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Science News Archive October 2010 - Page 12


Page 12 of 25

No standard for the placebo?

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine questions the foundation of placebo-controlled trials, citing a lack of standardization and regulation for placebo ingredients. The researchers found that only 10% of cases disclose the makeup of placebos, leading to potential biases in study results.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 18, 2010

Surgical complications drop at hospitals that share patient safety data

A collaborative approach to sharing patient safety data among Michigan hospitals has led to a nearly 10% reduction in surgical complications. The study, which examined general and vascular surgeries between 2005 and 2007, also found improvements in reducing blood infections, septic shock, prolonged ventilator use, and cardiac arrest.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateOct 18, 2010

Is team science productive?

Researchers at Penn Medicine measured the collaborative nature of translational medicine using network analysis, finding that ITMAT members' collaborative papers doubled since 2006. They also discovered that researchers were more likely to collaborate within their own departments and institutions rather than across them.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 18, 2010

Latinas: 'Cancer was just meant to be'

A new study shows that fatalistic thinking in Latinas may prevent them from using cancer screening services. Seven out of eleven studies found a statistically significant inverse association between fatalism and utilization of cancer screening services.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 18, 2010

Why are men more susceptible to alcoholism?

A new study reveals that men are up to twice as likely to develop alcoholism as women, with increased dopamine release in the brain contributing to this difference. The study found that men had greater dopamine release than women after consuming an alcoholic drink, which may contribute to the initial reinforcing properties of alcohol a...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 18, 2010

Treating cancer with light

Scientists at UC Irvine have designed a new device using spatial frequency domain imaging to image cancerous lesions and monitor the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for skin cancer. The device, which uses an array of LEDs, can provide detailed images of the biochemistry of tissue, enabling targeted treatment.

SourceOptica·DateOct 18, 2010

Breakthrough in nanocrystals growth

Researchers at Carnegie Institution for Science have successfully watched nanoparticles grow from the earliest stages of formation using high-energy X-rays. This breakthrough allows for the development of new techniques to control growth conditions, paving the way for improved solar-cell technology and chemical sensors.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 18, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 18, 2010

New study suggests that high levels of NOS2 are a predictor of survival in patients with ER-negative breast tumors and may be a good target for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, researchers identify the H-CDR3 antibody region as a potential key to treating pemphigus by targeting it with specific therapy. However, genetic inactiva...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 18, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that people with periodontal disease are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and that invasive dental procedures may raise this risk. However, studies have not consistently shown a link between these procedures and cardiovascular events. Meanwhile, peer support programs improved diabetes management in patients, su...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 18, 2010

Western diet exacerbates sepsis

A high-fat Western diet has been found to exacerbate the inflammatory response to sepsis, a condition of systemic bacterial infection. This increased inflammation can lead to severe outcomes, including higher mortality rates and more morbidity in obese patients.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Physiology·DateOct 18, 2010

Study pinpoints major causes of encephalitis in the UK, but many patients are undiagnosed and difficult to treat

A recent study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases identified herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus as the most common causes of encephalitis in the UK. However, up to 85% of patients worldwide have an unknown cause, emphasizing the need for further research to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 17, 2010