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Science News Archive September 2010 - Page 6


Page 6 of 27

Outcomes of communication about end-of-life care appear to differ between black and white patients

A recent study found that black patients are less likely to experience end-of-life care that accurately reflects their preferences compared to white patients. Black patients with more education were marginally more likely to report having end-of-life discussions, but still received more aggressive care regardless of their values.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 27, 2010

Controlling bone formation to prevent osteoporosis

A team of researchers has identified a key player in maintaining bone balance, finding that the protein Maf promotes bone formation and prevents osteoporosis. By understanding this age-related switch in cell type generation, new approaches to treat age-related osteoporosis may be developed.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010

Quantum physics: Flavors of entanglement

Physicists at University of Innsbruck successfully expose four entangled ions to a noisy environment, demonstrating the variety of flavors or properties in their entanglement. This study forms an important basis for understanding entanglement under environmental disturbances and the boundary between quantum and classical worlds.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 27, 2010

A shot to the heart: Nanoneedle delivers quantum dots to cell nucleus

University of Illinois researchers have created a tiny needle that can deliver quantum dots directly into a cell's nucleus, allowing for the study of internal environments and cellular processes. This breakthrough technique uses electrical potential to control the release of molecules and offers precise monitoring capabilities, opening...

Study shows patient-specific vaccines for metastatic melanoma may induce durable complete regression

A recent clinical study has shown that patient-specific vaccines can sometimes induce durable complete regression of progressing soft-tissue melanoma metastases. The vaccine was found to be effective in one particular patient who remained in complete remission for over two years, more than four years after her initial diagnosis.

SourcePorter Novelli, Life Sciences·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateSep 27, 2010

No cardiovascular benefit observed for pine-bark extract

A 12-week randomized clinical trial found that pine bark extract did not improve risk factors for heart disease, despite its potential biological benefits. The study included 130 participants at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, who took either pine bark extract or a placebo once daily.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 27, 2010

Climate change hits southeast Australia fish species

Significant changes in coastal fish species distribution are observed in south-eastern Australia, partly due to climate change. The study identified 43 species exhibiting shifts thought to be climate-related, including warm temperate surf-zone species and range increases for Snapper and Rock Flathead.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateSep 27, 2010

Diving deeper into the gene pool

Tel Aviv University researchers developed miRNAkey software to analyze microRNA patterns in healthy and diseased tissues, improving understanding of human diseases at a genetic level. The software enables scientists to identify relevant microRNAs, determine their levels, and generate statistically valuable information.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBioinformatics·DateSep 27, 2010

Let your fingers do the driving

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new touch-based directional device that can provide safe navigation cues to drivers, even when they're distracted by cell phones or visually impaired. The system uses gentle skin stimulation on the fingertips to convey directions, potentially reducing accidents and improving safety...

Pinpointing where volcanic eruptions could strike

Scientists have developed a new method to predict where volcanic eruptions will strike, using data from a rare sequence of 13 magmatic events in the Afar desert. By analyzing changes in the earth's crust tension, researchers can identify areas at risk and estimate likelihood of future eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 26, 2010

Could economics solve the prison crisis?

Researchers argue that economic analysis can inform more effective criminal justice policies by reducing incarceration rates and focusing on prevention. They suggest devolving budgets for custodial sentences to local authorities, with financial incentives to drive cost-saving measures.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalProbation Journal·DateSep 24, 2010

Phantom limbs more common than previously thought

A new study published in Cortex reports that over half of patients recovering from stroke experience phantom limb sensations. Researchers found 27 patients with daily phantom limb experiences, some even able to control their phantom limb. The phenomenon may be underreported due to fear of being labeled 'crazy'.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateSep 24, 2010

Video gaming prepares brain for bigger tasks

Researchers found that experienced gamers showed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in complex tasks. The study suggests that video games can reorganize brain networks, offering hope for future research into Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateSep 24, 2010

Moving closer to outdoor recreation not a recipe for being more physically active

A new study by University of Alberta researchers found that those who moved to live closer to outdoor recreation facilities had a higher body mass index (BMI) over six years. In contrast, individuals who prioritized walkability and ease of walking in their neighborhoods maintained stable BMIs.

SourceUniversity of Alberta - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateSep 24, 2010