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Science News Archive September 2011 - Page 6


Page 6 of 29

Predicting prognosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers identified a gene expression profile that can predict prognosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The study found two subgroups of patients, one with mild disease and the other with treatment-nonresponsive disease, which will help physicians identify those who need aggressive therapies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 26, 2011

Study of bees links gene regulatory networks in the brain to behavior

Researchers have found that distinct gene regulatory networks in the honey bee brain contribute to specific behaviors, such as foraging and aggression. The study confirmed a close relationship between changes in gene expression and behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding the regulation of brain gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2011

Changing race by changing clothes

A study from Tufts University found that social status cues can alter the perception of race, revealing a complex process influenced by context and pre-existing stereotypes. The researchers used computer simulations to demonstrate how subtle effects of status cues emerge in a system similar to the human brain.

SourceTufts University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 2011

Is gallows humor in medicine wrong?

The article explores the ethics of gallows humor in medicine, with author Katie Watson arguing that some joking between medical professionals can be beneficial. She suggests that the key to deciding when gallows humor is okay lies in understanding the intent and impact of jokes on patients and power dynamics.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateSep 26, 2011

Study examining large-scale data of double balloon enteroscopy shows it is safe and effective

A large-scale review of DBE found a pooled detection rate of 68.1% for all small intestinal diseases, with inflammatory lesions and vascular lesions being the most common findings in suspected mid-gastrointestinal bleeding patients. The study concluded that DBE is a valuable modality with acceptable detection and complication rates.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateSep 26, 2011

Non-verbal clues guide doctor-patient relationships, clinical judgments, U-M study finds

A new study by the University of Michigan Health System found that subtle non-verbal clues exert an influence on medical care, with patients relying on these cues to evaluate the doctor-patient relationship and doctors using them to inform their medical judgments. The study's method shows promise for improving medical decision making.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·DateSep 26, 2011

Sneaking up on the glassy transition of water

Physicists from the University of Pisa and the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche have put an end to the debate on the glass transition temperature of water. They found that the magic number is approximately 136 Kelvin (-137 Celsius) using a thorough study of water's dynamics, supporting traditional views and refuting recent claims.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 26, 2011

Role of gender in workplace negotiations

A study by Columbia Business School researchers finds that women's lower negotiation outcomes are driven by heightened concerns about social backlash, rather than a lack of capability or motivation. To address this, training programs should focus on coaching role shifting and reframing self-advocacy as other-advocacy.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 26, 2011

Researchers discover gene that is mutated in some blood cancers and predicts better survival

A recent study found that mutations in the SF3B1 gene are associated with a milder form of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and better overall survival rates. The researchers also discovered a close relationship between the mutated gene and the presence of ring sideroblasts, abnormal precursors to red blood cells, which can cause anaemia.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 26, 2011

Location matters: For invasive aquatic species, it's better to start upstream

Researchers found that invasive species like the European green crab may have a major advantage when starting at the upstream edge of their range, particularly in environments with strong prevailing directions of water or wind currents. This can help inform control efforts and conservation strategies for native species.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2011

Breaking chemistry's bad rap

A recent article in Nature Chemistry outlines why chemistry has a tarnished public image, citing 'chemophobia' as the reason. The authors propose five communication strategies to improve public engagement with chemistry, including practice research-driven communication and framing key messages to prompt engagement.

SourceAmerican University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2011

2-dimensional learning

Researchers found that passive viewing of 2D images can lead to sustained changes in nerve cell connections, facilitating the expression of persistent hippocampal long-term depression. This discovery has implications for developing strategies to improve digital learning and reduce apathy towards traditional teaching methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateSep 26, 2011

Modified vaccine shows promise in preventing malaria

Researchers at Michigan State University have created a new malaria vaccine that combines an immune-stimulating gene with a disabled cold virus, increasing the immune response against the parasite. The vaccine was found to be more effective than previously developed systems in animal models, paving the way for human clinical trials.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 2011