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Science News for June 1, 2011


Re-admission rates via emergency rooms climbing among patients who have recently been hospitalized

Researchers found that recent hospitalizations significantly increase the likelihood of emergency department re-admissions, highlighting the importance of emergency departments in preventing readmissions. The study suggests that emergency physicians can play a crucial role in reducing re-admissions by taking care of patients and sendin...

Study finds fire stations contaminated with MRSA

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that fire stations are contaminated with MRSA, with the most common areas being medic trucks and kitchens. The research suggests that transmission between personnel and environmental surfaces may be occurring, highlighting the need for further studies.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 1, 2011

SGO sets new standards to monitor recurrence of gynecologic cancer more effectively

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology has released guidelines for surveillance of gynecologic cancer recurrence in women who have had a complete response to primary cancer therapy. The recommendations focus on clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, advising against routine cytologic procedures or imaging unless necessary.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 1, 2011

Surgery deaths drop nationwide for high-risk surgeries, according to University of Michigan study

A University of Michigan Health System study shows surgery mortality dropped substantially for eight different high-risk surgeries performed on 3.2 million Medicare patients from 1999 to 2008. High-volume hospitals and their expertise drove a significant decline in deaths, particularly in pancreatectomy and cystectomy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 1, 2011

Researchers map, measure brain's neural connections

Computer science researchers at Brown University have developed a new way to visualize the human brain's neural connections using 2D maps. These simplified representations can help medical professionals identify potential pathologies, such as autism, and understand how neural bundles differ among individuals.

SourceBrown University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateJun 1, 2011

Young females are victims of violent injury

A Rhode Island Hospital study found that female victims of community violence are more likely to be injured by a non-partner or intimate partner, and less likely to be injured by a weapon. The study also highlights the importance of accurate documentation and charting of youth injuries.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 1, 2011

New findings by UCR scientists hold big promise for fight against mosquito-borne diseases

Researchers at UCR identified three classes of volatile odor molecules that can impair or completely disrupt mosquitoes' carbon dioxide detection machinery. The findings offer powerful advantages as potential tools for reducing mosquito-human contact and could lead to the development of new generations of insect repellents and lures.

Making complex fluids look simple

A new microscopic theory describes interactions between components of complex polymer mixtures, enabling realistic modeling and macroscopic property predictions. The method has been experimentally proven using neutron scattering experiments, opening up possibilities for studying complex mixtures with improved properties.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2011

To boost customer satisfaction, owners should pay attention to employee job satisfaction

A new study from the University of Missouri found that CEOs who prioritize employee job satisfaction can significantly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. The researchers discovered a strong link between high employee satisfaction and customer loyalty, with twice as strong a positive impact compared to low employee satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateJun 1, 2011

Safety of nanoparticles in food crops is still unclear

A recent literature review analyzed nearly 100 scientific articles on the effects of nanoparticles on edible plants. The study found that nanoparticle uptake and build-up vary depending on plant type, nanoparticle size, and chemical composition, highlighting a need for further research in nanoecotoxicology.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 1, 2011

Reed Elsevier Environmental Challenge winners announced

Two winning projects were selected to provide clean and sustainable water to communities in need. The Tagore-SenGupta Foundation project will install arsenic removal units in remote villages and schools in Cambodia, while Jenna Forsyth's project focuses on low-resource chlorine generation for safe drinking water in western Kenya.

GW researchers show host Mta1 gene is required for optimal survival of schistosome parasites, a leading global cause of cancer

Researchers at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences have shown that the Mta1 gene is essential for Schistosoma haematobium to establish a productive infection and survival in the host. The study found that mice lacking the Mta1 gene were unable to support worm growth and egg production, highlighting the c...

JCI online early table of contents: June 1, 2011

Researchers identified PKC-delta as a critical regulator of cisplatin-mediated kidney toxicity, and inhibiting it protected the kidneys without blocking chemotherapy efficacy in mouse models. Additionally, studies divided breast cancers into subtypes to identify effective therapies for triple-negative breast cancer patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2011

Shame and honor increase cooperation

A new study by UBC researchers found that both shame and honour can increase cooperation by up to 50%, challenging traditional assumptions about the role of reputation in social interactions. The experiment, which involved over 180 participants, used a public goods game to test the impact of shame and honour on individual behaviour.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 1, 2011

Randomness rules in turbulent flows

A Johns Hopkins University study reveals that two identical beads dropped into a turbulent flow will follow different and random paths. The phenomenon, called 'spontaneous stochasticity,' suggests that even everyday particles can behave randomly in chaotic flows.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 1, 2011

A pill to prevent migraine?

A gene discovery for migraine may lead to the development of a preventive pill that blocks the brain's pain channel. The discovery is significant as it opens understanding of the pain pathways that trigger migraine pain, sparking excitement among researchers and the pharmaceutical industry.

ASGE and SHEA issue updated multisociety guideline on reprocessing flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have updated their 2003 joint guideline to ensure safe reprocessing of flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes. The guidelines emphasize the importance of high-level disinfection and standardized cleaning procedures.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 1, 2011

1 world, 1 sound

Linguist Mihailo Antovic's study reveals that children from diverse ethnic backgrounds can comprehend musical tones in a similar way. He hopes to prove this phenomenon is not unique to Serbia but rather a global understanding of music.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalMetaphor and Symbol·DateJun 1, 2011

3-D model mimics volcanic explosions

Researchers created a 3D model of Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption to better understand pyroclastic density currents and their impact on terrain. The model accurately reproduced the blast's effects, revealing that gravity and terrain shape play key roles in determining damage zones.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeology·DateJun 1, 2011

Saliva is effective in screening for CMV infection in newborns, says NIH-funded research

A new screening method using newborn saliva has been shown to effectively identify CMV infection in newborns. The test achieved a sensitivity of 97.4% when dry samples were used, making it a promising tool for widespread screening programs. Researchers are now exploring the contribution of congenital CMV infection to overall hearing loss.

Keeping warm: Coordinated movements in a penguin huddle

Emperor penguins form coordinated waves to continuously change the huddle structure, allowing animals from outside to enter and warm up. The study's findings have been published in PLOS ONE, providing new insights into the survival techniques of Emperor penguins.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 1, 2011

Childhood abuse and migraine

A notable prevalence of childhood abuse in migraine patients has been observed, with experts suggesting that early abuse may create permanent changes in the neurobiological system. Researchers are exploring the idea that treatment with serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors may reverse some of these effects and decrease migraine pain.