Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 15, 2012


AGU Journal highlights - June 15, 2012

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in measuring ocean currents between North Atlantic and Nordic Seas, providing new insights into global ocean circulation. Additionally, a team has successfully observed the entire thermal infrared spectrum of atmospheric gases for the first time, shedding light on greenhouse gas absorption.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 15, 2012

Genetic markers hope for new brain tumor treatments

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered three sets of genetic markers that could improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for children with a rare type of brain tumor. The study found distinct genetic signatures for each sub-type of tumor, which may lead to more effective tools for predicting patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 15, 2012

Neutrons escaping to a parallel world?

Researchers suggest mirror particles could be responsible for the missing mass of the universe due to an anomaly in neutron behavior. The loss rate of slow neutrons appears to depend on magnetic field strength, which could indicate a parallel world with invisible mirror twins.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJun 15, 2012

Graphic warning labels improve smokers' recall of warning and health risks related to smoking

Researchers found that graphic warning labels improved smokers' recall of the warning, with a 50% vs. 83% difference in percentage correct recall. The study suggests that drawing attention to the warning label can improve recall of health relevant information and may extend to improving risk perception of smoking.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 15, 2012

Quality of life study shows stereotactic ablative radiotherapy effective treatment; stage I NSCLC

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is an effective treatment option for elderly patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment did not negatively impact health-related quality of life, and functional and symptom outcomes remained stable after two years.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 15, 2012

Graduated driving laws reduce teen drunk driving

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that state laws limiting teen driving privileges and imposing penalties for driving under the influence reduce risky drinking and driving behaviors. Teens living in states with strictest laws were least likely to drink and drive or ride with a driver who had been drinking.

Hospital volume and surgeon specialty influence patient outcomes

A study published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer found that high-volume hospitals and thoracic surgeons have lower mortality rates compared to general surgeons. The researchers recommend a national audit program to evaluate institutions based on quality parameters, including hospital volume.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 15, 2012

Chemotherapy effective for patients with resected SCLC or large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma

Researchers found that perioperative chemotherapy improved overall survival in patients with limited large cell neuroendocrine tumors or small-cell lung cancer after surgery. The study of 74 patients showed a significant difference in overall survival between those who received chemotherapy and those who did not.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 15, 2012

Quantum bar magnets in a transparent salt

Researchers from UCL and EPFL have successfully created a material that mimics the behavior of traditional bar magnets, but at the quantum level. By manipulating the spins of tiny atoms in a transparent salt, they achieved an antiferromagnetic configuration, similar to large bar magnets, without the usual complications.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2012

Persistence is learned from fathers, study shows

Research from Brigham Young University found that dads play a crucial role in teaching their children persistence, which leads to better outcomes in school and lower rates of delinquency. The study examined 325 families over several years and showed that dads who practice authoritative parenting are more likely to instill this trait in...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateJun 15, 2012