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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 37


Page 37 of 311

Withdrawal of care may occur too soon in cardiac arrest patients who receive hypothermia treatment

Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 57% of cardiac arrest patients' treatment with hypothermia involved documentation of poor prognosis, with 25% of patients having their care withdrawn within 72 hours after arrest. Despite this, over 20% of patients survived to discharge with good neurological ou...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateNov 14, 2011

The kindness of strangers: Caring and trust linked to genetic variation

A recent study found that a gene influencing empathy and sociability can be detected in strangers, who rated individuals with a particular genetic variation as more caring and trustworthy. The oxytocin receptor gene was linked to prosocial behavior, with those carrying the GG genotype exhibiting higher levels of kindness and trust.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

New method for producing precursor of neurons, bone and other important tissues from stem cells

Scientists at the University of Georgia have developed a new method to create neural crest cells, precursors of bone cells, smooth muscle cells, and neurons, using a single-step process that reduces production time by half. The method uses small molecules to activate specific signaling pathways, increasing consistency and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

Study finds tropical areas aren't the only source of seasonal flu

Researchers found that influenza viruses can circulate globally, with multiple urban centers acting as sources of seasonal epidemics. The study used RNA sequences from 2003-2006 and showed high rates of viral migration among cities, challenging the long-held theory that tropical areas are the only source of seasonal flu.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

Better batteries

Researchers at Northwestern University have created an electrode that allows lithium-ion batteries to hold a charge up to 10 times greater than current technology. The new technology can also charge 10 times faster, paving the way for more efficient and smaller batteries for electric cars.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 14, 2011

Novel nanocrystals with advanced optical properties developed for use as luminescent biomarkers

The Singapore research team led by Associate Professor Xiaogang Liu developed a synthesis of lanthanide-doped core-shell nanocrystals with advanced optical properties, enabling efficient upconversion and tunable light emission. This breakthrough has significant implications for cancer detection, medical imaging, and therapeutic delivery.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 14, 2011

Girls with family history of breast disease should avoid alcohol

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine finds that adolescent girls with a family history of breast disease have a higher risk of developing benign breast disease as young women, and this risk rises with increasing alcohol consumption. The researchers suggest limiting alcohol intake to lower risk or avoid increasing it.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer·DateNov 14, 2011

Poor sleep habits linked to increased risk of fibromyalgia in women

A longitudinal study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a strong association between poor sleep habits and the risk of developing fibromyalgia in women. The study, which followed over 12,000 women for ten years, found that women with severe sleep problems were at increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateNov 14, 2011

Eliminating co-payments for heart attack medications increases adherence

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that eliminating copayments for heart attack medications increased patient adherence, reducing major vascular events and healthcare spending. Rates of combined endpoint were not significantly improved, but individual outcomes such as readmission and angina showed significant reductions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 14, 2011

Glioblastoma multiforme in the Dock

A study by Bo Hu and Shi-Yuan Cheng found that PDGFR-alpha overexpression in glioblastomas triggers a signaling cascade promoting tumor growth and invasion. Manipulating Dock180 to block this pathway inhibits PDGFR-alpha's role in glioma tumorigenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 14, 2011

'Stomach flu' may be linked to food allergies

A study by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin suggests a possible link between norovirus and food allergies. The team found an immunoglobulin E response to egg protein in mice infected with norovirus, indicating a potential connection between gastrointestinal viruses and allergic diseases like asthma.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalThe Open Immunology Journal·DateNov 14, 2011