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Science News Archive November 2008 - Page 15


Page 15 of 20

Cornell researchers' study showing evidence of a major environmental trigger for autism

A study by Cornell researchers has identified a possible environmental trigger for autism in genetically vulnerable children, which could lead to preventable diagnoses. The study found that higher levels of precipitation are associated with increased autism prevalence rates in counties with more exposed children.

SourceCornell University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 10, 2008

New performance measures on performance measurement and reperfusion therapy

The document provides a comprehensive assessment of care by establishing new performance measures, including the importance of acute reperfusion therapy and the need for accountability in providing timely treatment. It also addresses concerns about exclusion criteria and the determination of when measurement stops.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 10, 2008

Pittsburgh Compound B finds Alzheimer’s-associated plaques in symptom-free older adults

The study finds that Pittsburgh Compound B can detect amyloid deposition in the brains of clinically older adults, potentially opening the door to early diagnosis and prevention strategies. Detailed tests show no decrease in functioning among participants with Alzheimer-associated plaques, suggesting a window of opportunity to slow or ...

Liquid or solid? Charged nanoparticles in lipid membrane decide

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new way to stimulate patchiness in phospholipid membranes using charged nanoparticles. This phenomenon allows the membrane to coexist in two phases - solid and liquid - depending on what binds to it, offering a new mechanism for modulating stiffness in membranes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2008

Crossing the digital divide

A new study by the Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center finds that patients are more likely to use interactive health IT systems when they perceive a real health benefit and receive tailored feedback. The most effective disease self-management systems provide a complete feedback loop with active participation from physicians, current ...

Black and south Asian people benefiting less from interventions to reduce blood pressure, says study

A new UK study found that black and south Asian people are less likely to benefit from doctors' interventions to reduce their blood pressure. The study, which looked at over 8,800 patients with high blood pressure, found significant differences in treatment outcomes between white, black, and south Asian groups.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 10, 2008

Tillage, rotation impacts peanut crops

A new study published in Agronomy Journal reveals that reduced tillage can increase peanut crop yields, but the effects of crop rotation and tillage on pest development are more complex. The research found an independent relationship between tillage and rotation practices with respect to peanut yield and pest development.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateNov 10, 2008

November/December 2008 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Studies examine racial and ethnic disparities in hypertension care and control, finding that racial disparities contribute to nearly 8,000 preventable deaths from heart disease and stroke annually. Researchers also investigate how medication prescribing and blood pressure control vary between ethnic groups in England, revealing signifi...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 10, 2008

Sexual intimacy and breast cancer survivors: New research

A new study by Indiana University found that young female breast cancer survivors experience significant problems related to sexual arousal, desire, and orgasm. Many reported vaginal dryness, genital pain, premature menopause, fatigue, and fertility issues, highlighting the need for research on strategies to address these challenges.

SourceIndiana University·JournalCancer Nursing·DateNov 10, 2008

Antibiotic use increases at academic medical centers

Between 2002 and 2006, antibiotic use increased significantly at academic medical centers, driven by broader-spectrum agents and vancomycin. This trend is concerning, as it can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria, increasing illness, death, and healthcare costs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 10, 2008

New hope for HIV treatment: Cells exhausted from fighting HIV infection can be revitalized

Researchers have found a way to 'rescue' immune cells that are exhausted from fighting off HIV infection using the molecule Tim-3, which is present at high levels on poorly functional immune system cells. Blocking the activity of Tim-3 improved cell function and allowed them to rejoin the battle against HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 10, 2008

Long-term secondary prevention program may help reduce cardiovascular risks after heart attack

A long-term secondary prevention program lasting up to three years has been shown to reduce the risk of a second non-fatal heart attack and other cardiovascular events. The program, which includes individualized risk factor and lifestyle management, resulted in a significant decrease in cardiovascular death and non-fatal heart attacks.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 10, 2008

Eye conditions linked with obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and various eye diseases, including primary open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, flopsy eyelid syndrome, nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and papilledema. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patients with OSA.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 10, 2008

New small-scale generator produces alternating current by stretching zinc oxide wires

The new flexible charge pump generator can produce an oscillating output voltage of up to 45 millivolts, converting nearly seven percent of the mechanical energy applied into electricity. This advancement resolves key issues with previous generators, such as moisture infiltration and wear, enabling more robust designs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 9, 2008

Mental health linked to stillbirth and newborn deaths

Women with serious mental illnesses are at least twice as likely to experience stillbirths or newborn deaths compared to those without such conditions. Research revealed that mothers with schizophrenia have a higher risk of stillbirth, while those with other psychotic illnesses face significant complications during childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 9, 2008

HIV's disguises no match for 'bionic assassins'

Researchers have engineered killer T-cells with a receptor that can recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells, regardless of the virus's disguise. This technology may lead to a powerful therapy for HIV treatment and could also be applied to other infectious agents.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 9, 2008

Yale researchers unravel mystery of brain aneurysms

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified three chromosome segments where common genetic variations can create significant risk for ruptured aneurysms, leading to strokes. The findings could lead to new screening tests and therapies to strengthen blood vessels in the brain.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2008

Simple brain mechanisms explain arbitrary human visual decisions

Scientists report that a simple decision-making task does not involve the frontal lobes, instead relying on the parietal lobe to process sensory information and control responses. This finding challenges the traditional view of human decision-making as willful acts, suggesting that many decisions may be driven by automatic processes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2008