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Science News Archive August 2010 - Page 17


Page 17 of 23

World's tiniest mirror

Researchers design and characterize a field-switchable nanomagnetic atom mirror, which can manipulate atoms by applying magnetic fields. The technology could be applied to devices that trap and confine atoms, potentially leading to breakthroughs in quantum computing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 10, 2010

Distinguishing 'senior moments' from Alzheimer's

Researchers at UCI identified a long-hidden part of the brain called the perforant path, which may help with early diagnosis. The study used ultrahigh-resolution MRI to track water molecules in the brain, confirming the passage weakens gradually with age and deteriorates more quickly due to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2010

Drugs to treat cocaine abuse?

A new study explores pharmacological strategies to reduce cocaine self-administration in animals, finding that dysregulation of mGlu2/3 and mGlu5 receptors may play a role in the transition to cocaine addiction. The research suggests that targeting mGlu2/3 receptors could be effective for treating severe cocaine-addicted individuals.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 10, 2010

Stereotyping has a lasting negative impact

New research from the University of Toronto Scarborough shows that prejudice has a lasting negative impact on those who experience it. Studies have found that people perform poorly in situations where they feel stereotyped, with lingering effects on behavior such as aggression, over-eating, and poor decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 10, 2010

Adult autism diagnosis by brain scan

Researchers at King's College London have developed a pioneering new method of diagnosing autism in adults using a quick brain scan that takes just 15 minutes. This technique can identify adults with autism with high accuracy and may lead to the screening for autism spectrum disorders in children.

Researchers find clues to gut immunity evolution, reveal similarities between fish and humans

A study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has identified a key player in animal gut immunity and revealed surprising similarities between fish and humans. The discovery provides new insights into how humans maintain healthy intestines and could lead to improved approaches for keeping fish safe from pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 10, 2010

Study finds similar personality types in male and female domestic violence perpetrators

A study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that subtypes of domestically violent men and women share similar personality traits and characteristics. The analysis of 567 civil psychiatric patients revealed three common subtypes among both genders, shedding light on the complexities of domestic violence.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateAug 10, 2010

Researchers develop magnetic molecular machines to deliver drugs to unhealthy cells

Scientists create a new system that utilizes porous nanomaterials driven by a magnetic core to release drugs inside living cancer cells, improving targeted drug delivery and imaging in cancer treatment. The system has the potential to deliver anti-cancer drugs only to cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 9, 2010

Injection of bone cement (vertebroplasty) is safe, effective and at an acceptable cost for patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Vertebroplasty is effective in providing greater pain relief than conservative treatment, resulting in a significant reduction in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. Patients experienced immediate and sustained pain relief lasting up to one year, making it a safe option for those with acute fractures.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 9, 2010

Stress gets under our skin

Researchers found that individuals with greater neural sensitivity to social rejection exhibit increased inflammatory activity, which can increase the risk of disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. Chronic inflammation can also lead to cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

BSSA tip sheet for August 2010

Researchers identified two apparent faults cutting young deposits near Olympia, Washington, suggesting recent fault activity and potential earthquake hazards. The study utilizes marine seismic reflection data to explore shallow structures associated with inferred faults in the Tacoma and Olympia areas.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateAug 9, 2010

ROCK(2) 'n' roll target for treating autoimmunity

Researchers have discovered that ROCK2 protein is involved in regulating the production of IL-17 and IL-21, which are linked to autoimmunity. Administration of a ROCK inhibitor has shown promise in reducing disease symptoms and ameliorating conditions in mice models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 2010

Physicians failing to follow recommended heart-failure treatment guidelines, Stanford study finds

A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that physicians are losing ground in prescribing recommended medications for treating congestive heart failure. The use of ACE-inhibitors and beta blockers has declined since the early 2000s, with only about one-third of patients receiving these life-saving treatments.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

Latino children with asthma less accurate in determining their lung function

A new study reveals that Latino children with asthma often inaccurately perceive their lung function, resulting in increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The study's findings suggest that cultural differences, socioeconomic factors, and limited access to healthcare may contribute to these disparities.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

An ancient Earth like ours

Researchers have reconstructed the Earth's climate belts between 460 and 445 million years ago, finding patterns that suggest ancient carbon dioxide levels were more modest than thought. The study reveals a 'modern-looking' pattern in ancient oceans, emphasizing the stability of the atmosphere and climate through deep time.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2010

1 in 4 stroke patients stop taking medication within 3 months

A study published in Archives of Neurology found that nearly 75% of stroke patients remained on their prescribed medications after hospital discharge. Factors associated with persistent medication use included cardiovascular disease, insurance coverage, and understanding the purpose of the medications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateAug 9, 2010

Biochemist proposes worldwide policy change to step up daily vitamin D intake

A leading international expert in vitamin D, Anthony Norman, recommends increasing daily intake to 2,000-4,000 IU for most adults to maximize health benefits. This could effectively eradicate rickets in infants and reduce the frequency of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune type-1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

Larger waist associated with greater risk of death

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that larger waist circumferences are associated with a greater risk of dying from any cause. The research, which included over 48,000 men and women, found that very large waists were linked to approximately twice the risk of death, even among those at normal weight.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010

Alcohol taxes can reduce death rates among chronic heavy drinkers

A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that increasing alcohol taxes can significantly reduce death rates from diseases caused by chronic heavy drinking. The study analyzed data from 1969 to 2004 and estimated that adjusting for inflation, would save around 1,500 Floridian lives per year.

SourceBurness·DateAug 9, 2010

Computerized warning system alerts doctors to medications that could harm elderly patients

Researchers developed a specialized CPOE system to alert doctors to potentially hazardous medications for older hospital inpatients. The system resulted in a significant decrease of 20% in orders for flagged medications, highlighting its potential to reduce adverse drug events and improve care for vulnerable elderly patients.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2010