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Science News Archive January 2012 - Page 12


Page 12 of 24

Behavioral priming paradigm needs update

Researchers republished a 1996 behavioral priming study, but found the initial results were only seen when experimenters' expectations of participant behavior were manipulated. Environmental cues, including the experimenter's behavior, appear to affect participants' behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 18, 2012

Black Saturday provides bushfire answers

Research found that clearing trees and shrubs within 40 meters of houses afforded the greatest protection against house loss during Black Saturday fires. However, intensive fuel reduction can be expensive and have environmental impacts, and is not a guarantee of safety.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 18, 2012

New medication, surgery may offer relief for patients with psoriatic arthritis

A new review article suggests that medications targeting T-cells can significantly benefit patients with psoriatic arthritis, reducing symptoms and improving joint function. Surgery may also be considered for patients with joint deformities, offering insights into outcomes and risks for those who progress to joint destruction.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJan 18, 2012

UK death in a home setting on the rise

A recent study found that the number of deaths at home in the UK has increased significantly since 2004, with more than one-fifth of total deaths occurring at home. The trend reversal is particularly notable among those aged 85 and over, who are now dying at home more often than ever before.

SourceSAGE·JournalPalliative Medicine·DateJan 18, 2012

UCLA researchers uncover mechanism by which melanoma drug accelerates secondary skin cancers

Researchers found that blocking the mutated BRAF protein in melanoma cells sets off a cellular cascade in other skin cells with pre-disposing mutations, leading to accelerated development of skin squamous cell carcinomas. The study provides molecular insight into this side effect and suggests strategies to prevent secondary tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 18, 2012

Coexisting medical conditions increase treatment costs

A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that comorbidities such as high blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and congestive heart failure significantly raise hospitalization costs and length of stay for hip fracture patients. Recent weight loss or malnutrition also had a major impact on hospitalizat...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 18, 2012

Combination of oral drugs suppresses common type of hepatitis C

Researchers developed a new combination drug therapy that successfully suppressed hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in a significant proportion of patients. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, focused on treating patients who had not responded to previous treatment with PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 18, 2012

Ulcer-causing bacteria baffled by mucus

A new study by engineering researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the impact of viscoelasticity on the collective behavior of swimming microorganisms, such as H. pylori. The findings suggest that human mucus and saliva may have evolved to disrupt the ability of harmful bacteria to coordinate.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJan 18, 2012

Unhappy at work? The boss or the company may be to blame

A new study found that unhappy employees are more likely to have unmet psychological needs, including autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When supervisors provide options and support, employees' basic needs are met, leading to higher happiness and well-being.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateJan 18, 2012

Lack of sleep makes your brain hungry

New research from Uppsala University found that a specific brain region is more activated in response to food images after one night of sleep loss. This increased activation may contribute to a person's appetite sensation and affect their risk of becoming overweight.

SourceUppsala University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 18, 2012

Reinforcing behavior in the brain

Researchers found that reward prediction error is the result of a complex interplay between dopamine and GABA neurons. The interaction helps calculate reward prediction error, shedding light on how behaviors can be reinforced through normal brain function or by damaging neuron interactions.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2012

Rhode Island Hospital studies uncover keys in sudden cardiac death

Studies using a genetic animal model reveal conditions triggering arrhythmia in Long QT Syndrome patients and the protective effect of progesterone on SCD incidence. Researchers also find a direct link between estrogen and pro-arrhythmic effects, with progesterone reducing triggers for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

SourceLifespan·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 17, 2012

Power generation is blowing in the wind

Researchers found that power generated at a set wind speed is higher under stable conditions and lower under strongly unsteady conditions. Wind shear plays an important role in assessing turbine efficiency. The team's study provides valuable insights for better estimating power generation, especially when including atmospheric stabilit...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 17, 2012

If doughnuts could talk they'd tell you to take the elevator instead of the stairs

A new study by Pankaj Aggarwal and Ann L. McGill found that humanizing brands can influence consumer behavior, with participants more likely to take the stairs if they imagined a healthy brand like Kellogg's and more likely to take the elevator if they thought of an unhealthy brand like Krispy Kreme. In contrast, participants who thoug...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 17, 2012

Pro athletes bolster star status through team selection, teammates and career evolution: Study

A study published in the International Journal of Research in Marketing found that a combination of personal performance, team records, market demand, and teammate quality contribute to an athlete's star status. The research also highlights the importance of playing for a winning team and leveraging popular teammates.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateJan 17, 2012