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Science News for November 15, 2011


Go ahead, tell me what to buy: Happy consumers like it (most of the time?)

A new study found that people in a good mood tend to use more direct language when thinking of pleasurable goods. Meanwhile, utilitarian consumption like banking and insurance is met with polite language, leading to higher compliance rates for assertive messages. The research has implications for campaigners and public message composers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 15, 2011

UCLA stem cell researchers uncover mechanism that regulates human pluripotent stem cell metabolism

Researchers found that pluripotent stem cells respire at the same level as differentiated body cells but produce very little energy. UCP2 protein blocks respiration substrates from entering mitochondria, allowing glycolysis to dominate. The study suggests that changes in metabolism drive cell differentiation.

Prenatal quality initiative improves patient safety

A comprehensive training program for healthcare staff significantly reduced adverse events, including birth trauma, by more than half. The two-year study also showed improved staff perceptions of safety, patient satisfaction, and documentation rates.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal for Healthcare Quality·DateNov 15, 2011

A new molecular mechanism in breast cancer development

Researchers identified a key interaction between BRCA1 and RHAMM proteins regulating epithelial cell polarity, found altered in some breast cancer patients. The discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms driving breast cancer development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 15, 2011

Molecular link between diabetes and cancer described

A study from Lund University has discovered a molecular link between type 2 diabetes and cancer, highlighting the role of the TCF7L2-p53-p53INP1 pathway in protecting pancreatic beta cells. The risk variant of TCF gene is common and linked to both diabetes and certain types of cancer.

SourceLund University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 15, 2011

Igniting innovation and inspiration

The DOE's Office of Science has awarded almost 1.7 billion processor hours to 60 high-impact research projects addressing national and global challenges, with applications including earthquake hazard forecasts, wind turbine efficiency, and laser energy coupling for ignition targets. These awards accelerate development costs and speed d...

Putting stroke patients in charge improves quality of life

A new study shows that giving stroke patients and their families control over their recovery process can significantly improve physical health scores and reduce disability. The 'Take Charge' session improved patients' quality of life by six points, while the inspirational DVD upped the result by one point.

SourceSAGE·JournalClinical Rehabilitation·DateNov 15, 2011

EHJ paper underlines need for improved links between cardiologists and psychiatrists

A Finnish study published in the European Heart Journal found that combining antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs increases the risk of sudden cardiac death during an acute coronary event. The study suggests a need to improve screening for cardiovascular risk factors in psychiatric patients and avoid combining these medications.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 15, 2011

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes: What type of perspective makes consumers self-conscious?

Researchers found that people who use an actor's perspective experience stronger joy and excitement but greater pride and guilt when recalling past events. In contrast, observers experience heightened sadness and embarrassment. The study highlights the importance of perspective in shaping emotional experiences.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 15, 2011

New hi-tech survey accelerates collection of vaccination data

Researchers used new technologies to collect near-real-time data on vaccination side effects in Scotland, revealing no significant safety issues with the 2009-10 swine flu vaccine. The study adds to evidence supporting the safety of vaccination campaigns and could inform future studies using web-based technology.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 15, 2011

Stanford engineers use nanophotonics to reshape on-chip computer data transmission

Researchers at Stanford University have created a single-mode light-emitting diode (LED) that is thousands of times more energy efficient than laser-based systems. The device can transmit data at 10 billion bits per second and operates at room temperature, making it a major step forward for on-chip computer data transmission.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2011

Fossil moths show their true colors

Fossil moths from 47 million years ago had yellow-green wings that may have helped them blend in with leaves to avoid predators. Researchers reconstructed the original colors using mathematical analysis, providing insights into the evolution of color use among lepidopterans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 15, 2011

Cleveland Clinic study: 2 statin drugs similarly effective in reversing coronary heart disease

A Cleveland Clinic study reveals that maximum doses of Crestor and Lipitor are equally effective in reversing atherosclerosis after 24 months of treatment. The trial showed no significant differences between the two drugs in reducing plaque burden, but rosuvastatin was found to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL levels.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 15, 2011

Stop signal discovered for skin cancer

Researchers at Monash University discovered a gene that helps protect against squamous cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. The absence of this gene is a profound driver of SCC tumours, leading to unchecked cell growth and cancer.

SourceMonash University·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 15, 2011

Vascular risk linked to long-term antiepileptic drug therapy

Researchers found that patients with epilepsy on long-term antiepileptic drugs, especially phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid, are at increased risk for developing atherosclerosis. The study suggests that newer AEDs like lamotrigine may minimize metabolic disturbances and reduce this risk.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateNov 15, 2011

MIT: Mimicking the brain, in silicon

The new chip can simulate the activity of a single brain synapse and capture intracellular processes that underlie many brain functions, including learning and memory. It represents a significant advance in modeling neural functions and could be used to build systems for neural prosthetic devices and artificial intelligence devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2011