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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 47


Page 47 of 311

Adolescent amphetamine use linked to permanent changes in brain function and behavior

A study by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that adolescent amphetamine use can cause neurobiological imbalances and increase risk-taking behavior, effects that persist into adulthood. The study used animal models and found abnormalities in key neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateNov 3, 2011

Research team unravels tomato pathogen's tricks of the trade

A research team has sequenced the genome of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato to understand how it evades plant defenses and develop methods to prevent further spread. The study found that the pathogen likely evolved on a recent time scale and continues to adapt by minimizing its recognition, posing a threat to biosecurity.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 3, 2011

Saving the day

A study published in BMC Emergency Medicine found that higher body mass index (BMI) and fitness levels improve CPR performance, while lower BMI and fitness lead to decreased compression depth and fatigue. The researchers recommend changing CPR providers every two minutes to prevent tiredness from impeding proper compression.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Emergency Medicine·DateNov 3, 2011

Caucasians who avoid sun exposure more likely to be vitamin D deficient, Stanford study suggests

A Stanford study found that Caucasians who avoid sun exposure have lower blood levels of vitamin D, with a 40% prevalence among all participants increasing to 53% and 56% among those wearing long sleeves and staying in the shade. The use of sunscreen did not significantly affect vitamin D levels due to insufficient application.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateNov 3, 2011

Secluding aggressive young offenders is always the last resort says 4-country study

A four-country study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that verbal intervention was the favoured technique for dealing with aggressive episodes involving young offenders. The research team also recommended continuous education, sufficient resources, and further studies to improve practices.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing·DateNov 3, 2011

A new definition for periprosthetic joint infection

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new definition for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) to help diagnose patients with suspected PJI. The criteria include sterile sampling, biomarker testing, and histological analysis to identify virulent organisms like Staphylococcus aureus.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateNov 3, 2011

Millisecond pulsar in spin mode

Scientists have found the first gamma-ray pulsar in a globular cluster, J1823-3021A, which is also the youngest millisecond pulsar discovered to date. Its high luminosity and strong magnetic field challenge current theories on its formation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2011

Health check on the road

A research team at TUM has developed a sensor system that monitors drivers' vital signs, including heart rate, skin conductance, and oxygen saturation, to prevent fainting spells or heart attacks. The system uses simple sensors in the steering wheel and can initiate measures such as phone call blocking or emergency braking if necessary.

Nano-tech makes medicine greener

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a nano-tech method to test new medicines in extremely small volumes, allowing for faster and cheaper drug development. The technique uses self-assembling systems made from biological materials, significantly reducing environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 3, 2011

Latex gloves lead to lax hand hygiene in hospitals, study finds

A study of over 7,000 patient contacts found that healthcare workers wearing latex gloves were less likely to clean their hands before and after patient contact. The researchers call this phenomenon the 'Dirty Hand in the Latex Glove,' highlighting an opportunity for improved hand hygiene practices when using gloves.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 3, 2011