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Science News for March 26, 2009


Respiratory risk from hospital cleaning fluids

A pilot study found potentially hazardous chemicals in hospital cleaning products, including quaternary ammonium chlorides and glycol ethers. The study highlights the importance of protecting workers and others from exposure to cleaning hazards, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateMar 26, 2009

2009 ESCEO-IOF Alliance for Better Bone Health Young Investigator Award presented to Dr. Nick Harvey

Dr. Nick Harvey received the 2009 ESCEO-IOF Alliance for Better Bone Health Young Investigator Award for his study on indices of intrauterine growth predicting postnatal development of skeletal size and volumetric density. The award recognizes outstanding research based on fetal growth measurements made between 19 and 34 weeks gestation.

Team IDs genesis of mass migrations

Researchers use Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS) to observe mass migrations of hundreds of millions of fish, revealing critical population density triggers synchronized movement. This breakthrough confirms theories about large groups of animals and provides valuable information for conservation of marine ecosystems.

Face recognition: the eyes have it

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that the most useful information for face recognition comes from eye images, which provide the least 'noisy' result. The study analyzed over 800 male and female face images to understand why our brains prefer a coarse resolution for face recognition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 26, 2009

The host makes all the difference

Braunschweig Helmholtz researchers found that host genetic factors significantly impact the progression of influenza A virus infections. The study discovered strong differences in disease outcomes among mice with genetically identical immune systems, suggesting a genetic basis for varying responses to the flu virus.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 26, 2009

Individualized stroke treatment available for patients, though underutilized

Researchers found that 89% of patients treated with catheter-based therapy (CBT) showed significant improvement in neurologic disability and NIHSS score. CBT may be an effective alternative for ischemic stroke patients ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis, with potential benefits including earlier treatment windows.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMar 26, 2009

COPD-related problems hard to swallow

Patients with moderate to severe COPD show altered breathing and swallowing coordination even during normal eating. The study found that COPD patients swallow more often at the end of exhalation, a pattern that disrupts safe swallowing.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 26, 2009

New study suggests Rx estrogen delivery through the skin may show safety benefits as opposed to oral delivery

A new study published in Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society found that transdermal estrogen delivery may not increase the risk of blood clots in postmenopausal women, unlike oral delivery. The study suggests that transdermal HT delivery may be a safer alternative for some women.