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Science News for October 23, 2009


Adolescents' gambling a part of a cluster of problem behaviors

A recent study by the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found that adolescents with conduct disorder symptoms are more likely to exhibit problem gambling behaviors. The study of 2,274 youth between 14-21 years old showed a strong correlation between increasing conduct disorder symptoms and problem gambling symptoms.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 23, 2009

'Difficult-to-treat asthma' may be due to difficult-to-treat patients

Researchers found that non-adherence to inhaled corticosteroid therapy is a significant issue in difficult-to-treat asthma patients. Women and those with lower quality of life scores were more likely to be non-adherent. Developing better objective tests for non-adherence is crucial, according to Dr. Liam Heaney.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 23, 2009

Sex-based prenatal brain differences found

A new study by Uppsala University researchers Elena Jazin and Björn Reinius found that genetic expression in cerebral cortices exhibits sex-based differences, which are thought to be associated with later divergences in brain development. The study suggests that genes on the Y chromosome play a crucial role in these differences.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 23, 2009

Patients in US 5 times more likely to spend last days in ICU than patients in England

A new study from Columbia University found that US patients are almost five times more likely to spend their last hospital days in the ICU than patients in England. The research also revealed that ICU usage among terminal patients is eight times higher in the US than in England, particularly among those over 85.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 23, 2009

Canadian Cardiovascular Society recognizes trailblazing work by U of Alberta heart researcher

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society recognizes Dr. Gavin Y. Oudit's groundbreaking research on a new class of drugs for treating heart failure, with the potential to also treat kidney and lung diseases. Oudit's innovative program has yielded major discoveries and established him as a world leader in this exciting area of research.