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Science News for December 8, 2010


Older survivors of mechanical ventilation can expect significant disability

Patients over 65 who survive hospitalization with mechanical ventilation are more likely to suffer from long-term disabilities compared to those without ventilation. Researchers found that these patients experience greater mobility difficulties and activities of daily living (ADL) disability, even when their pre-hospitalization disabil...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 8, 2010

Youth report favorable impressions of community street outreach workers

A study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that youth generally perceive community street outreach workers positively, regardless of personal experience. The majority of respondents reported successfully resolving conflicts and needing help with employment, education, and healthcare needs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Community Health·DateDec 8, 2010

Toddlers with autism show improved social skills following targeted intervention

A new study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that toddlers with autism who received a targeted intervention showed significant improvements in social and communication skills. The intervention, which focused on core social deficits, yielded sustained gains even in very young children.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateDec 8, 2010

Redrawing the map of Great Britain based on human interaction

A team of researchers has used a large database to create a new map of Great Britain, dividing the country into smaller regions based on human interactions. The analysis reveals unexpected patterns, such as a 'western crescent' centered on high-tech activities and Wales being well-integrated with its English neighbors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 8, 2010

New mechanism links cellular stress and brain damage

A new study reveals that ER stress can lead to the destruction of a protein that regulates calcium signaling in neurons, causing brain damage similar to neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that a protective chaperone protein helps maintain the interaction between this protein and calcium signaling.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 8, 2010

Whey supplements lower blood pressure

A Washington State University study found that whey-based protein supplements can significantly reduce elevated blood pressure, resulting in a more than six-point reduction in average blood pressure. The study's findings have practical implications for personal health and the dairy industry.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Dairy Journal·DateDec 8, 2010

Soaring is better than flapping

Researchers tracked the movement of European bee-eaters using tiny radio transmitters and found they both soar and flap their wings, saving energy. The birds use as little energy when soaring as when resting, contrary to previous studies with larger species.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 8, 2010

See off Alzheimer's with the color purple

A groundbreaking study by Professor Douglas Kell found that poorly-bound iron causes the production of hydroxyl radicals, leading to degenerative diseases. Purple fruits and green tea are identified as excellent sources of iron chelators, which can bind iron tightly.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateDec 8, 2010

Not-so-confidential confidantes

Researchers found that as few as three co-located images at different times and places can predict high probability of two people being socially connected. This study uses Flickr data to demonstrate the power of online data in revealing social ties, with implications for online privacy.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2010

Feeling included -- kids with disabilities have their say in landmark study

A landmark study explores how children with disabilities perceive inclusion in physical activities, revealing three key themes: gaining entry to play, feeling like a legitimate participant, and having friends. The research emphasizes the importance of valuing children's experiences and choices in creating inclusive environments.

SourceUniversity of Alberta - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation·JournalAdapted Physical Activity Quarterly·DateDec 8, 2010

World's first microlaser emitting in 3-D

Researchers develop a microdroplet 3D laser system using cholesteric liquid crystals, producing the world's first practical three-dimensional laser. The design is small, tunable, cheap, and can be made by millions in seconds.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 8, 2010

School-based program effective in helping adolescents

A school-based program helped New York City high school students with moderate to severe asthma better manage their symptoms, dramatically reducing the need for urgent care. The program participants experienced significant reductions in acute medical visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and night awakenings.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 8, 2010

A new take on computer security

The MEDEA+ Trusted Secure Computing project has developed a family of components and software to efficiently secure computers, communications, and multimedia devices. These innovations include integrity management, user identification/authentication, and privacy management.

SourceEUREKA·DateDec 8, 2010

Surgery complications linked to chemotherapy delay, U-M study finds

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that chemotherapy delays are common among patients with surgical complications after colorectal cancer surgery. The study, which analyzed data from 17,108 patients, suggests that surgical complications can have long-term impacts on quality of care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDiseases of the Colon & Rectum·DateDec 8, 2010

Engaging pediatricians and primary care physicians in childhood obesity prevention and intervention

A panel of experts identified key barriers to physician engagement in childhood obesity prevention and discussed strategies to overcome them, including the creation of 'community hubs' and incorporating nutrition education into medical student training. The panel emphasized the need for government reimbursement and financial resources ...

Mutation linked to protein degradation underlies inherited ALS

A new study identifies a previously unrecognized mutation in the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene, which causes an inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research provides new insight into the disease's underlying pathology and validates the exome sequencing technique for identifying genetic causes.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 8, 2010

Frequent sex protects marital happiness for neurotic newlyweds

A study found that frequent sexual activity improves marital satisfaction among neurotic spouses, erasing their 'happiness deficit.' The effect occurred regardless of the marriage's initial happiness level. High levels of neuroticism are more strongly associated with bad marital outcomes than any other personality factor.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateDec 8, 2010