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Science News for March 10, 2010


New drug candidate reduces blood lipids

A clinical trial conducted by researchers from Karolinska Institutet found that eprotirome, a thyroid-hormone-like substance, effectively reduces blood cholesterol levels in patients who have already received statins. The trial showed significant reductions in harmful blood fats, up to 30% lower than those of patients receiving a placebo.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 10, 2010

Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog's site fidelity may lead to further decline

Research on the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog reveals strong site fidelity, but also highlights the negative impacts of a changing climate and introduced non-native trout. The study found that frogs with strong site fidelity are returning to lakes that dry up or have reduced breeding success due to predation by invasive trout.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateMar 10, 2010

Research points to way to improve heart treatment

A University of Iowa study suggests a way to improve heart treatment by targeting key heart-related mechanisms with drugs that maintain the positive effects of calmodulin kinase II while reducing its negative effects. The findings aim to prevent unwanted calcium activity and related molecular problems that lead to cell overload and death.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2010

Physicians click their way to better prescriptions

A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that e-prescribing significantly improves ambulatory medication safety. The research discovered a nearly seven-fold decrease in prescribing errors among doctors who adopted e-prescribing compared to those using traditional paper-based prescriptions.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 10, 2010

GenY workers want their cake and to eat it too

A study of GenY workers found they prioritize leisure, salary, and status, but not necessarily values related to helping others or making friends. In contrast, previous generations placed more emphasis on these aspects.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Management·DateMar 10, 2010

Why surprises temporarily blind us

New research from Vanderbilt University reveals that our brains coordinate goal-directed and stimulus-driven attention when surprised. The inferior frontal junction plays a primary role in coordinating these two forms of attention, which may limit our conscious perception during unexpected events.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 10, 2010

Quantum walk

A team of physicists at the University of Innsbruck successfully demonstrates a quantum walk in trapped ions, with up to 23 steps. This process differs from classical random walks, allowing quantum particles to spread faster and potentially aiding in understanding natural phenomena like energy transport in plants.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 10, 2010