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Science News for March 16, 2012


Obesity raises death risk tied to sleeping pills

Researchers found that obese patients taking sleeping pills have a significantly higher risk of mortality, nearly doubling the rate even among those prescribed fewer than 18 pills per year. The study also revealed a stronger association in men and young adults, with obesity emerging as a marker of increased vulnerability.

Study determines critical skills for PCPs to safely manage opioid risk in chronic pain patients

The study found that primary care physicians need training on monitoring opioids and assessing risk factors, whereas specialists emphasize the importance of formulating treatment plans and teaching medication safety. The findings highlight the need for targeted education programs to improve public health.

SourceInflexxion, Inc.·JournalJournal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions·DateMar 16, 2012

Who wouldn't pay a penny for a sports car?

In a study of hundreds of online auctions, Northwestern University researchers found that all participants use the optimal strategy, making the auction a game of pure chance. The 'bursty' strategy, which combines exploitation and exploration, is used by participants but ultimately leads to no advantage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 16, 2012

Cell-signaling pathway has key role in development of gestational diabetes, says Pitt team

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a cell-signaling pathway that plays a key role in increasing insulin secretion during pregnancy, leading to the development of gestational diabetes. The study found that blocking this pathway can lead to impaired glucose regulation and reduced beta cell mass.

Ultracold experiments heat up quantum research

Researchers at the University of Chicago experimentally demonstrate quantum criticality in ultracold atoms, a phenomenon that may connect the atomic realm to deep questions of cosmology. This breakthrough could lead to simulations of the early universe by studying systems in states of quantum criticality.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2012

Nano rescues skin

Researchers have developed nanoparticles of chitosan, a natural polysaccharide from shrimp shells, with effective antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. These nanoparticles also stimulate skin cell growth, enhancing wound healing and potentially leading to anti-aging benefits.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nano and Biomaterials·DateMar 16, 2012

Inflammatory biomarkers improve the clinical prediction of mortality in COPD

A recent study found that adding inflammatory biomarkers improves the clinical prediction of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The addition of a panel of selected biomarkers significantly improved the ability of clinical variables to predict mortality, with a C-statistic of 0.726.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 16, 2012

Solved: The mystery of the blood orange

Researchers have discovered that a retrotransposon element is responsible for inducing anthocyanin production in blood oranges when exposed to cold conditions. This finding has significant implications for the future of blood orange production, potentially allowing for reliable worldwide cultivation and increasing their availability as...

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 16, 2012