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Science News Archive March 2009 - Page 5


Page 5 of 26

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.

TV shows convey mixed messages about alcohol

A new study reveals that prime-time television series portray mixed messages about alcohol, with positive messages associated with fun and partying, while negative messages are linked to crime, addiction, or job performance loss. This can undermine efforts to dissuade youth consumption through negative depictions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateMar 25, 2009

Study shows brain activity associated with phantom limbs

Researchers found brain activity in a patient who experienced a supernumerary phantom limb (SPL) that could be felt, seen, and moved intentionally. The study suggests multiple areas of the brain may be involved in SPLs, potentially offering insights into how the brain constructs normal bodily awareness and the self.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 25, 2009

Bioengineered proteins: Trial confirms new way to tackle cancer

Researchers have engineered a new version of the tumour-inhibiting protein VHL that can target hypoxic areas in tumours, reducing HIF levels and causing tumours to regress. This breakthrough has implications for treating various types of cancer, particularly those resistant to conventional therapies.

SourceWiley·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 25, 2009

Daily consumption of cannabis predisposes to the appearance of psychosis and schizophrenia

Researchers have identified a connection between daily cannabis consumption and the appearance of psychosis and schizophrenia in subjects with good premorbid performance. The study found that 66% of patients with normal neurodevelopment admitted to daily cannabis use, while 43% of those with abnormal neurodevelopment also used cannabis.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateMar 25, 2009

Questioning why health care IT manufacturers aren't liable for product-related medical errors

The current system shifts liability solely to healthcare providers, even when they follow vendor instructions and software faults cause errors. The 'learned intermediary' doctrine holds physicians and other clinicians responsible for identifying HIT errors, despite the potential for fatal consequences.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateMar 25, 2009

More compelling evidence on why circumcision should be routine

New data from Ugandan scientists find that adult male circumcision decreases rates of herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV), two most common sexually transmitted infections. Circumcision is linked to a 25% reduction in HPV risk and a third reduction in HPV risk, according to researchers at the University of Washington.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2009

Visual learning study challenges common belief on attention

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston conducted a visual learning study that found viewers can learn about objects in their field of vision without paying attention. This challenges the common belief that attention is necessary for learning from visual stimuli. The study's findings suggest that ignorin...

New wheat disease could spread faster than expected

A new study by Oregon State University and other institutions reveals that invading diseases can accelerate their spread, posing serious concerns for human diseases and a new fungus threatening global wheat production. The research suggests that the right set of conditions could lead to significant crop losses in some parts of the world.