Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 13, 2011


Early exposure to pets does not increase children's risk of allergies

A new study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy reveals that early exposure to pets does not increase the risk of allergies in children. In fact, research found that being exposed to dogs and cats in the first year of life may actually reduce the likelihood of becoming allergic to these animals later in life.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateJun 13, 2011

Reducing avoidable rehospitalizations among seniors

A three-pronged intervention combining standardized admission templates, palliative care consultations, and root-cause-analysis conferences improves discharge disposition among senior patients. The rate of patient rehospitalization falls from 16.5% to 13.3%, while discharges to home increase from 68.6% to 73.0%.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 13, 2011

Sniffing out a new source of stem cells

Researchers have found that adult stem cells from the human olfactory system can provide a new source of cells to treat brain disorders. These cells, known as OE-MSCs, have been shown to migrate to damaged areas and stimulate nerve cell growth, improving learning and memory in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2011

High rates of injection drug use in urban Aboriginal youth signal need for prevention programs

A recent study found high rates of injection drug use among urban Canadian Aboriginal youth, particularly women, with 70% of hepatitis C virus and 60% of HIV infections attributed to this demographic. The study emphasizes the need for prevention programs tailored to this population, addressing the root causes of substance abuse and its...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 13, 2011

Daily acts of sexism go unnoticed by men, women

A recent study from Psychology of Women Quarterly identifies forms of subtle sexism that go unnoticed by both men and women, including using gendered language. Noticing these acts can change people's attitudes and reduce sexist beliefs. The study highlights the importance of empathy in men to address sexist behavior.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateJun 13, 2011

New cell type offers immunology hope

Australian scientists have identified a new type of NKT cell that can specifically target lipids found in bacterial cell walls, offering hope for novel vaccine development. The discovery provides insight into the immune system's unique function and its potential to combat various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 13, 2011

Studies reveal attitudes of women and their caregivers on use of technology in childbirth

Research reveals that women's attitudes toward birth technology coincide with their choice of healthcare providers, with midwives reporting less favourable views. A generation gap is also seen among obstetricians, with younger doctors favouring routine epidural analgesia and Cesarean section over vaginal births.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada·DateJun 13, 2011

Science explains ancient copper artifacts

Researchers at Northwestern University recreated ancient copper artifact-making techniques using large stones, fire, and elbow grease. They analyzed discarded copper pieces found on the ground of a 'copper workshop house' in Cahokia and determined that coppersmiths likely hammered and heated copper to create thin sheets.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 13, 2011

Brain state affects memory recall

New research from UC Davis found that high theta waves before recalling a memory are associated with better performance, contradicting the assumption that the brain waits for external stimuli. The study suggests that most of the brain is busy with internal activity unrelated to the outside world.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2011

Science explains ancient copper artifacts

Researchers at Northwestern University recreated ancient copper artifact-making techniques used by prehistoric Native Americans of Cahokia. They analyzed small pieces of discarded copper and determined that the coppersmiths likely hammered the copper with a heavy rock, then heated it in a wood fire to create thin sheets.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 13, 2011

Study estimates potential for ranibizumab to prevent blindness from age-related macular degeneration

A computer modeling study suggests that ranibizumab can reduce the magnitude of legal blindness and visual impairment caused by age-related macular degeneration in non-Hispanic white individuals. The model estimated that monthly ranibizumab usage could prevent 16,268 cases of legal blindness and 34,702 cases of visual impairment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJun 13, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: June 13, 2011

Researchers found that adult stem cells from the human nose can repair damaged brain tissue, while a cancer probe made of silica nanoparticles is effective at targeting tumors. Additionally, inhibiting a protein MRP4 could provide a new way to treat pulmonary hypertension.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2011

Chillingham cattle cowed by climate change

A new study on Northumberland's Chillingham cattle reveals climate change is altering the timing of their breeding schedules, leading to more winter births and lower calf survival rates. The long-term dataset, dating back to 1860, provides valuable insights into how mammals respond to global warming.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJun 13, 2011

First study to be based on a nationwide homeless register shows large differences in mortality rates and life expectancy in homeless people compared with general population

A nationwide homeless register study found that homeless men and women have significantly higher mortality rates, with six times the risk of death compared to the general population. Homeless individuals also had lower life expectancy, particularly among younger men and women.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 13, 2011

AcademyHealth honors leading health services researchers

The Distinguished Investigator Award recognizes Dr. Vince Mor for his significant contributions to health services research, while the Alice S. Hersh New Investigator Award is given to Dr. Scott Halpern for exceptional promise in early career. The Article-of-the-Year Award honors researchers Jeffrey Silber and Robert Kaestner for their...

Preteens surrounded by smokers get hooked on nicotine

A new study from Concordia University and the University of Montreal found that preteens surrounded by smokers are more likely to develop symptoms of nicotine dependence. The study, which surveyed 327 sixth or seventh graders, also found that tweens who observe smoking in others are more likely to start smoking themselves.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJun 13, 2011

Cancer survivors spend more on health care

A new study by Penn State researchers found that cancer survivors in the US spend an average of $9,300 per year on medical expenses, significantly more than those who have never had cancer. The study also revealed gender and demographic disparities in healthcare spending among cancer survivors.

SourcePenn State·JournalCancer·DateJun 13, 2011

Aurora A may contribute to kidney disease

Researchers found that Aurora A was up-regulated and activated in epithelial cells lining PKD patient kidneys, binding to and phosphorylating polycystin-2. Inhibition of Aurora A boosted intracellular calcium levels, suggesting it may be a viable therapeutic target for boosting polycystin-2 activity in certain patients.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 13, 2011

The energy debate: Coal vs. nuclear

A Rutgers study finds that factors such as ecological degradation and trust in energy facilities play a significant role in shaping public preferences for coal and nuclear energy. The research suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to energy policy is unlikely to succeed, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy addressin...

SourceRutgers University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJun 13, 2011