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Science News for December 7, 2010


Strategy, court specialization driving increase in smart-phone litigation

Research reveals that technology companies are targeting the US International Trade Commission (ITC) over federal district courts for smart-phone patent disputes due to its speed and expertise. The ITC's specialization in patent issues and streamlined procedure make it an attractive option for companies seeking a quick decision.

Novel compounds show early promise in treatment of Parkinson's, Huntington's, Alzheimer's

Researchers at Southern Methodist University and The University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a family of small molecules that protect brain cells against nerve-degenerative diseases. The compounds, developed by SMU and UT Dallas scientists, showed promise in tissue culture models and animal models of neurodegeneration.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateDec 7, 2010

Vitamin supplements reduce deaths caused by measles and diarrhea

A new Cochrane review confirms vitamin A supplementation programmes in developing countries effectively reduce measles and diarrhoea incidence, saving thousands of lives. Researchers recommend continued use but emphasize the need for long-term solutions like fortification and dietary diversification.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateDec 7, 2010

Are all movie viewing experiences enjoyable?

A recent study found that not all movie-watching experiences are enjoyable, with some films inducing emotional discomfort due to graphic content or disturbing themes. The presence of family members or unknown individuals can also impact viewer satisfaction.

SourceWiley·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateDec 7, 2010

Invisible invasive species

A study by Michigan State University associate professor Elena Litchman reveals the potential impact of invisible microbial invaders on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Climate change is expected to exacerbate microbial invasions, leading to significant ecosystem changes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 7, 2010

Dueling dipoles

A new theory of energy transfer in photosynthesis is being developed based on experimental findings that challenge the traditional dipole-based mechanism. Energy is rapidly and efficiently transferred when dipoles are orthogonally disposed, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 7, 2010

Music relieves stress of assisted breathing

Patients receiving mechanical ventilation may benefit from listening to music, which can relax them and reduce anxiety, heart rate, and breathing rate. The review of eight trials involving 213 patients found that music listening may be a promising stress management tool for critically ill patients.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateDec 7, 2010

Tobacco cessation medication may reduce hospitalization for heart attacks

A study by Thomas Land and colleagues found that use of tobacco cessation medication led to reduced hospital admissions for heart attacks and coronary atherosclerosis within two years. Smoking prevalence among subscribers declined by approximately 10% after the adoption of comprehensive coverage of tobacco cessation medications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 7, 2010

Walk places, meet people and build social capital

A study by Shannon Rogers and her team found that living in a walkable neighborhood is associated with increased civic involvement, trust, and social connections. Residents in more walkable areas reported better health, happiness, and community involvement.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateDec 7, 2010

New ground broken on aggression research

A study by U of A Psychology researcher Peter Hurd found that less sensitive genes were associated with more aggressive behaviour, suggesting a possible link between fetal testosterone exposure and adult social behavior. The researchers also discovered subtle forms of aggression, such as indirect aggression through gossip-like behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBehavior Genetics·DateDec 7, 2010

Desensitisation approaches effective against hayfever-like allergies

A new Cochrane Systematic Review finds sublingual immunotherapy significantly reduces symptoms of allergic rhinitis and medication requirements. The treatment has very few serious adverse effects and is effective in children, offering a convenient alternative to injection immunotherapy.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateDec 7, 2010

UTHealth study suggests private insurers control health care spending better than Medicare

Researchers found that private insurance paid for healthcare costs in the under-65 population significantly reduced disparities in per-capita Medicare healthcare spending between McAllen and El Paso. For this age group, inpatient admissions were 89% higher in McAllen than El Paso, but outpatient medical service spending was 22% lower.

