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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 15


Page 15 of 28

The new adulthood: Extended parental support as a safety net

A new study from the Journal of Marriage and Family finds that parental assistance in early adulthood promotes progress toward autonomy and self-reliance. Young adults who receive financial or housing help are more likely to form intimate partnerships, indicating they have moved into adulthood.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMar 15, 2011

Insulin-releasing switch discovered

Scientists have identified a protein called Snapin as the molecular switch that controls insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. This discovery provides an explanation for the failure of these cells in type 2 diabetes and may lead to new therapies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 15, 2011

Social class makes no difference to water contamination risk

Researchers discovered that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds consumed more bottled water but were not less exposed to cancer-causing contaminants in public drinking supplies. High levels of trihalomethanes (THM) can be ingested through public water or absorbed through the skin in baths, showers, and swimming pools.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateMar 15, 2011

Standard retreatment regimen for TB is inadequate

A study in Uganda found that the standard TB retreatment regimen has low treatment response rates, particularly among HIV-infected and multi-drug resistant TB patients. Poor adherence, HIV infection, age, and duration of symptoms were associated with unsuccessful outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 15, 2011

Chasing the pot of gold: WSU researchers study gambling subtypes and treatment outcomes

Researchers at Wayne State University identified three potential subtypes of gamblers: emotionally vulnerable, behaviorally conditioned, and antisocial impulsive. However, their study found that subtyping did not predict treatment outcomes, with all groups showing similar recovery patterns despite varying levels of addiction severity.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateMar 15, 2011

Vitamin D deficiency in cirrhosis

A study found vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, with severity linked to liver dysfunction. The research highlights the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels in all cirrhosis patients, with further studies needed to determine optimal supplementation.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 15, 2011

Natural sequence farming

A study published in the International Journal of Water suggests that improving land management and farming practices in Australia could mitigate global climate change. Natural Sequence Farming, a technique developed by Peter Andrews and Duane Norris, mimics the once-efficient functions of the Australian landscape to improve soil healt...

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Water·DateMar 15, 2011

Prevalence of heavy smokers in US decreases

The prevalence of heavy smokers in the US decreased significantly between 1965 and 2007, with California showing a greater decline. The study found that moderate- and high-intensity smoking rates declined more rapidly in California compared to the rest of the US.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 15, 2011

Inflammation behind heart valve disease

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have discovered that specific inflammatory substances called leukotrienes play a crucial role in the development of aortic stenosis. The study found that anti-inflammatory medication may be a promising new treatment for the disease, which affects millions of people worldwide.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·DateMar 15, 2011

Study shows how chickens keep their cool

A complex genetic mutation triggered by a vitamin A-derived substance caused the development of bald necks in Transylvanian naked neck chickens. The mutation led to enhanced production of an inhibitory protein called BMP12, resulting in an outstanding bald neck.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 15, 2011

Official projections have substantially underestimated the cholera epidemic in Haiti but combining available interventions could prevent thousands of deaths

A new study predicts nearly 800,000 cases and 11,100 deaths in Haiti due to cholera, significantly underestimating official projections. Combining available disease control strategies such as clean water access, oral vaccination, and expanded antibiotic use could prevent thousands of deaths.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 15, 2011

Could there be more than lunch lurking on your retainer?

Researchers found potentially pathogenic microbes on at least 50% of orthodontic retainers, with Candida and Staphylococcus species commonly present. Biofilms on the retainer can be difficult to remove and have high levels of resistance to antimicrobials.

SourceWiley·JournalLetters in Applied Microbiology·DateMar 15, 2011

The 5 hospital factors that affect heart attack survival

A new Yale University study has identified five key factors that influence mortality rates among patients treated for heart attacks in hospitals across the country. The research found that high-performing hospitals had strong organizational values, effective communication and coordination, and a culture of problem-solving and learning.

SourceYale University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2011

Apnea may be cause for awakening and voiding for those with enlarged prostates report Ben-Gurion U.

Research suggests that over half of patients with benign prostate enlargement may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, leading to night awakenings and urination. This study highlights the importance of considering sleep disorders in diagnosing nocturia, a common symptom of BPE.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMar 15, 2011

Early success of anti-HIV preventive oral drug regimen is promising, but questions remain

A new oral HIV preventive drug regimen has shown promising results with a near 50% reduction in HIV incidence in high-risk individuals. However, more research is necessary to address ongoing monitoring of side effects, adherence and counseling needs, physician attitudes, and the effectiveness of intermittent dosing.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Patient Care and STDs·DateMar 14, 2011