Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2010 - Page 11


Page 11 of 23

Drug-eluting stents confirmed safe, effective for long-term use

A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions confirms the safety and effectiveness of drug-eluting stents (DES) for long-term use. The use of DES reduces the occurrence of myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and mortality compared to bare-metal stents.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateAug 18, 2010

Advanced Web-based medical technologies foster better informed consumers

The use of advanced web-based medical technologies is increasing the role of consumers in their own healthcare, providing access to reliable drug information and decision support tools. These innovative solutions, such as Healthline DrugSearch, enable users to compare treatments and understand interactions with multiple prescriptions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateAug 18, 2010

Major hurdle cleared for organic solar cells

Researchers have discovered a method to improve the performance of organic solar cells by modifying an interface between an organic polymer and an inorganic oxide layer. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the industry's prospects for producing efficient and environmentally friendly electricity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 17, 2010

Postnatal depression can be prevented by health visitors, says pioneering new study

A pioneering new study led by University of Leicester researchers shows that training Health Visitors to assess and support mothers after childbirth can significantly reduce the development of depression over the following year. Intervention women were 30% less likely to develop depression compared to control women receiving usual care.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateAug 17, 2010

Survey shows many are still clueless on how to save energy

A new US survey reveals that many Americans underestimate the impact of switching to efficient technologies on saving energy. The study found that turning off lights is often cited as the best approach, despite its minimal effect, while more significant changes like buying efficient cars and appliances are underutilized.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2010

Sundews just want to be loved

Research reveals that carnivorous plants like sundews prioritize pollination over insect safety, with taller flowers attracting more visitors. A study of two sundew species found that longer stems increased flower visits by ten times compared to shorter ones.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateAug 17, 2010

Uniform, national measures should define HIV/AIDS care

A work group led by a Kaiser Permanente researcher developed and adopted 17 national measures to assess HIV care quality, including screening, prevention, and antiretroviral therapy. These measures have been endorsed by several organizations and are being pilot-tested to improve patient outcomes.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 17, 2010

NYU School of Medicine receives $8.2M grant from NIDDK to continue urological disease research

The NYU Urothelial Biology Team has received a five-year, $8.2 million grant from the NIDDK to investigate bladder biology and diseases such as UTI. The team aims to understand how disease-causing bacteria interact with host urothelial cells, which is crucial for developing novel treatments for recurrent UTI and other urologic diseases.

Which politicians do voters blame for the down economy?

A Brigham Young University study shows that voters are less objective in evaluating their governor's economic performance if the White House is controlled by the opposing political party. The analysis found that voters overestimate the policy success of the level of government their preferred party controls, leading to rosier assessmen...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateAug 17, 2010

Mother of all humans lived 200,000 years ago

A new statistical method confirms that mitochondrial Eve, the mother of all humans, lived around 200,000 years ago. The study compared 10 human genetic models and found that they produced similar estimates, suggesting that refining assumptions beyond a certain point is not crucial in capturing the big picture.

SourceRice University·JournalTheoretical Population Biology·DateAug 17, 2010

Can clonal plants live forever?

Researchers found that long-lived aspen clones experience reduced sexual performance and increased risk of extinction with age. The study, published in PLOS Biology, used molecular clock estimates to determine the age of individual clones and measured male fertility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 17, 2010

Bees warm up with a drink, too!

A study by Monash University researchers reveals that bees use a 'hot' drink to warm up on cold days and a 'cool' drink in warmer weather. The bees preferred feeding from artificial flowers with warmer nectar, which helped them maintain an optimal body temperature for flight.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 2010

Study shows birth dates, school enrollment dates affect ADHD diagnosis rates

A new study from North Carolina State University found large discrepancies in ADHD diagnosis rates based on small differences in children's birth dates. Children born shortly after the kindergarten eligibility cutoff date were 25% less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, suggesting that younger children may be mistakenly diagnosed.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateAug 17, 2010

Powering Australia with waves

Researchers estimate that harnessing 10% of Australia's near-shore wave energy could generate enough electricity to meet half of the country's present-day consumption. This could contribute significantly to Australia's goal of producing 45,000 gigawatt-hours/year of additional renewable energy by 2020.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateAug 17, 2010

Cosmic accelerators discovered in our galaxy by UCLA physicists, Japanese colleague

Physicists have discovered evidence of natural nuclear accelerators at work in the Milky Way galaxy, based on an analysis of data from the world's largest cosmic ray detector. The researchers found that stellar explosions in our own galaxy can accelerate both protons and nuclei, explaining the origin of ultra-high-energy nuclei.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2010

Astronaut muscles waste in space

Research published in the Journal of Physiology found that astronaut muscles deteriorate to that of an 80-year-old after just 180 days in space. The study highlights the need for effective exercise countermeasures to protect muscle and bone on long-duration space missions.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateAug 17, 2010

Novel diabetes hope comes from Chinese herbs

Researchers found that emodin from Chinese herbs can lower blood glucose and serum insulin levels in mice with diet-induced obesity. The herb's active compound effectively limits the effect of glucocorticoids, which contribute to insulin resistance.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateAug 17, 2010

Developmental problems: Some exist in the genes

A collaborative study examines a family with two rare genetic deletions, CNTNAP5 and DOCK4, which are associated with autism and reading difficulties. The research suggests that the CNTNAP5 deletion is linked to autism, while the DOCK4 deletion is co-segregated with reading difficulties.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 17, 2010