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Science News Archive April 2011 - Page 4


Page 4 of 26

Increased metabolic rate may lead to accelerated aging

A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that higher metabolic rates are associated with early natural mortality, indicating potential acceleration of aging. Higher energy expenditure was linked to increased risk of organ damage and accumulation of toxic substances.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 27, 2011

Brain imaging demonstrates that former smokers have greater willpower

A recent study found that former smokers have increased activity in prefrontal regions related to controlling behavior, suggesting a link between quitting smoking and enhanced cognitive control. This research highlights the importance of cognitive skills in overcoming addiction and may inform more effective smoking cessation therapies.

SourceElsevier·JournalNeuroImage·DateApr 26, 2011

Evidence of medical complicity in torture at Guantánamo Bay

A study published in PLoS Medicine reveals that medical personnel at Guantánamo Bay failed to investigate and document causes of physical injuries and psychological symptoms in detainees. The review of nine cases corroborates allegations of torture, highlighting a breach of fundamental human rights.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 26, 2011

Vitamin D unlocks racial differences in blood pressure

A new study identifies vitamin D as a potential contributor to the racial disparity in blood pressure between Blacks and Whites. The research found that low vitamin D levels were associated with elevated blood pressure readings, accounting for a quarter of the difference between the two groups.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2011

Novel ash analysis validates volcano no-fly zones

A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Iceland developed a protocol for rapidly providing air traffic authorities with data on volcanic ash risks. The new method can provide safety assessment information in under 24 hours, reducing the difficulty faced by aviation authorities during eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2011

Diamonds shine in quantum networks

Researchers at the University of Calgary have successfully created a node in a quantum network using impurities in diamonds. Impurities in diamonds can be used to store information encoded onto their quantum state, which can be controlled and read out using light.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 26, 2011

Guns in the home provide greater health risk than benefit

A new study by David Hemenway found that gun ownership in homes increases the risk of accidents, suicide, homicide, and intimidation, outweighing any perceived benefits. Homes with children or women are disproportionately affected, with a higher risk of female homicide victimization.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateApr 26, 2011

It's all about control

A new study published in Psychological Science found that people are willing to trade one source of control for the other. Researchers discovered that lacking power triggers a greater need for choice, while having an abundance of choice doesn't lead to striving for power. Having neither makes people distinctly dissatisfied.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 26, 2011

Unique AED pads give hearts a second chance

Rice University bioengineering students collaborate with the Texas Heart Institute to create unique AED pads that allow rescuers to try again without losing valuable time. The pads have been tested with 100% success rate and are being patented, with hopes of being picked up by an AED manufacturer for FDA approval.

Motor protein may offer promise in ovarian cancer treatment

Researchers have found that over-expression of motor protein km23-1 can block human ovarian tumor growth, leading to eventual cancer cell death. This discovery offers promise for new therapies to treat ovarian cancer, a disease affecting U.S. women with an estimated 21,880 new cases and 13,850 deaths in 2010.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateApr 26, 2011

Topical treatment may prevent melanoma

Researchers have found that repeated topical application of ISC-4 can reduce tumor cell expansion by 80-90% and decrease tumor development in mice skin by about 80%. The compound is safe and kills melanoma cells two to five times more effectively than normal cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateApr 26, 2011

Study finds flame retardants at high levels in pet dogs

Researchers at Indiana University found significant levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the blood of pet dogs, with average concentrations about five to ten times higher than those found in humans. The study suggests that dogs may serve as 'biosentinels' for monitoring human exposure to flame retardants.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 26, 2011