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Science News Archive January 2012 - Page 6


Page 6 of 24

Study: Adolescents from unstable families lose ground in rigorous high schools

A new study finds that adolescents from unstable families experience reduced academic success in rigorous high schools due to the mismatch between their family history and school characteristics. The study suggests that policymakers and educators must clarify college preparation processes and provide resources for disadvantaged students.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSociology of Education·DateJan 25, 2012

2012 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine

Matthias Mann's work on mass spectrometry revolutionized the analysis of proteins, enabling quantitative analysis of cancerous tumors. Fiona Powrie's research on bacterial intestinal flora and immune system interactions opens new perspectives for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceEMBO·DateJan 25, 2012

Grafted watermelon plants take in more pesticides

A recent study by Mehmet Isleyen and colleagues found that grafted watermelon plants accumulate pesticide levels up to 140 times higher than non-grafted watermelons. The researchers advise commercial farmers to exercise caution when using this grafting practice to minimize exposure to pesticides.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 25, 2012

Studies on smoking cessation in ethnic minorities

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that telephone counseling services doubled the odds of quitting smoking among Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamese-speaking smokers. In contrast, a second study on bupropion SR showed promise for African American light smokers during medication phase but lacked long-t...

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

Will you have a heart attack or stroke?

A Northwestern University study reveals that individuals with low short-term risk may face very high lifetime risk of heart disease if they have just one or two risk factors, such as high cholesterol or blood pressure. The study found significant variations in risk by age, sex and race.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Elevated risk factors linked to major cardiovascular disease events across a lifetime

A large-scale analysis of over 250,000 people found that middle-aged adults with high blood pressure and other CVD risk factors have a substantially greater chance of having a heart attack or stroke during their remaining lifetime. The study also showed that traditional risk factors predict long-term development of CVD more than age.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery may reduce risk of surgical complications

A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery can reduce the risk of serious surgical complications. The study used mice and found that restricting these nutrients can increase stress resistance and prevent injuries to the kidneys and liver.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Cardiologists suggest patient-centered approach to replacing implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

The article proposes a more personalized approach to ICD replacement, taking into account each patient's unique circumstances, such as the risk of inappropriate shocks and personal preferences for end-of-life care. A shift in focus towards individualized decision-making could lead to more informed and cost-effective treatment.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Aiding cancer therapy by mathematically modeling tumor-immune interactions

A new mathematical model assesses the impact of therapies on tumor-immune interactions, optimizing treatment dosage and duration to minimize tumor growth while maximizing immune cell activity. The study aims to improve cancer therapy by identifying personalized treatment protocols tailored to individual patient conditions.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateJan 25, 2012

How the Big Three forgot Accounting 101

Researchers found that the Big Three automakers built excess vehicles without properly accounting for costs, resulting in a culture of short-term gain over brand stability. The study suggests that this practice can lead to harm in other industries with similar characteristics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateJan 25, 2012

Appetite accomplice: Ghrelin receptor alters dopamine signaling

Research reveals a molecular partnership between ghrelin receptor and dopamine receptor in brain neurons that regulate appetite, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of obesity and dopamine signaling disorders. The study suggests potential therapeutic targets with fewer side effects, offering new hope for treating these conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 25, 2012

Jupiter's 'Trojans' on an atomic scale

Researchers successfully stabilized electron orbits using an electromagnetic field, mimicking Jupiter's gravitational influence on asteroids. The experiment verifies calculations made at Vienna University of Technology and holds promise for future studies on the quantum-world of tiny objects.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 25, 2012

Coastal storms have long-reaching effects, study says

A study of extreme coastal storms in the Western Mediterranean found that these events redistribute marine organic carbon, supporting life in deeper waters and enhancing carbon sequestration. The severe damage to coastal environments must also be considered when evaluating human-induced climate change's impact on ocean ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 25, 2012

Microbubbles provide new boost for biofuel production

A team from the University of Sheffield has developed a cheap way to produce microbubbles that can float algae particles to the surface of water, making it easier and cheaper for companies to harvest and process the oil for biofuel. This breakthrough could be a significant step towards more efficient and sustainable biofuel production.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateJan 25, 2012

IBD travelers are not at higher risk of contracting intestinal infections

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that IBD travelers are not at a higher risk of contracting intestinal infections when visiting developing or tropical countries. Traveling during clinical remission can significantly reduce the risk of illness, according to lead author Shomron Ben-Horin.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 25, 2012