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Science News for December 31, 2008


Seizing the day

A new study from Tel Aviv University found that occupational stress has no effect on epilepsy attacks, with a large sample size allowing for high predictive power. The research benefits those who have been seizure-free for a long period of time, showing they are likely to stay seizure-free.

Bright lights, not-so-big pupils

A team of Johns Hopkins neuroscientists has discovered a new type of light sensor in the eye that detects light and communicates with the brain. These melanopsin-containing cells are insensitive to light, but their signal is large enough to influence the brain when activated by multiple photons.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 31, 2008

The culture of medicine

A new Brandeis University study reports that academic medicine faces a toxic culture leading to faculty burnout and disconnection, affecting patient care and professional relationships. The study identifies serious problems with relational culture, competitive individualism, and deprecation among medical faculty members.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateDec 31, 2008

Fewer deaths with preventive antibiotic use

Researchers found that administering antibiotics as a preventive measure to patients in intensive care units increases their chances of survival, with a reduction of 3.5% in ICU deaths. The study involved nearly 6,000 patients and showed that using antibiotics resulted in fewer deaths compared to standard ICU care.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 31, 2008