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Science News Archive April 2011 - Page 24


Page 24 of 26

Teens who choose music over books are more likely to be depressed

A University of Pittsburgh study found that teenagers who spent more time listening to music were 8.3 times more likely to be depressed, compared to those who read books the most, which had a protective effect against depression. The study used an intensive 'real-life' methodology and involved 106 adolescent participants.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 4, 2011

Study finds leptin restores fertility, may improve bone health in lean women

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have found that a synthetic form of leptin can restore fertility and reduce the risk of bone fractures in lean women with hypothalamic amenorrhea. The study shows significant improvements in hormone levels, menstrual cycles, and bone density after treatment with metreleptin.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that adults reporting workdays of 11 hours or longer had a 67 percent higher relative risk for CHD than those working 7 or 8 hours a day. Additionally, self-monitoring and self-adjustment of anticoagulant doses resulted in superior patient outcomes without an increase in major bleeding events.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 4, 2011

ACC/AHA/HFSA release 2011 Heart Failure Programs Staffing Profile survey results

A recent survey by the ACC/AHA/HFSA found that heart failure programs in the US are struggling to find the right mix of clinicians to manage this growing patient population. The study concludes that staff ratios remain the same despite program growth, indicating under-staffing with reduced financial resources.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 4, 2011

Dangerous blood pressure increases during exercise can be blocked, UT Southwestern researchers find

UT Southwestern researchers have identified a specific type of blood pressure medication that minimizes the effect of decreased blood flow and oxygen levels in muscles during exercise. This finding has implications for people with high blood pressure who may stop exercising due to fear of heart attack or stroke.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 4, 2011

Study provides first link between 2 major Parkinson's genes

A Canadian-led international study has found a link between the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's and the hallmark accumulation of alpha-synuclein in the brains of people with Parkinson's. The GBA mutation increases the risk of developing Parkinson's symptoms four to five years earlier than those without it.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 4, 2011

Researchers link herpes to Alzheimer's disease

A new technique allows scientists to observe herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) infections growing inside cells, revealing a mechanism by which HSV1 leads to Alzheimer's disease. Frequent interactions between viral particles and cellular amyloid precursor protein facilitate viral transport while interfering with normal APP distribution.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 2011

Clumsy kids who don't 'grow out of it'

Children with DCD tend to struggle with motor skills, socialization, and emotional regulation, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. The study found that voluntary lack of participation in after-school activities can exacerbate the problem, but intervention is possible with proper diagnosis and monitoring.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateApr 4, 2011

Mountain pine beetle marching east from Alberta

The mountain pine beetle has invaded jack pine forests in Alberta, successfully jumping species from its main host to the dominant Canadian boreal forest tree. Researchers tracked the infestation's progress across Alberta, finding the insects as far east as Slave Lake, and plan further research to estimate their potential speed of spread.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 4, 2011