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Science News Archive October 2007 - Page 6


Page 6 of 21

New research about critical care

A new study found that the implementation of eICU tele-intensivist program in hospitals provided positive outcomes, including a decrease in mortality, ICU and hospital length of stays. Another study suggested that rural hospitals can save money by using tele-intensivist programs to reduce patients' hospital length of stay.

New research about gender differences

Asthma diaries found to improve self-efficacy and reduce doctor visits in women with severe asthma. Research also links iron deficiency to increased coughing in women and neck size to sleep apnea severity, especially in women. Furthermore, a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction is found in pre-menopausal women with obstructive sleep a...

New sleep medicine research

Research studies found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients experience poor bedtime behaviors, fragmented sleep affects cholesterol levels, and first-night comfort determines CPAP compliance. Additionally, nightshift nurses are more likely to experience sleepiness despite receiving the same amount of sleep as dayshift counterparts.

Intergroup attitudes among youth addressed by leading development and social psychologists

A recent issue of the International Journal of Behavioral Development explores how cross-group friendships affect intergroup attitudes in children and adolescents. The findings suggest a positive relationship between dual identity and positive intergroup attitudes, highlighting the importance of promoting social inclusion.

SourceSAGE·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateOct 24, 2007

Location, location, location

A study in Ecological Applications finds that cluster development reduces habitat loss, but the placement of housing developments around sensitive areas like lakeshores can exacerbate environmental effects. The researchers suggest that clusters must be located away from these areas to reduce impacts.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 24, 2007

New research about cough

A new study has found a strong association between iron deficiency and idiopathic cough in women. Italian researchers evaluated 16 healthy, non-smoking women who suffered from chronic cough and were iron deficient, finding that these symptoms were strongly linked to extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness.

Screeners' hands quicker than eyes

Researchers found that screeners are more accurate in visual searches when allowed to correct their choices, but errors rise for rare targets. The study suggests improving airport security and cancer screening by addressing execution errors and perception issues separately.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 24, 2007

Hearing changes how we perceive gender

A Northwestern University study found that tones of voices can alter visual processing, suggesting a direct input from early auditory processing to visual perception. Researchers used pure tones to test whether sounds can influence perception of face gender, with results showing bias towards male or female faces based on tone frequency.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 24, 2007

New pediatric research

Uncontrolled asthma is linked to significantly more school and work absences, with a new study showing up to 2-3 times more days absent. Antismoking classes may improve young children's knowledge about tobacco smoke, while phone triage programs provide safe and cost-effective care for ventilator-dependent children.

The conservation lens

A team of researchers explored sub-Antarctic ecosystems to estimate the diversity of tiny bryophytes and lichens, finding a hotspot for these organisms. The study emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that integrate non-vascular plants beyond charismatic mega fauna.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateOct 24, 2007

Early predictive model may be new 'weapon' against leading cause of death on battlefield

A new predictive model using hemoglobin level, International Normalized Ratio, and penetrating injury mechanism can accurately predict which soldiers require massive blood transfusions, allowing for timely mobilization of resources. This model has been shown to reliably predict the need for massive transfusions in combat patients.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 24, 2007

Living with lions

In Cameroon's Waza National Park, people have learned to coexist with lions, weighing the benefits of closer grazing against the risk of losses. Researchers found that despite the risks, herdsmen continue to live near the park due to improved access to pastures and water.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalAfrican Journal of Ecology·DateOct 24, 2007

Colorful view for first land animals

A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that ancient fish, specifically Australian lungfish, had retinas with visual pigments similar to those of early four-legged vertebrates. This suggests these creatures may have seen their new environment in full color when they first emerged onto land.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateOct 24, 2007

Decline in uptake of carbon emissions confirmed

A recent study confirms that the proportion of carbon dioxide emissions absorbed by land and oceans is declining, leading to a faster increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. This trend has major implications for climate modeling and highlights the need to reduce global emissions to mitigate climate change.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2007