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Science News Archive January 2011 - Page 2


Page 2 of 22

Scientists climb Mt. Everest to explain how hearts adapt and recover from low oxygen

Researchers studied physicians and scientists trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp, finding extensive but reversible changes in heart function after exposure to low oxygen levels. The findings suggest that heart problems experienced by seriously ill patients may be reversible once oxygen levels are returned to normal.

Success for social science in Europe

The Open Research Area Scheme in Europe has successfully funded joint projects addressing key social and economic issues like climate change, child welfare, and market uncertainty. Researchers will study public attitudes to climate change, critically review children's policies, and develop new forecasting methods for economic processes.

Sex in pregnancy: A primer

Potential risks of sex in pregnancy include premature labour, pelvic inflammatory disease, and blood clots, but the evidence is often contradictory and limited. For low-risk women, frequent intercourse may increase the risk of premature labour, while restricted activity is recommended for those at high risk

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 31, 2011

Resolved to quit smoking?

A new study using brain scans found that neural reactions to pro-health messages can accurately predict smoking quit success. The researchers tested 28 heavy smokers and found that neural activity in the medial prefrontal cortex predicted behavior change, outperforming people's own self-reported estimates.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJan 31, 2011

Study finds little decline in hepatitis C infections among injection drug users

A recent study found that despite a significant decline in HIV infection rates, new cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have declined only slightly among injection drug users. The findings suggest that current prevention efforts must be intensified to reduce the risk of HCV infection, particularly among younger IDUs.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 31, 2011

Metamaterials approach makes better satellite antennas

Scientists have successfully designed a new type of antenna liner using metamaterials, which can enhance performance and reduce mass, leading to lower costs and increased efficiency in communications satellites. The design has overcome previous limitations of narrow bandwidth and high loss, making it suitable for real-world applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 30, 2011

Novel surgery removes rare tumor, rebuilds trachea

A team of surgeons at Henry Ford Hospital has successfully removed a rare malignant immature teratoma from an adult's trachea and rebuilt the airway using tissue and bone from the patient's arm. The patient is now able to speak and swallow normally, with only a temporary tracheostomy tube used for breathing assistance.

Vitamin D deficiency alters lung growth and decreases lung function

Researchers found that vitamin D-deficient mice had reduced lung volume, lower airway resistance, and smaller lungs compared to control mice. The study suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and obstructive lung disease, highlighting the need for future studies on prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 28, 2011

Pre-surgical stress management boosts immune function, lowers mood disturbance in prostate cancer patients

A new UT MD Anderson study finds that brief pre-surgery stress management training can improve immune outcomes and lower mood disturbances in men with early-stage prostate cancer. The study's results suggest that managing stress has biological as well as psychological benefits, which may have an effect on aspects of disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJan 28, 2011

DNA caught rock 'n rollin'

Researchers at University of Michigan and University of California, Irvine discover DNA's building blocks 'rock and roll,' forming alternative structures with Hoogsteen base pairs. These fleeting states contain new layers of information stored in the genetic code, shedding light on critical interactions between DNA and proteins.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJan 28, 2011

Hormone therapy begun at menopause may pose risk for breast cancer

A large cohort study found that hormone therapy started at menopause increases breast cancer risk, particularly among women who start therapy before or soon after menopause. The study's results support previous findings and provide new insights into the relationship between timing of hormone therapy and breast cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 28, 2011