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Science News Archive January 2012 - Page 19


Page 19 of 24

Diseases and sex

Research on three-spined sticklebacks reveals that reoccurring infectious diseases influence the frequency of immune genes. This variability helps individuals resist diseases but poses a challenge for organ transplants. In contrast, the variation in human HLA alleles enhances mating choices by providing optimal gene combinations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2012

Long-term consequences of venous thrombosis

A long-term study found elevated mortality rates among individuals who experienced venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism compared to controls. The research, published in PLoS Medicine, underscores the major consequences of venous thrombosis on both morbidity and mortality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 10, 2012

Is there a dark side to moving in sync?

Two studies by USC Marshall School of Business professor Scott Wiltermuth found that synchronized physical activities can foster aggression and obedience, potentially leading to destructive outcomes. Participants who moved in sync with their groups or authority figures performed better in tasks that involved harming others.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJan 10, 2012

An apple a day isn't enough

A Concordia University study found that adults in Canada, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. Quebecers, on the other hand, tend to eat more of nature's produce, making them a model for healthy eating habits.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNutrition Journal·DateJan 10, 2012

Light now in sight

Researchers have successfully converted an intrinsically 'blind' receptor molecule into a photoreceptor using molecular genetic techniques. This synthetic construct enables light-controlled activation and may potentially be used to restore sight in patients suffering from certain forms of blindness.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 10, 2012

Genetic and mechanistic basis for rotor syndrome uncovered

Researchers identified genetic mutations in OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 proteins as the underlying cause of Rotor syndrome, a condition characterized by conjugated bilirubin buildup. Complete deficiency of these proteins can cause hypersensitivity to certain drugs and interrupt conjugated bilirubin reuptake into the liver.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 2012

GW researcher and colleagues identify environmental exposure to organochlorines may impact male reproduction

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that men with higher levels of DDE and PCBs had significantly higher rates of sperm abnormalities. Researchers used a new sperm imaging methodology to detect chromosomal abnormalities, highlighting the potential impact of environmental exposure on male fertility.

SourceGeorge Washington University Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 9, 2012

How does team care improve depression and diabetes?

The TEAMcare program, based on the Chronic Care Model, activates patients to monitor their own health and empowers them to control their diseases. This approach results in improved depression outcomes, better-controlled blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and enhanced quality of life for patients with depression and diabetes.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2012

Gulf of Mexico topography played key role in bacterial consumption of Deepwater Horizon spill

Scientists used innovative computer model to demonstrate the roles of underwater topography, currents and bacteria in Gulf of Mexico. The resulting model revealed that physical structure of the gulf was a key factor in disappearance of hydrocarbon plumes, which were consumed by bacteria that swirled around the leaking well.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2012

Nicotine replacement therapies may not be effective in helping people quit smoking

A recent study by Harvard School of Public Health found that nicotine replacement therapies are no more effective in helping smokers quit than quitting on their own. The study suggests that the FDA should only approve medications proven to be effective in long-term smoking cessation, and lower nicotine levels to reduce addiction.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalTobacco Control·DateJan 9, 2012

Payment review of emergency department eye care in Florida

A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that commercial insurance was the most frequent payer of emergency department outpatient services in Florida, followed by self-pay and Medicaid. The data suggest a shift towards Medicaid as patients move into eligible categories, which may impact eye care delivery models in the state.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJan 9, 2012