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Science News for March 5, 2010


Major depression more than doubles risk of dementia among adults with diabetes

A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that adults with both diabetes and major depression are more than twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with diabetes alone. The study, led by Dr. Wayne Katon, suggests that major depression doubles the risk of dementia in adults with diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 5, 2010

A fingerprint for genes

Researchers applied a new strategy to investigate the effects of thousands of genes on endocytosis, revealing precise definitions of what cells need when and where. This understanding could lead to preventing infections and developing treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2010

Nondrug techniques reduce pain in hospitalized patients

A study published in the Journal of Patient Safety found that non-traditional therapies can significantly impact pain levels in hospitalized patients, with reductions of up to 50%. The treatments included mind-body therapies, acupuncture, and massage, among others, which were found to be effective across various patient populations.

SourceAllina Health·JournalJournal of Patient Safety·DateMar 5, 2010

Recent research on memory/learning

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology reveals that people underconfidently assess their learning abilities but overconfidently predict their memory performance. The researchers found that individuals failed to account for improved learning outcomes following additional study and testing.

SourceWilliams College·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateMar 5, 2010

US doctors sanction transplant criteria for liver cancer patients

The US medical community has developed new transplant criteria for patients with liver cancer, aiming to ensure equitable organ allocation. The guidelines prioritize candidates based on tumor size, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and MELD scores, while also considering locoregional therapy and down-staging.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMar 5, 2010

Low levels of vitamin D linked to muscle fat, decreased strength in young people

A recent study by Dr. Richard Kremer found that nearly 60% of healthy young women had insufficient vitamin D levels, leading to increased body fat and decreased muscle strength. The research highlights the importance of vitamin D in maintaining overall health and suggests a potential link between low vitamin D levels and various diseases.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 5, 2010

Open-label continuation study supports long-term efficacy of Xenazine (tetrabenazine) for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease

Results from an open-label extension study demonstrate that subjects treated with Xenazine experienced a statistically significant reduction in chorea score after 80 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint showed a mean reduction in Total Maximal Chorea (TMC) score of 4.6 UHDRS units.

Successful treatment of periodontal disease lowered preterm birth incidences

A study published in Journal of Dental Research found that successful periodontal treatment significantly lowers the risk of preterm birth. Pregnant women with periodontal disease who received scaling and root planing had a lower rate of prematurity compared to those without periodontal disease.

Monuments monitored from a distance

A team of engineers from the University of Seville has developed a system to monitor historical monuments remotely, using sensors on the Giraldillo sculpture. The study reveals that the sculpture requires specific wind speeds and temperatures to move and position itself, with no abnormal values recorded in vibration frequencies.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalStructural Health Monitoring·DateMar 5, 2010

Keeping safe -- online

The Exploring Privacy: Your Privacy and the Internet event aims to raise awareness about online privacy through a multi-media presentation and audience discussion. The event is part of the Festival of Social Science, which celebrates British social science research.

Saving Peak District moorlands

Researchers from Moors for the Future Partnership are using techniques like re-establishing heather plants, rebuilding paths, and gully blocking to reduce erosion. These methods aim to absorb around 400,000 tonnes of carbon a year, equivalent to 1.1 billion car miles or 84,000 family-sized cars.