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Science News for December 6, 2009


Inside the chicken brain

Scientists develop a mathematical model of a three-cell microcircuit in a chicken's brain, revealing an elegant compromise between abstraction and complexity. The model reduces the system to one equation with two parameters, shedding light on why it's difficult to understand the brain using traditional methods.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review E·DateDec 6, 2009

Medroxyprogesterone best treatment for reducing hot flushes in men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer

A randomised trial found that medroxyprogesterone acetate is significantly more effective than venlafaxine at reducing hot flushes in men treated with androgen suppression therapy. Cyproterone acetate was also effective, but medroxyprogesterone is recommended as the standard treatment due to its fewer side effects.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 6, 2009

New drug shows promise for those with clotting disorders: McMaster researcher

A new study by McMaster researcher Sam Schulman found that an oral drug called dabigatran etexilate is as safe and effective as warfarin for treating venous thromboembolism (VTE), a common clotting disorder affecting millions annually. The drug does not require frequent monitoring or dose adjustments, making it a convenient alternative.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 6, 2009