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Science News Archive June 2011 - Page 12


Page 12 of 28

Analysis of studies evaluates tonsillectomy techniques

A meta-analysis of studies found that new tonsillectomy techniques, including vessel sealing systems and Harmonic Scalpel, show promise in reducing pain, bleeding, and recovery time compared to traditional methods. However, the optimal technique with lowest morbidity rates remains unclear.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJun 20, 2011

New research on community gardening reveals the roots of emotional and physical health

Research reveals community gardens have numerous benefits, including improved relationships, increased civic involvement, and enhanced neighborhood quality. Gardening daily for just 20 minutes has been shown to boost health ratings, while gardeners report higher rates of moderate exercise and better eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 20, 2011

Need a nap? Find yourself a hammock

Research finds that gently rocking hammocks facilitate faster sleep onset and boost stage N2 sleep duration. The study also discovers a lasting impact on brain activity, increasing slow oscillations and bursts of activity known as sleep spindles.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2011

Husband's employment status threatens marriage, but wife's does not, study finds

A new study suggests that a woman's employment status does not affect the likelihood of her husband initiating divorce. However, for men, being unemployed significantly increases their chance of leaving the marriage, even if they are relatively happy. This asymmetric change in traditional gender roles implies that societal norms view a...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJun 20, 2011

Inducing labor is not associated with higher rates of cesarean sections

A new study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica reveals that inducing labor around term does not associate with higher rates of cesarean sections. The research analyzed data from the Danish Birth Registry and found no increased risk for cesarean section among induced women compared to those who waited longer.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJun 20, 2011

Picower: 1 skull + 2 brains = 4 objects in mind

A study by MIT neuroscientists found that humans have two independent capacities for working memory, rather than one general capacity of four objects. This discovery resolves a long-standing debate in the field and has significant implications for designing more effective cognitive therapy, brain games, and visual displays.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2011

Poorly coordinated care doubled risk of drug and medical errors in 7 countries

An international study of 11,910 patients from 7 countries found that poorly coordinated care and cost-related barriers significantly increased the risk of medication and medical errors. Poorly co-ordinated care was associated with a 110% to 200% increase in errors, while cost-related barriers increased the risk by 50% to 160%.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateJun 20, 2011

Fat substitutes linked to weight gain

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that rats on high-fat diets gained more weight after eating low-calorie potato chips made with fat substitutes. The study suggests that relying on fat substitutes for weight loss may not be effective and could even lead to weight gain.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateJun 20, 2011

Unexpected function of dyslexia gene

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet discovered that a gene linked to dyslexia, DCDC2, regulates cilia signaling in brain neurons. This finding presents a possible new neurobiological mechanism for dyslexia and highlights the importance of cilia in cell migration and development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 20, 2011

Study compares 2 types of botulinum toxin for cosmetic use

A randomized, double-blind study compared the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (onabotulinumtoxinA) and B (abobotulinumtoxinA) in reducing crow's feet wrinkles. AbobotulinumtoxinA was found to produce a greater effect when participants contracted their muscles, but no significant difference was seen at rest. The study suggests that a...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJun 20, 2011

Study of biomarker development in mice provides a roadmap for a similar approach in humans

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center demonstrate a staged, targeted pipeline approach using mass spectrometry to prioritize and validate protein biomarkers in mice. This method enables the testing of a larger number of biomarker candidates than conventional technologies, improving the efficiency of biomarker evaluation. The stu...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 19, 2011

Climate change disasters could be predicted

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a system to anticipate high-risk climate tipping points, providing early warning systems for devastating consequences. By analyzing observational data, scientists can identify signs of instability in climate systems, allowing for forewarning and adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 19, 2011

Arctic snow harbors deadly assassin

A new study reveals that prolonged heavy snowfall in the Arctic can trigger rapid growth of killer fungi, devastating plant life and disrupting local food chains. This unexpected finding highlights unforeseen climate change effects on vegetation and ecosystems.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 19, 2011

New insights on an old material will enable design of better polymer batteries, water purification

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered how to manipulate Nafion's internal structure to enhance its applications in energy-related industrial fields. By analyzing the material's molecular motion and alignment, they found that stretching the material influences its conduction properties, enabling new designs for batteries and wate...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 19, 2011

Hospitalizing children with normal CT scans after blunt head trauma is not necessary

A large national multi-center study found that most children with minor blunt head trauma and normal CT scans do not require hospitalization for further observation. Children who were hospitalized after normal CT scans did not have subsequent abnormal CT scans or MRIs, and none required neurosurgical intervention.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 17, 2011

Etanercept shows promise for treating dermatomyositis

A multicenter pilot study found etanercept successfully weaned patients from steroid therapy, with no significant increase in adverse event rates. Larger studies are needed to investigate the safety and efficacy of etanercept for dermatomyositis treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 17, 2011

ONR announces technology investments

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has announced significant investments in technology and education to promote student interest in the sciences. The agency is supporting various partnerships aimed at kindling student enthusiasm for STEM disciplines, with a focus on teacher training and hands-on activities.