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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 5


Page 5 of 29

Post cancer-related fatigue 'overestimated'

A new study found that only 6% of breast cancer survivors experience persistent and debilitating fatigue a year after treatment, contradicting previous reports. The researchers suggest that factors unrelated to the cancer or its treatment may have contributed to the high rates of reported fatigue.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 26, 2012

Fetal membrane transplantation prevents blindness

A new study by Loyola University Medical Center found that fetal membrane transplantation significantly reduces the risk of blindness in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The treatment, which involves placing amniotic membrane on the eye, can aid healing and minimize scarring.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCornea·DateApr 26, 2012

NIH study links genes to common forms of glaucoma

The largest genetic study of glaucoma identified two genetic variations associated with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of blindness. The findings may lead to more effective therapies for POAG, including normal pressure glaucoma (NPG), where no curative treatments exist.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 26, 2012

Action videogames change brains

Researchers at the University of Toronto found that playing action videogames for 10 hours improves visual attention and changes brain activity. The study used EEG recordings to detect differences in brain waves before and after gameplay.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateApr 26, 2012

New form of Mars lava flow dicovered

High-resolution photos of Martian lava flows reveal coiling spiral patterns that resemble snail or nautilus shells, a new form of lava flow discovered by Arizona State University graduate student Andrew Ryan. The discovery suggests possible interactions between lava flows and water floods in the Elysium volcanic province.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2012

6.8 million birds die each year at communication towers

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that over 6 million birds die every year at communication towers during migration, primarily due to getting caught in cables. Replacing steady-burning lights with blinking ones on approximately 4,500 towers could potentially reduce mortality by 45%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 25, 2012

Genetic variants, tobacco exposure and lung cancer risk

A study published in JNCI found a strong association between genetic variants rs1051730-rs16969968 and objective measures of tobacco exposure, indicating that lung cancer risk is largely mediated by level of tobacco exposure. The research used data from six independent studies to analyze self-reported cigarette consumption and plasma o...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 25, 2012

Antibiotic resistance flourishes in freshwater systems

A recent study by McMaster University researchers has found that floc, microscopic communities hosting large populations of bacteria, contain high levels of antibiotic resistance. The discovery highlights the widespread presence of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments, with varying intensities based on human influence.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 25, 2012

Neighborhoods -- not immigrants -- determining factor for homicides

A new study published in The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science found that neighborhood characteristics, such as disadvantage and residential stability, have a significant impact on violent crime rates. Immigrant populations were not linked to higher levels of lethal violence.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateApr 25, 2012

Study suggests atrial fibrillation should be surgically treated when performing cardiac surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that patients with atrial fibrillation who undergo cardiac surgery without treatment have a lower long-term survival rate compared to those with sinus rhythm. Successful surgical treatment of A-fib during cardiac surgery can improve patient outcomes an...

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateApr 25, 2012

Shedding light on southpaws

Researchers developed a mathematical model that shows the low percentage of lefties is due to balance between cooperation and competition. The model accurately predicts the number of elite left-handed athletes in various sports, such as baseball, boxing, and hockey.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 25, 2012