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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 28


Page 28 of 29

Embargoed news for Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that mammography screening may lead to overdiagnosis of breast cancer, potentially causing unnecessary anxiety and altered quality of life. Meanwhile, an international network of experts proposes minimum standards for guideline development to ensure high-quality evidence-based care. Ad...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 2, 2012

Too dog tired to avoid danger

A new study found that dogs who have 'run out' of self-control make more impulsive decisions, increasing their risk of physical harm. In the experiment, dogs with depleted self-control spent more time near an aggressive dog than those without depleted self-control.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateApr 2, 2012

Early PET response to neoadjuvant chemo predicts increased survival in sarcoma patients

A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that early Positron Emission Tomography (PET) response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with increased survival in patients with soft tissue sarcomas. Patients who showed a significant PET response had significantly longer survival rates compared to those who did not.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 2, 2012

Exploring the antidepressant effects of testosterone

A new study in Biological Psychiatry has discovered that testosterone's antidepressant properties are mediated by a specific pathway in the hippocampus. Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to effectively improve mood, particularly in men with hypogonadism.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 2, 2012

Study links intrauterine antipsychotic medication exposure to lower scores on infant neuromotor test

A prospective controlled study of 309 mother-infant pairs found that prenatal antipsychotic exposure was associated with significantly lower scores on a standardized neuromotor screening measure. Infants exposed to antidepressants also showed lower scores, while those with no psychotropic exposure scored highest. The study highlights t...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateApr 2, 2012

Nearly half of preschoolers lack 1 parent-supervised playtime per day

A study published by the JAMA Network found that about half of preschoolers lack daily parent-supervised outdoor playtime, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Regular outdoor play was associated with improved physical health and development outcomes, as well as reduced TV viewing time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 2, 2012

Pitt researchers link neural variability to short-term memory and decision making

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that fluctuations in brain activity impact cognitive tasks, leading to errors in short-term memory. By understanding how neural variability relates to cognitive functions, the team aims to provide important clues about the neural mechanisms that support cognition.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2012

A*STAR scientists discover special class of natural fats stimulates immune cells to fight diseases

Researchers identified a special class of fatty molecules essential for activating immune cells, offering new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. The discovery sheds light on how recognition of these stimulatory fatty molecules by immune cells protects against infection, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

Surgery cuts costs, improves outcomes for children with perforated appendicitis

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that early surgical intervention for children with perforated appendicitis reduces hospital charges and clinical complications. Early appendectomy patients had better outcomes and fewer adverse events compared to those who underwent the procedure later.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 2, 2012

Walking can help alleviate fatigue after a cancer operation

A new study published by the American College of Surgeons found that patients who underwent an operation as part of their cancer treatment and started a regular walking regimen experienced less fatigue than those who did not. After three months, the intervention group reported a 27% improvement in fatigue, compared to a 19% improvement...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 2, 2012

In defense of older drivers

The Canadian Medical Association Journal disputes the notion that older drivers are inherently poor. Frailty and driving habits contribute to their overrepresentation in fatal crashes. Despite this, many physicians base licensing decisions on incorrect beliefs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 2, 2012

Radiology department develops smartcard to communicate radiation risks of adult radiologic exams

The University of Colorado Department of Radiology has developed a smartcard to communicate effective doses and radiation risks of common adult radiologic exams to referring physicians and patients. The Adult Dose-Risk Smartcard simplifies facts on radiation dose and risk for informed decision-making about medical imaging procedures.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateApr 2, 2012

Discovery paves way for improved painkillers

Researchers have discovered how opioid drugs like morphine create an inflammatory response in the brain by activating an immune receptor. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic drugs that improve morphine's effectiveness while reducing its problematic side effects.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2012

Asbestos workers at significantly increased risk of heart disease/strokes

Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine finds that asbestos workers are significantly more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for smoking. Women are found to be at greater risk than men, with longer exposure durations increasing the likelihood of heart disease deaths.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateApr 2, 2012

Scientists find evidence that human ancestors used fire one million years ago

Researchers at the University of Toronto and Hebrew University have identified evidence of controlled fire use by human ancestors dating back to one million years ago. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that Homo erectus may have begun using fire as part of their way of life.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2012