoxin:Cy5.5, which can illuminate tumor cells in the operating room, making it easier for surgeons to remove all cancerous cells without injuring surrounding healthy tissue. This technology has the potential to improve cancer therapy and save lives.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 15, 2007

On target

Researchers have identified IL6 as a protein that stimulates tumor growth when activated by Ras, leading to increased blood vessel formation. Suppressing IL6 activity has shown promising results in fighting tumor formation in preclinical models.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2007

Potential new target for cancer found

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered that the overactive Ras gene is responsible for above-normal secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which drives tumor growth. Inhibiting IL-6 production reduces new blood vessel creation, crucial for tumor development and nourishment.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2007

Mayo Clinic real-time 3-D ultrasound speeds patient recovery

Mayo Clinic physicians have developed a new technique using real-time 3-D ultrasound to block nerve function in selected areas of the body prior to surgery. This allows patients to recover faster and with less need for pain medication. The technique has been successfully used in over 150 surgeries, showing improved outcomes for patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJul 13, 2007

Co-operation between GSF and clinic improves outlook for sarcoma patients

A phase III study of 341 high-risk patients with deep, local sarcomas shows significant improvement in tumour response and survival rates when treated with a combination of chemotherapy and local, deep hyperthermia. The combined therapy has been applied to patients before surgery, demonstrating its effectiveness.

E-shop till you drop

A research team used Data Envelopment Analysis to evaluate the success of internet shops, finding that efficient websites like Jcrew and Abercrombie can serve as role models for less effective sites. By reducing inputs or increasing outputs, these non-efficient sites can improve their performance and competitiveness.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Business·DateJul 13, 2007

The gobbling dwarf that exploded

Researchers discovered clear changes in interstellar material absorption, indicating the existence of gaseous shells around a white dwarf. The system was likely composed of a white dwarf feeding on its red giant companion, leading to the supernova explosion. This finding strongly supports the Type Ia supernova scenario.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2007

Depression lingers for female heart attack victims

A recent study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing reveals that women who have suffered heart attacks experience higher rates of lingering depressive symptoms compared to their male counterparts. Women scored lower in physical and social functioning after one year, with 14.3% experiencing worsening depression.

Chromosome glue repairs damaged DNA

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have found a new way chromosomes are repaired after damage, contrary to the long-held view that cohesion only occurs during cell division. The discovery shows cohesin reactsivate when DNA breaks, allowing cells to fix damaged sister chromatids.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2007

Venous thromboembolism risk among hospitalized patients

A study estimates nearly one-third of hospitalized US patients are vulnerable to VTE, which can lead to dire complications. Researchers stress the need for reinforcing national guidelines and monitoring compliance with hospital protocols for VTE prevention, as well as educating outpatients on preventive measures.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Hematology·DateJul 13, 2007

Democrats may be hurt by anti-war divisions in 2008

Research suggests that anti-war activists are divided between supporting the Democratic Party and others, potentially complicating their electoral prospects. The study found that grassroots activists support the Democrats at a rate of around 40%, while non-Democratic activists work with organizations like United for Peace and Justice.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateJul 13, 2007