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Science News Archive November 2011 - Page 2


Page 2 of 28

Study finds inadequate mask use among health care workers early in 2009 H1N1 outbreak

A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that 43 healthcare workers who never used masks during patient encounters became infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus, while 20 who wore masks at least once did not contract the disease. The findings highlight the importance of proper mask use among healthcare workers.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 30, 2011

Promising and perilous? The ambivalent role of the CXCL12/ CXCR4 axis in heart repair

Researchers found that reducing CXCR4 levels correlated with reduced infarct size and inflammation, but impaired recovery of blood flow and neovascularization. The study suggests that localized approaches, such as injecting stem cells with higher CXCR4 levels or CXCL12 variants, may be more effective in heart repair.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2011

Training peers improves social outcomes for some kids with ASD

A recent NIH-funded study found that engaging peers in social skills intervention may be more effective than training children with ASD directly. The study showed that children with ASD who interacted with trained peers had improved social outcomes, including reduced time alone on playgrounds and increased classmate friendships.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateNov 30, 2011

Nano meets pharma at Harvard-BASF symposium

Researchers at Harvard University and BASF are working on creating nanoscale particles of drugs to overcome hydrophobic drug compounds. The symposium aims to discuss efficient creation and delivery of these tiny particles for targeted treatment, addressing major challenges in modern medicine.

Low staffing and poor quality of care at nation's for-profit nursing homes

The study found that the nation's largest for-profit chains operate with significantly lower staffing levels than non-profit and government-owned nursing homes, leading to poorer quality of care. The top 10 chains have a strategy of keeping labor costs low to increase profits, resulting in more deficiencies and serious deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Services Research·DateNov 29, 2011

New tuberculosis research movement needed

The TB Research Movement aims to create a framework for concrete actions to harmonize and synergize TB research efforts globally. The movement is creating a framework for more research and innovation, particularly for the poor and vulnerable populations burdened by TB.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 29, 2011

Minorities pay more for water and sewer

A study by Michigan State University researchers reveals that racial minorities face higher costs for basic water and sewer services. The study attributes the disparity to the aging infrastructure in urban areas, where whites have fled, leaving minority residents to bear the costs.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnvironmental Practice·DateNov 29, 2011

Genetic buzzer-beater genes may save fish

A study published by researchers at the University of Oregon reveals that two distinct populations of rainbow trout share a genetic trait that enables them to adapt to their native rivers in Alaska and Idaho. This gene variant, identified using RAD technology, may hold key to saving struggling fish populations from extinction.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 29, 2011

A smarter way to make ultraviolet light beams

Researchers have optimized a type of optical resonator to boost infrared signals to higher-energy ultraviolet beams using low-power nonlinear processes. This enables the creation of low-cost, wavelength-tunable ultraviolet sources with applications in chemical detection, medical imaging and fine lithography.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalOptics Express·DateNov 29, 2011

GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted ahead of print

Two studies published in GSA BULLETIN examine the evolution of C4-dominated grasslands in the southern Great Plains and the tectonomagmatic evolution of northwestern Mexico. The first study uses carbon isotope composition to reconstruct the relative abundance of C4 grasses over the past 12 million years, finding a protracted history of...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateNov 29, 2011

Is the end of polio truly in sight?

Despite significant progress, polio eradication remains complex due to asymptomatic infections and vaccine limitations. Experts emphasize the need for further research on virus-host interactions and vaccine usage in the final stages of the program.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateNov 29, 2011

Industrialization weakens important carbon sink

Researchers found a 100-fold weakening in coastal ecosystems' ability to sequester carbon since European settlement, coinciding with industrial expansion and nitrogen deposition. Estuaries, natural global carbon sinks, are at risk of diminishing their ability to mitigate climate change.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 29, 2011

U of I study: Kindergarten friendships matter, especially for boys

A University of Illinois study found that high-quality kindergarten friendships are essential for boys' social skills and behavior problems in first and third grades. In contrast, girls' social skills were not significantly affected by their kindergarten friendships. The research suggests that early friendships provide a positive found...