Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 16, 2010


SPF on your plate

A Mediterranean diet high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the damaging effects of UV rays on the skin. Foods such as olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetables can provide essential nutrients to protect against skin cancer, while regular sunscreen applications and protective clothing are also crucial.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNutrition Reviews·DateAug 16, 2010

U-M's efforts to encourage disclosure of medical errors decreased claims

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that the University of Michigan's full disclosure program for medical errors resulted in a significant decrease in new claims, time to resolution, and liability costs. This improvement in transparency and compensation led to reduced malpractice costs and enhanced patient safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 16, 2010

Arsenic in field runoff linked to poultry litter

Researchers found that fields amended with poultry litter can accumulate significant levels of arsenic, which can then migrate into nearby streams and rivers. The study highlights the importance of controlling point sources of arsenic and suggests management practices to protect local regions from agricultural pollutants.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 16, 2010

Telltale signs of bioterror

Researchers at Rice University are developing a genomic test that can quickly determine whether a disease outbreak is caused by a natural pathogen or one engineered in a lab. By studying how bacteria evolve in the lab, they hope to find common patterns that indicate domestication.

Presidential election outcomes directly influence suicide rates

A new study finds that presidential election outcomes directly influence suicide rates among voters. In states where the majority supported the winner, suicide rates decreased, but more dramatically in states where the majority supported the loser, with a 4.6% lower rate for males and 5.3% for females.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateAug 16, 2010

Mayo's 'smart' adult stem cells repair hearts

Researchers demonstrate that rationally guided human adult stem cells can effectively heal, repair, and regenerate damaged heart tissue. The study shows improved heart function recovery, reduced scars, and increased survival rate in mouse models with heart failure.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 16, 2010

August 2010 Lithosphere highlights

This article explores various geological phenomena, including the origin of rhyolites from South Mountain, Pennsylvania, growth faults in the Kaiparowits Basin, Utah, and extension of the Anaconda metamorphic core complex. The studies provide new information on volcanic magmas, tectonic deformation, and Earth's crust behavior.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateAug 16, 2010

Reminding health-care staff to remove catheters reduces infections by half

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that reminder systems encouraging prompt removal of urinary catheters reduced CAUTIs by 52%. The researchers suggest that low-cost interventions like nurse-empowered catheter stop orders could be effective in reducing infections. Hospitals can implement these strategies to improve...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 16, 2010

Repairing spinal cord injury with manipulated neural stem cells

A team of researchers has developed an approach to repairing spinal cord injuries using manipulated neural stem cells. In a mouse model, the cells were combined with valproic acid and resulted in impressive restoration of hind limb function. Further work is needed to determine if this approach can be used in human patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2010

Amphetamine use increases risk of aortic tears in young adults, UT Southwestern researchers report

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that amphetamine abuse increases the risk of aortic dissection in young adults. The study, published in American Heart Journal, analyzed medical records from nearly 31 million people and found a threefold increase in odds of aortic dissection among those who abused amphetamines.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateAug 16, 2010

Genes associated with aggressive breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified 12 genes linked to aggressive breast cancer, which could lead to more reliable prognoses and better treatment strategies. The study found that these genes are associated with an increased risk of tumor progression, cell growth, motility, and development.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 16, 2010

IBMT meditation found to boost brain connectivity

Research published at the University of Oregon found that 11 hours of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) meditation training induces structural changes in brain connectivity, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex. This brain area is linked to self-regulation and behavior control.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2010

Lung stem cells vital to lung repair associated with poor cancer prognosis when found in tumor

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that adult stem cells vital for lung repair are associated with a poor prognosis in patients who develop cancer. These cells may mutate into cancer-causing stem cells, making them a potential target for prevention strategies and new targeted therapies.

Scientists develop new drug treatment for malaria

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have created a synthetic drug for malaria treatment that is more potent than naturally derived artemisinin. The new drug's stability makes it last longer in the body, reducing the chance of parasite re-appearance and making it more cost-effective to mass produce.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 16, 2010

Antidepressant can help treat major depression during perimenopause, menopause, VCU study shows

A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University finds that antidepressant desvenlafaxine, known as Pristiq, effectively treats major depression in women during perimenopause and menopause. The medication showed significant improvement in symptoms, with response rates of 58.6% for those taking Pristiq compared to 38.2% on placebo.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 16, 2010

A river flipped: Humans trump nature on Texas river

A study by Rice University geochemists found that human activities like damming have completely obscured the natural carbon dioxide cycle in the Brazos River. The researchers used radiocarbon dating to determine the age of carbon dioxide samples from seven sites along the river, revealing a unique geochemical story.

SourceRice University·JournalBiogeochemistry·DateAug 16, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that proactively disclosing medical errors decreased new legal claims and costs for health care systems. Collaboration between internists and specialists improved care for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection by increasing adherence to quality-of-care measures. However, administering corticosteroids to de...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 16, 2010

Branding in a new light

A study by Thomas Schielke found that altering lighting can significantly affect the perceived brand identity of a store, with subtle differences between global regions. The study suggests that using consistent lighting designs can facilitate sending a specific brand image globally.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalLighting Research & Technology·DateAug 16, 2010