Study confirms long-lasting benefit of radiotherapy for localized breast cancer, and reports importance of tamoxifen for reducing recurrence

Women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who undergo radiotherapy after surgery experience a significant reduction in local cancer recurrences and invasive disease, with the effect lasting long-term. Treatment with tamoxifen also reduces recurrence rates, particularly in the opposite breast.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 7, 2010

Nanoparticle gives antimicrobial ability to fight Listeria longer

A Purdue University research team developed a nanoparticle that can hold and release an antimicrobial agent, preserving its effectiveness against Listeria monocytogenes for up to three weeks. The nanoparticle attracts and stabilizes nisin, a food-based antimicrobial peptide, allowing for extended use in foods susceptible to Listeria.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateDec 7, 2010

Feeling chills in response to music

A study found that people open to new experiences, particularly those high in openness, tend to feel chills while listening to music. They are also more likely to play musical instruments and rate music as important in their lives.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateDec 7, 2010

Let's not sleep on it

Research found that sleep deprivation eliminates fear-associated memories through both fear recognition and physiological fear reactions. This suggests a possible therapy for individuals with PTSD or other anxiety disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 7, 2010

Providing incentives to cooperate can turn swords into ploughshares

A new study challenges the traditional prisoner's dilemma paradigm by suggesting that incentives to cooperate can minimize conflict and change the game from pure conflict to partial cooperation. The research, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, finds that payoffs from social interactions can evolve under certain conditions...

UBC formulation of leishmaniasis drug shown to be stable, effective in tropical temperatures

Researchers at University of British Columbia develop a lipid-based formulation of Amphotericin B, stabilizing the drug in tropical temperatures and making it more accessible for treating Visceral Leishmaniasis. The new oral formulation is effective in mouse models and has the potential to bring relief to millions affected by the disease.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 7, 2010

New UCLA study raises questions about genetic testing of newborns

A new UCLA study reveals that mandatory genetic screening of newborns for rare diseases is creating unexpected upheaval for families whose infants test positive but show no immediate signs of the diseases. The study found that these families are often left in a state of uncertainty, with parents experiencing anxiety and trauma as they ...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 7, 2010

Are depressed people too clean?

A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that a loss of healthy bacteria due to modern sanitation may contribute to the increasing rates of depression. Experiments are being conducted to test treatments using properties of these beneficial microorganisms, aiming to improve emotional tolerance.

Melanopsin looks on the bright side of life

Researchers discovered that melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells contribute to conventional image-forming vision, particularly brightness perception. This finding suggests these cells could support vision in people with advanced retinal degeneration.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 7, 2010

Milestone in fight against deadly disease

The Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases and the Seattle Structural Genomics Center have experimentally determined 500 three-dimensional protein structures from bacterial and protozoan pathogens. These structures could lead to the development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to combat deadly infectious diseases.

School-based program helps adolescents cope with asthma

The Asthma Self-Management for Adolescents (ASMA) program, an eight-week intervention, significantly improves asthma management and quality of life among participating students. ASMA participants reported reduced asthma-related activity restrictions, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 7, 2010

New UCLA study raises questions about genetic testing of newborns

A new UCLA study warns that mandatory genetic screening of newborns for rare diseases is creating unexpected upheaval for families whose infants test positive but show no immediate signs of the diseases. The study found that parents are often left in limbo, waiting months for conclusive evidence and facing trauma as a result.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 7, 2010

Sheathless transradial intervention highly successful in treating complex lesions

A novel approach to angioplasty using standard guiding catheters has shown a 90% success rate in treating complex coronary lesions through the radial artery. The procedure, known as sheathless transradial PCI, promotes widespread adoption of transradial PCI in the US and offers benefits for patients with even the most complex procedures.

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateDec 7, 2010

Medicaid-funded ADHD treatment for children misses the mark

A study found that Medicaid-funded ADHD treatment in primary care clinics was often infrequent and ineffective, with many children receiving inadequate follow-up visits and medication management. In contrast, specialty mental health clinics provided more comprehensive care, but still faced challenges in improving continuity of care.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 7, 2010

Rocking the cradle after 45

Despite associated risks, newborns of older moms (45+ years) can overcome complications, research from Tel Aviv University reveals. The study found that most older women deliver healthy children with minimal health risks affecting the baby after three days.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 7, 2010