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Science News for June 22, 2009


Some patients are not notified of abnormal test results

A study of 5,434 patients found that 7.1% of abnormal test results were not informed to patients or documented, with practices using paper and electronic records having the highest failure rates. Practices with better testing processes had lower failure rates and more satisfied physicians.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 22, 2009

Bioengineers develop a microfabricated device to measure cellular forces during tissue development

Researchers have created a tiny micron-sized device that allows them to measure and manipulate cellular forces as cells reorganize into tissues. This discovery has significant implications for the study of tissue mechanics and its role in coordinating cell signaling, gene expression, and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

How can the world's fisheries be sustainable?

The study assesses the effectiveness of world fisheries management regimes using evaluations from nearly 1,200 fisheries experts. It reveals that most regimes are not meeting international standards and that transparency in converting scientific advice into policy is key to sustainability. Wealthier countries face challenges from exces...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2009

Intensive in-hospital support doubles likelihood of smoking cessation in heart patients

A new study found that intensive in-hospital smoking cessation support significantly increases long-term abstinence rates among heart patients compared to minimal support. Absence of previous heart attack, postsecondary education, and at-home smoking restrictions also contributed to successful cessation.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 22, 2009

Older men with breathing problems during sleep more likely to have irregular heartbeats

A study of 2911 men found that severe sleep-related breathing disorders are associated with a higher risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Different types of breathing problems are linked to different categories of arrhythmia, with obstructive sleep apnea linked to ventricular arrhythmias and central sleep apnea linked to atrial fibrillation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 22, 2009

JCI table of contents: June 22, 2009

A study found that the Gpx5 protein helps protect immature mouse sperm from oxidative stress, which is associated with fertility issues and miscarriages. In contrast, high levels of IL-21 are linked to an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases in multiple sclerosis patients treated with alemtuzumab.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2009

Dad's early connection with child 'writes script' for later school involvement

A new University of Illinois study explores the role of parent involvement on student achievement. The research found that dads who build close relationships with their children in the preschool years are more likely to stay involved when their child makes the transition to school. This early connection can set a positive tone for futu...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateJun 22, 2009

Nickel isotope may be methane producing microbe biomarker

Researchers found that nickel isotopic fractionation may be a useful biomarker for identifying methanogenic microbes on the early Earth. The presence of specific isotopic fractions indicates biological processes, such as microbial assimilation or uptake of metals.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

Faculty of 1000 praised by Wellcome Trust

The Wellcome Trust validated the Faculty of 1000's assessment model through a study analyzing over 900 publications. The scores from both models showed high agreement, highlighting the value of post-publication peer review. However, the study also emphasized that merit cannot be judged solely by citation scores.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 22, 2009

Chances of surviving rare pregnancy-related tumor depends on how long before presentation the related pregnancy occurred

Survival rates for placental-site trophoblastic tumours (PSTTs) vary depending on how long ago the related pregnancy occurred. The study found that patients with stage I disease had a 10-year probability of overall survival of 90%, while those with recurrent disease or disease resistant to treatment had poor survival.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 2009

Total knee replacement appears cost-effective in older adults

A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that total knee replacement is a cost-effective procedure for managing end-stage knee osteoarthritis, particularly in high-volume centers. The analysis suggests that procedures performed in low-volume centers are more cost-effective than not undergoing surgery at all.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 22, 2009

Larvae shun the light

Research in Drosophila larvae reveals that 5-HT and corazonergic neurons regulate photobehavior, increasing aversion to light during foraging phase. The study provides new insights into the function of 5-HT neurons and mechanisms underlying regulation of larval response to light.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJun 22, 2009

Subseafloor sediment in South Pacific Gyre

A team of scientists found surprisingly few organisms beneath the seafloor of the South Pacific Gyre, with cell counts three to four orders of magnitude lower than at similar depths outside gyres. The sediment's oxygen levels were also unexpectedly high, supporting an aerobic community.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009

Midget plant gets makeover

The updated TAIR9 genome release includes detailed information on all 33,518 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, including 114 newly discovered genes and 168 new pseudogenes. The new features promise to accelerate research on designing new crops for food, biofuels, industrial materials, and medicines.

Policy transparency key to saving world's fisheries

A new study published in PLoS Biology found that most fisheries management regimes are lagging behind international standards, highlighting the need for transparent policy-making processes. The research assessed global fisheries management practices and evaluated their effectiveness in ensuring sustainability.

SourceDalhousie University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2009

Geographic profiling applied to track hunting patterns of white sharks in South Africa

Scientists tracked white shark hunting patterns using geographic profiling, revealing that sharks refine search patterns with experience and concentrate efforts in prime hunting areas. The study expands knowledge of large predator hunting behavior and has implications for understanding marine communities.

Green Chemistry Awards announced

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners, recognizing research that can make significant contributions to pollution prevention. The award winners developed innovative methods for producing greener chemicals, fuels, and materials.

Less frequent social activity may be associated with motor function decline in older adults

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that less frequent participation in social activity is associated with a more rapid rate of motor function decline in older adults. The research, which analyzed data from 906 participants, suggests that this association may be related to the risk of disability and mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 22, 2009

Carnegie Mellon algorithm charts evolution of genetic networks during fruit fly life cycle

A new algorithm developed by Carnegie Mellon University has revealed how genetic networks in fruit flies evolve during their life cycle. The Tesla algorithm uses machine learning techniques to analyze the rewiring of these networks over time, providing insights into how they respond to stimuli and become dysfunctional.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2009