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Science News Archive October 2010 - Page 24


Page 24 of 25

Saving tropical forests: Value their carbon and improve farming technology

A new study finds that crop productivity improvements and carbon emission limits can work together to prevent tropical deforestation over the next 100 years. The research suggests that increasing crop yields while implementing economic incentives to store carbon in forests can help preserve tropical forests and even increase their extent.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2010

Family therapy for anorexia twice as effective as individual therapy, researchers find

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that family-based therapy is twice as effective as individual psychotherapy in producing full remission of anorexia nervosa. The study compared the two treatment approaches in 121 adolescents and found that family-based therapy led to a significantly higher rate of patients re...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 4, 2010

Bonn researchers use light to make the heart stumble

Bonn researchers have developed a method to trigger arrhythmia in mice using light stimulation, allowing them to study the condition with unprecedented precision. By selectively targeting specific areas of the heart muscle, scientists can induce ventricular fibrillation, a common cause of death after a heart attack.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 4, 2010

PAL-MED CONNECT partners with Briefings in Palliative, Hospice and Pain Medicine & Management

Briefings will present practical, clinical case studies encountered by callers to PAL-MED CONNECT, focusing on topics such as pain management, opioid safety, and neuropathic pain symptoms. The collaboration aims to provide valuable resources for healthcare professionals seeking expertise in palliative care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateOct 4, 2010

Newly discovered DNA repair mechanism

Researchers have discovered a new way that DNA-repair enzymes detect and fix damage to the chemical bases in the genetic code. The newly discovered mechanism detects and repairs a common form of DNA damage called alkylation, which is caused by environmental toxins and chemotherapy drugs.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2010

Identifying enzymes to explode superbugs

Researchers have developed a method to identify lytic enzymes with optimal bacteria-killing characteristics, which can target superbugs while leaving beneficial bacteria intact. The discovery aims to hasten the development of engineered enzymes for clinical use and offer a 'push button technology' solution.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysical Biology·DateOct 3, 2010

The secret life of Ireland's smooth-hound sharks

Researchers reveal starry smooth-hounds grow twice as slowly and only reproduce every two years, sparking concern over slow reproductive rate and potential impact on population. The findings provide a unique opportunity to conserve the enigmatic species.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Fish Biology·DateOct 3, 2010

Can telemedicine improve geriatric depression?

A telemedicine-based depression care protocol was successfully implemented in home health care, with high patient satisfaction and significant improvement in depression severity. The pilot study's findings offer encouragement for expanding this program to reach elderly individuals who can experience a better quality of life.

Gene variations that alter key enzyme linked to prostate cancer

Researchers discovered that genetic variations impairing phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A) enzyme activity increase prostate cancer risk, affecting nearly four times more men than those without the variation. The study suggests PDE11A may have a role in genetic screening for predisposition to prostate cancer.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 1, 2010

Language delays found in siblings of children with autism

A new study found that siblings of children with autism have more frequent language delays and subtle characteristics of the disorder. The research suggests that genetic factors can influence individuals to varying degrees, even if one child is diagnosed with autism while the other is not.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2010

Innovative Web-based tool helps doctors improve care

A Web-based tool extracted from the electronic medical record helps primary care physicians manage care for individual patients, groups of patients or their entire panel. The Panel Support Tool (PST) improves care for patients with diabetes and/or heart disease, and provides better preventive care for healthy patients.

SourceGolinHarris International·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateOct 1, 2010