Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2008 - Page 6


Page 6 of 22

Video games can make us creative if spark is right

Researchers discovered that video games can boost creativity when players are highly energized and in a positive mood. Conversely, low arousal and negative emotions lead to the highest levels of creativity. The study suggests harnessing emotional elements in games to spark creative thought and problem-solving skills.

More patients with drug-coated cardiac stents survive, avoid costly follow-up procedures

New research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals drug-eluting stents outperform bare metal stents in reducing mortality and need for future cardiac procedures. The study found that patients with drug-coated stents saved an average of $1,350 worth of follow-up care during the year.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 22, 2008

JDRF announces 2008 Spring Research Review Award

This year’s JDRF award recipients are Dr. Michael Brownlee for his work on the biochemical basis of diabetic complications, Dr. Maike Sander for her understanding of insulin-producing cells, and Dr. Michael German for his research on pancreatic beta cell structure and development.

SourceJDRF·DateMay 22, 2008

Reducing blockage fails to improve access to the bloodstream for kidney dialysis

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that reducing early blockages in bloodsstream access does not increase the likelihood that the access will function adequately for long-term treatments. Fistulas are the preferred type of access since they clot less often, experience fewer infections, and are less costly.

The global challenge of diabetes

The current figure of 246 million adults worldwide with diabetes is expected to expand rapidly, with 50% of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease. The Lancet Editorial emphasizes that much of the morbidity and mortality can be prevented through targeted prevention strategies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 22, 2008

JCI table of contents: May 22, 2008

Researchers discovered that HIV protease inhibitors can prevent photoreceptor apoptosis in mouse models of retinal detachment, reducing the cause of vision loss. CD133 expression was found not to be restricted to stem cells, and both CD133+ and CD133– metastatic colon cancer cells can initiate tumors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 22, 2008

New report on telehealth says market is expected to grow over next few years

The home telehealth and remote patient monitoring market is projected to grow at a rate of 70% over the next three to five years, driven by increasing demand for convenient and accessible healthcare services. The combined average annual revenue growth of consumer companies in this market is even more explosive, reaching up to 193.5%.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateMay 22, 2008

Pacific coast turning more acidic

Researchers have discovered high levels of acidified ocean water off the West Coast of North America, with corrosive levels detected within 20 miles of the shoreline. The acidic water is likely 50 years old and may increase in future due to rising atmospheric CO2 levels.

New statistical method reveals surprises about our ancestry

A new statistical approach has been developed to study genetic variation, allowing for a finer detail of human migration history. The technique analyzes shared parts of chromosomes across the entire human genome, identifying smaller genetic contributions and surprising findings such as Mongolian ancestry in Native American Pima people.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 22, 2008

Early intensive insulin therapy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients improves glucose control

A randomized controlled trial found that early intensive insulin therapy improved blood glucose control and β-cell function in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The treatment, which included continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or multiple daily insulin injections, resulted in higher remission rates and prolonged glyc...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 22, 2008