Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 21, 2010


Quitting menthol cigarettes may be harder for some smokers

Research finds that menthol cigarettes are more challenging to quit for certain groups, including teenagers and African-American smokers. Economic pressures may contribute to this difficulty as less affluent smokers are forced to consume fewer cigarettes, leading to increased nicotine intake from each cigarette.

SourcePenn State·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateDec 21, 2010

Tumor cells in blood may signal worse prognosis in head and neck cancer patients

A new study suggests that the presence of tumor cells in the circulating blood of patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck may predict disease recurrence and reduced survival. The study found a correlation between an increasing number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and a worse outcome.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 21, 2010

CSHL scientists show in unprecedented detail how cortical nerve cells form synapses with neighbors

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding how neural circuits self-assemble. By observing the formation of inhibitory synapses, they found that GABA transmission regulates synaptic adhesion. The discovery sheds light on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2010

Health systems strengthening needs 10 guiding principles

The article presents a set of 10 guiding principles for health systems strengthening developed from a comprehensive review of the literature and consultation with experts. These principles aim to establish a common foundation for future discussions and strategies in global health systems strengthening.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 21, 2010

UNH scientists help show potent GHG emissions are 3 times estimated levels

Researchers from UNH found nitrous oxide emissions from global rivers and streams to be three times previous estimates, with waterways contributing significantly to human-caused nitrous oxide emissions. The study highlights the need for continued scientific research on drivers of climate change and potential solutions to reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2010

Smarter systems help busy doctors remember

A new system using electronic health records significantly improves primary care physicians' performance and the health of patients with chronic conditions. The program boosts preventive care in vaccinations and cancer and osteoporosis screenings, increasing rates by up to 10 percentage points.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMedical Care·DateDec 21, 2010

Stress can enhance ordinary, unrelated memories

Researchers found that stress activates memory recall of unrelated experiences in laboratory rats, which may offer insights into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. The study's results suggest that traumatic stress can reactivate non-traumatic memories, linking them to the traumatic experience.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 21, 2010