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Science News Archive October 2011 - Page 5


Page 5 of 28

Clinical trial shows first evidence that anal cancer is preventable

A recent clinical trial conducted by the University of California - San Francisco indicates that a vaccine against HPV can effectively reduce anal infections and precancerous lesions, leading to a nearly 75% reduction in cancer precursors among those who had not been previously exposed. The vaccine is expected to prevent anal cancer in...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 26, 2011

Why do woodpeckers resist head impact injury?

Researchers studied woodpecker anatomy and behavior to understand how they resist head impact injury. Key findings include the relative 'spongy'-ness of cranial bones and beak features that absorb shock, leading to a combined effect of multiple morphological features.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 26, 2011

Wayne State to develop a computer-delivered intervention for alcohol use during pregnancy

Researchers at Wayne State University are developing a computer-delivered intervention to screen for and reduce alcohol use among pregnant women, with the goal of improving fetal health outcomes. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of handheld mobile devices and anonymous self-interview formats in identifying at-risk drinkers.

Testing geoengineering

A team of researchers used modeling to determine the type of testing that might be effective in future solar radiation management. Short-term tests could help inform decisions about larger scale deployments, but would require several decades and extrapolation to centuries-long time scales.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 26, 2011

UK brains are under threat

Researcher Dr Nick Pearce warns that zombies in modern media represent a loss of control and powerlessness, mirroring societal issues like consumerism and government influence. The original zombie concept offers hope for resistance against controlling forces, making it a timely metaphor for today's society.

Faraway Eris is Pluto's twin

A recent study using the TRAPPIST telescope has accurately measured the shape and size of dwarf planet Eris, confirming its status as Pluto's twin. The findings show that Eris is approximately 2326 kilometers in diameter, with an accuracy of 12 kilometers.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2011

Want to resist temptation? A new study suggests thinking might not always help you

A new study by Loran Nordgren and Eileen Chou found that thinking may not be effective in resisting temptation, as it depends on the interaction between temptation and visceral state. Cognitive mechanisms such as attention and motivated valuation can either promote impulsive behavior or self-control, depending on the context.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 26, 2011

Inadequate supply of protein building blocks may explain pregnancy failures in bovine cloning experiments

A study found that amino acid concentrations were reduced in cloned embryos compared to in vitro fertilized pregnancies. This may explain developmental abnormalities and complications leading to embryo death. The findings highlight the importance of researching maternal-embryo interactions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCellular Reprogramming·DateOct 26, 2011

What drives IT performance?

A study by Concordia University explores how IT impacts manufacturing SMEs, finding that strategic planning positively affects performance. The research highlights the importance of autonomous IT management and aligned applications to maximize technological benefits.

Bedside assessment may provide better outcomes for older cancer patients

A new study assesses the effectiveness of bedside geriatric assessments in identifying vulnerable older adults with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) who can benefit from aggressive treatment. The assessment tool evaluated cognitive function, psychological state, physical function, and co-morbid disease to provide more individualized tr...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 26, 2011

The architects of the brain

Researchers found that specific receptor variants determine the development of nerve cells' dendrites, a crucial mechanism for communication. Different cell classes use these variants to grow dendrites in unique ways.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateOct 26, 2011

Researchers complete mollusk evolutionary tree

Scientists have pieced together the most comprehensive phylogeny for mollusks, revealing surprising relationships between enigmatic groups. The study places Monoplacophora, thought extinct, as a sister clade to cephalopods, and establishes a single origin for shelled mollusks.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2011

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital cuts Whipple procedure wound infections in half with new measures

A new surgical care bundle of 12 measures, including smoking cessation and gown change prior to skin closure, reduced Whipple procedure wound infections by 49% compared to a less comprehensive routine preoperative preparation. The measures also included intraoperative wound edge protection and chlorhexidine-alcohol skin preparation.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·DateOct 26, 2011