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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 24


Page 24 of 311

Prior hospitalization for mental illness increases death risk in patients with chest pains

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that patients with a history of psychiatric hospitalization have a higher rate of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease compared to those without such a history. This increased risk was seen across both men and women, particularly among younger individuals.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 30, 2011

Earthquakes: Water as a lubricant

Researchers found that rock water acts as a lubricant, causing significant differences in mechanical properties along the fault at depth. This supports the idea that fluids play a key role in the onset of earthquakes, and tremor signals are linked to areas with trapped fluids.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2011

Surgeons perform better with eye movement training

Research by the University of Exeter shows that trainee surgeons learn technical surgical skills more quickly and deal better with stress if taught to mimic expert eye movements. The study highlights the potential for 'gaze training' to speed up initial skill learning, getting trainees ready for the operating room earlier.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalSurgical Endoscopy·DateNov 30, 2011

From gene to function

Researchers have identified 68 genetic variants involved in platelet formation, including a novel role for tropomyosin 1 in platelet production. The study found that genes associated with heart attacks and strokes overlap with those affecting platelets, offering potential new targets for treatments.

Study finds inadequate mask use among health care workers early in 2009 H1N1 outbreak

A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that 43 healthcare workers who never used masks during patient encounters became infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus, while 20 who wore masks at least once did not contract the disease. The findings highlight the importance of proper mask use among healthcare workers.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 30, 2011

Promising and perilous? The ambivalent role of the CXCL12/ CXCR4 axis in heart repair

Researchers found that reducing CXCR4 levels correlated with reduced infarct size and inflammation, but impaired recovery of blood flow and neovascularization. The study suggests that localized approaches, such as injecting stem cells with higher CXCR4 levels or CXCL12 variants, may be more effective in heart repair.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2011

Training peers improves social outcomes for some kids with ASD

A recent NIH-funded study found that engaging peers in social skills intervention may be more effective than training children with ASD directly. The study showed that children with ASD who interacted with trained peers had improved social outcomes, including reduced time alone on playgrounds and increased classmate friendships.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateNov 30, 2011

Nano meets pharma at Harvard-BASF symposium

Researchers at Harvard University and BASF are working on creating nanoscale particles of drugs to overcome hydrophobic drug compounds. The symposium aims to discuss efficient creation and delivery of these tiny particles for targeted treatment, addressing major challenges in modern medicine.

Low staffing and poor quality of care at nation's for-profit nursing homes

The study found that the nation's largest for-profit chains operate with significantly lower staffing levels than non-profit and government-owned nursing homes, leading to poorer quality of care. The top 10 chains have a strategy of keeping labor costs low to increase profits, resulting in more deficiencies and serious deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Services Research·DateNov 29, 2011

New tuberculosis research movement needed

The TB Research Movement aims to create a framework for concrete actions to harmonize and synergize TB research efforts globally. The movement is creating a framework for more research and innovation, particularly for the poor and vulnerable populations burdened by TB.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 29, 2011