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Science News for December 23, 2010


Fat cells become useful stem cells in tissue reconstruction

Researchers have isolated and characterized adult fat cell-derived stem cells, which maintain their stem cell characteristics and could aid in tissue regeneration. The study's findings suggest that these cells may be useful for cell-based therapies and represent a promising area of research for plastic surgery applications.

You are what your father ate

Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered that paternal diet can reprogram lipid metabolizing genes in offspring, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. The study suggests that epigenetic inheritance plays a significant role in complex diseases.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 23, 2010

How exercise grows a healthy heart

A new study in mice suggests that exercise turns on a genetic program that leads the heart to grow as heart muscle cells divide. Researchers identified a key transcription factor involved in this process, which may have clinical implications for those with heart failure or other conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 23, 2010

Emotional intelligence empowers positive attitudes in private sector; not in public sector

A new study from the University of Haifa found that high levels of emotional intelligence empower positive attitudes and reduce negative behavior in private sector workplaces. However, this effect was not observed in the public sector, where organizational politics and stress may offset the benefits of emotional intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalPublic Administration Review·DateDec 23, 2010

You are what your father ate too

A new study found that mice sired by fathers on a low-protein diet exhibit changes in metabolic genes, passed down via the sperm, and associated with improved cholesterol metabolism. This suggests transgenerational reprogramming of metabolism, challenging traditional views on the impact of parental nutrition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 23, 2010

Electronic medical records not always linked to better care in hospitals, study finds

A new RAND Corporation study found that electronic medical records have only a limited impact on improving the quality of hospital care. Hospitals with basic electronic health records showed a significant increase in quality of care for patients with heart failure, but no similar gains were noted among those with advanced electronic he...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateDec 23, 2010