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Science News Archive November 2009 - Page 4


Page 4 of 24

Got a pain? -- Have a cup of Brazilian mint

Researchers at Newcastle University have scientifically proven the pain-relieving properties of Hyptis crenata, a traditional South American herb. The study showed that the herbal tea was as effective as Indometacin in relieving pain, with results comparable to synthetic aspirin-style drugs.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalActa Horticulturae·DateNov 24, 2009

Physical therapists reduce disability and improve function in single-level microdiskectomy patients

A study published in Physical Therapy found that a progressive physical therapist-guided exercise and education program significantly improved physical function in patients after back surgery. The 12-week program reduced disability and improved walking performance, suggesting greater effectiveness than usual physical therapy.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateNov 24, 2009

Study shows flavanol antioxidant content of US chocolate and cocoa-containing products

A recent study by The Hershey Company confirms that flavanol antioxidant content in US chocolate and cocoa products is highly associated with the amount of non-fat cocoa solids. Cocoa powders, unsweetened baking chocolate, dark chocolate, and semi-sweet chips were found to have the highest levels of flavanol antioxidants.

SourceThe Hershey Company·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 24, 2009

Feeding the clock

A study published in PNAS reveals that food intake plays a crucial role in regulating liver gene expression, rather than the body's circadian clock. The findings suggest that consistent feeding schedules can have a significant impact on metabolism and may help explain why shift workers are more prone to metabolic syndrome.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2009

Global study of salmon shows: 'Sustainable' food isn't so sustainable

The study found that the world can achieve greater environmental benefits by focusing on improvements to key aspects of salmon production and distribution. Farmed salmon feeding, wild salmon catching, and transportation methods have a significant impact on climate change, ocean acidification, and habitat loss.

SourceEcotrust·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 24, 2009

Plasma levels of GGT and ALB and their genetic correlations with cardiovascular risk factors

This study found that variations in plasma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and albumin (ALB) levels are genetically influenced and correlate with cardiovascular disease risk factors. The researchers identified chromosomal regions containing genes that affect GGT and ALB variation, which may also influence cardiovascular health.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateNov 24, 2009

Researchers establish common seasonal pattern among bacterial communities in Arctic rivers

A three-year study of six large Arctic river ecosystems reveals predictable temporal patterns among bacterial communities, suggesting they could be used to monitor climate change. The findings show that these communities shift synchronously over time, correlating with seasonal shifts in hydrology and biogeochemistry.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2009

Drug users know their stuff

A survey of UK drug users found that they rate legal substances like alcohol and tobacco as more harmful than Class A substances, suggesting a flaw in the current classification system. The study also found high correlations between user ratings and expert ratings, indicating users are well informed about drug harms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateNov 24, 2009

Study highlights from November issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

A recent study published in the November issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found that six percent of asymptomatic women underwent endoscopic screening and were diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus. Additionally, researchers demonstrated the accuracy of EUS-FNA in diagnosing pancreatic endocrine tumors, predicting five-year survival rat...

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateNov 23, 2009

Medical 'pay for performance' programs help improve care -- but not always, study finds

A new study found that certain types of financial incentives for improving patient care have a positive effect on patient experiences. However, placing too much emphasis on physician productivity can actually harm patient satisfaction. Researchers analyzed data from 124,021 patients and found improvements in areas like communication an...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2009

Road rage

A new study found that rats exposed to fuel vapor from both leaded and unleaded gasoline exhibited increased aggressive behavior. Exposure to either type of fuel vapor led to significant changes in brain chemistry, including fluctuations in neurotransmitters.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Physiology·DateNov 23, 2009