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Science News Archive January 2011 - Page 13


Page 13 of 22

Enhanced early childhood education pays long-term dividends in better health

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that intensive early education programs for low-income children can bring improved health and healthier behaviors in early adulthood. The randomized control trial, which enrolled 111 infants from the 1970s to age 21, showed significant benefits in health measure...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 14, 2011

Dramatic ocean circulation changes revealed

New research suggests ocean circulation changes may have caused severe cold intervals in Europe, with the Atlantic ocean capable of radical changes on short timescales. The study found that deep water formation switched off and on repeatedly, leading to warming and cooling centuries at a time.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2011

Certain genetic profiles increase risk of coronary artery disease while others uniquely increase risk of heart attacks in those with coronary disease; blood group O offers protection

A new study identifies genetic variants associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attacks. The researchers found that certain genetic profiles increase the risk of CAD and heart attacks in individuals with CAD, while blood group O offers protection against heart attacks.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 14, 2011

Measles virus plays role in Paget's disease of bone, Pitt-led team says

A team of researchers led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has confirmed that a gene from the measles virus plays a key role in the development of Paget's disease of bone. The study found that osteoclasts in affected patients express a viral protein, leading to characteristic bone lesions and increased risk of fracture.

Speeding up E. coli detection

A simple method for tracking E. coli uses laser imaging to detect and monitor microbe contamination in water, potentially reducing waterborne disease outbreaks. The technique improves on existing methods by providing vital information on microbial source tracking.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design·DateJan 14, 2011

Popular sleep medicine puts older adults at risk for falls, cognitive impairment

A study by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that older adults taking zolpidem are significantly more likely to experience balance problems and cognitive impairments. Younger adults also showed significant cognitive impacts from sleep inertia, highlighting a need for further research on this topic.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 13, 2011

When continents formed

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new methodology for calculating model ages of continental crust formation. This approach uses the isotope composition of newly formed crust to estimate age, resulting in significantly younger and more consistent dates than previous methods based on mantle isotopes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2011

New guidelines for preventing falls in the elderly include: start tai chi, cut-back on meds

The American Geriatrics Society and British Geriatric Society's updated guidelines for preventing falls in older adults emphasize the importance of exercise, such as tai chi or physical therapy, to reduce fall risk. The guidelines also recommend environmental adaptations, medication reduction, and cataract surgery where necessary.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 13, 2011

Driving simulators help older adults improve their road skills

A new study suggests that driving simulators can be an effective way to improve the driving skills of older adults. The researchers found that coaching and feedback through a driving simulator improved driving abilities in older drivers. This method may help keep older drivers on the road longer while maintaining safety.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 13, 2011

Aerosols transmit prions to mice, causing disease

Researchers found that prion-tainted aerosols can induce disease in mice by transferring to the brain and colonizing it. The study suggests airborne transmission of prions may be a risk, prompting potential regulations to minimize infection risks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 13, 2011