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Science News for February 14, 2011


Hearing loss associated with development of dementia

A study of 639 individuals aged 36-90 found a significant association between hearing loss and dementia. The risk of dementia increased among those with moderate or severe hearing loss, particularly in older adults, who experienced nearly one-third more risk due to hearing loss.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Monitoring killer mice from space

A University of Utah study used satellite imagery to monitor vegetation surges that boost deer mouse populations, predicting hantavirus outbreaks months in advance. The method has potential applications for forecasting rodent-borne illnesses worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateFeb 14, 2011

New combination therapy for solid tumors?

Researchers have discovered a compound, ABT-737, that sensitizes hypoxic cancer cells to apoptosis. This compound synergizes with conventional chemotherapeutic agents in tumor-bearing mice, suggesting improved treatment of solid tumors.

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

Obese women may be less likely to develop glaucoma

A study of 3,939 participants found that obesity was associated with higher eye pressure and a lower risk of open-angle glaucoma in women. The authors suggest that high estrogen levels and hormone therapy may be protective against open-angle glaucoma in obese women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateFeb 14, 2011

More deep-sea vents discovered

Researchers have discovered four new deep-sea vents in the Southern Ocean, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution and evolution. The vents, found near the South Sandwich Islands, support unique microbial communities and are part of a larger project to study ocean chemistry and life diversity.

Military/civilian medical experts turning attention to 'army' of injured civilians supporting wars

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that civilians with noncombat injuries are more likely to be evacuated for treatment, but also more likely to return to work in war zones due to higher salaries. In contrast, soldiers are less motivated to return after such injuries, possibly due to the loss of hazardous duty pay.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 14, 2011

Fiber intake associated with reduced risk of death

A nine-year study found that high fiber intake was associated with a significantly reduced risk of total death, cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases in both men and women. Dietary fiber from whole plant foods, such as grains, was particularly beneficial.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2011

New clinical practice guidelines for noninvasive ventilation

The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new clinical practice guidelines for noninvasive ventilation, addressing its use in various settings. Key findings include recommending noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation as the first choice for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 14, 2011

Playtime helps bind generations

A new study from Concordia University and Wilfrid Laurier University confirms that shared leisure time between grandparents and their adult grandchildren is key to forming strong intergenerational relationships. This common activity allows for knowledge sharing, mutual understanding, and the development of empathy.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFamily Relations·DateFeb 14, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 14, 2011

Researchers identify Hunk as a key protein required for HER2/neu-induced mammary tumorigenesis, potentially leading to new treatments for aggressive breast cancer. A new compound, ABT-737, sensitizes human cancer cells to apoptosis in hypoxic regions, offering a potential combination therapy for solid tumors.

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

Lavender oil has potent antifungal effect

Scientists have discovered that lavender oil has a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections. The essential oil was found to be lethal to dermatophytes and various species of Candida, making it a promising alternative to existing treatments.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Total cooperation among people is not viable

Researchers found that people can be categorized into different types based on their cooperation behavior, with around 5% always helping, 35% never helping, and 60% cooperating depending on circumstances. The study suggests that economic incentives are not the primary driver of cooperation, but rather individual motivations and behaviors.

Estrogen reduces aggression in breast cancer

Researchers found that oestrogen can reduce the proportion of breast cancer stem cells, explaining a better prognosis for tumours expressing the oestrogen receptor. This study presents new insights into oestrogen's effect on cancer stem cells and opens doors to developing tools for preventing breast cancer.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateFeb 14, 2011

Medicare costs in last 6 months of life driven by patient variables twice as much as geography

A study found that Medicare costs in the last six months of life are driven more by patient characteristics such as ability to function and family support than regional factors. Patient impairment or decline was a strong predictor of higher Medicare costs, accounting for ten percent of variation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2011