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Science News Archive August 2009


Page 1 of 22

No such thing as ethnic groups, genetically speaking

Researchers discovered that genetic differences exist more within Central Asian ethnic groups than between them, indicating a constructed social system rather than common ancestry. This challenges traditional notions of ethnicity and highlights the importance of analyzing genetic data in understanding ethnological issues.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genetics·DateAug 31, 2009

Are intravenous treatments safe? New research raises doubts

Researchers have identified a contaminant in common intravenous treatments that can trigger life-threatening inflammation in critically ill patients. Advanced glycation end products, found in albumin infusion solutions, can cause significant inflammation and death rates in mice, suggesting the need for improved patient outcomes.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateAug 31, 2009

Moths cloaked in color

A new revision of the Dioptinae subfamily sheds light on the diversity of tropical moth species, revealing a unique story of parallel evolution. The study found that around 500 species evolved from a common ancestor into diverse butterfly mimics, with some feeding on toxic plants to gain protection.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalBulletin of the American Museum of Natural History·DateAug 31, 2009

The link between weight and importance

A study published in Psychological Science found that carrying a heavy clipboard increased volunteers' judgment of the value of foreign currencies and the importance of social justice issues. The researchers propose that this effect may be linked to embodied cognition, where bodily experiences shape mental processes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 31, 2009

Open source DNA

A new mathematical formula and software solution ensure the protection of individual identities in genetic research studies. This allows researchers to access valuable DNA information while maintaining privacy, potentially leading to groundbreaking medical discoveries.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 31, 2009

Breast cancer intervention reduces depression, inflammation

Researchers at Ohio State University found that a psychological therapy significantly relieved depressive symptoms and reduced markers of inflammation in breast cancer patients. The study published in Psychosomatic Medicine showed that treating depression can also lead to less inflammation, highlighting the importance of including psyc...

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateAug 31, 2009

Contribution of clinical breast examination to breast cancer screening

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that adding clinical breast examination to mammography improves breast cancer detection rates and sensitivities, but also leads to higher false-positive rates. The study used a cohort of over 290,000 women screened between 2002 and 2003.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 31, 2009

Can we change society?

The role of society in preventing chronic diseases such as CVD is crucial. Governments, industries, and civil society must collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles and environments. The impact of societal changes on health outcomes has been observed in countries like Finland, where CVD mortality has decreased by over 70%.

Results from the TRIANA trial

The TRIANA trial found primary angioplasty superior to thrombolysis in treating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients aged 75 or older. Primary angioplasty showed a significantly lower need for recurrent cardiac ischemia and comparable outcomes compared to thrombolysis.

Acute impact on brain function in earthquake survivors

Researchers found significant alterations in brain function similar to posttraumatic stress disorders shortly after the Wenchuan earthquake. Hyperactivity in certain areas and decreased functional connectivity were observed, suggesting a need for early treatment and potential long-term psychological impact.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2009

New family care model aids at-risk families

A new family care model called I-FAST aims to assist families dealing with severe emotional and behavioral issues in their children and adolescents. The model empowers agencies to develop their own home-based treatment protocols, reducing reliance on out-of-home placements and support.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Process·DateAug 31, 2009

Proton pump inhibitors do not interfere with benefit of antiplatelet drugs clopidogrel or prasugrel in patients after an acute coronary syndrome

A new study published in The Lancet found that proton pump inhibitors do not negate the clinical benefit of clopidogrel or prasugrel in patients after a heart attack. The TRITON-TIMI 38 trial showed that PPIs can be safely used with these antiplatelet drugs to reduce gastrointestinal bleeding.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 31, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that a Mediterranean-style diet was more effective in managing type 2 diabetes than a low-fat diet, with patients on the Mediterranean diet requiring less medication and experiencing greater weight loss. Additionally, retail clinics were shown to provide quality care at lower costs compared to urgent care centers and ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 31, 2009

Results from NORDISTEMI

The NORDISTEMI study found that patients in rural areas with long transfer delays experience improved treatment outcomes with thrombolysis followed by immediate angiography. The results suggest an early invasive strategy may be preferable to conservative management, reducing the risk of death, reinfarction, or stroke.

Shift in age distribution of dengue fever in Thailand explained

A study analyzing Thai data found that reduced birth rates and changes in population demographics are linked to the increase in average age of dengue cases. This shift has implications for clinical management and vaccine development, particularly as more adults become part of the case mix.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 31, 2009

Planned home birth with registered midwife as safe as hospital birth

A study published in CMAJ found that planned home births attended by registered midwives have a similar risk of infant death to planned hospital births. Women who planned home births had lower rates of obstetric interventions and adverse outcomes, including reduced risk of cesarean sections, epidural analgesia, and infection.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 31, 2009

Family, friends may impact breast cancer surgery decision, U-M study finds

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women's decisions on breast cancer surgery are often influenced by family and friends. The study discovered that when patients take a more active role in decision-making, they are more likely to choose mastectomy over breast-conserving surgery.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 31, 2009

Results from a GRACE registry study

The GRACE registry study analyzed 43,018 ACS patients to determine the optimal revascularisation strategy for unprotected left main coronary disease. PCI is now the most common revascularisation strategy, preferred in higher-risk patients, while CABG is often delayed and associated with the best 6-month survival.