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Science News for March 28, 2012


Launch of PLoS Currents: Disasters

PLoS Currents: Disasters is a new publication channel for sharing research and operational analyses on disasters. It supports timely publishing and revision-friendly article formats.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Currents·DateMar 28, 2012

Sleep disturbances hurt memory consolidation

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that sleep disturbances significantly impair the overnight improvement and plateau performance of motor tasks in patients with sleep apnea. The authors concluded that optimal memory consolidation requires continuous sleep, independent of the total amount of sleep.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2012

A new paradox on our plate?

A study published in the British Food Journal found that US consumers have a better understanding of dietary fats than French counterparts, which contradicts the notion that nutritional information encourages healthy eating habits. Researchers suggest that detailed nutritional knowledge may not be the key to healthy eating.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateMar 28, 2012

Study reports validation and clinical application of the first point-of-care genetic test in medicine, regarding use of antiplatelet therapy following coronary interventions

A new point-of-care genetic test identifies CYP2C19*2 allele, a common variant associated with increased risk of major adverse events. The test enables personalized dual antiplatelet treatment, reducing complications and improving outcomes for patients after coronary interventions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 28, 2012

No improvement in patient outcomes seen in hospitals with pay-for-performance programs

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that the largest hospital-based pay-for-performance program in the US did not improve 30-day mortality rates for patients with acute conditions. Non-Premier hospitals showed similar outcomes to poor-performing Premier hospitals, suggesting that incentives may need to be adjusted.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 28, 2012

Protein 'jailbreak' helps breast cancer cells live

A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that protein survivin can prevent normal cell death when located outside the nucleus, but not inside. Researchers suggest measuring overall levels and locations of proteins like HDAC6 could provide new leads for investigating breast cancer.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 28, 2012

Major study shows that tobacco-related cancers and cervical cancer are important causes of death among working-age people in India

A new study published in The Lancet analyzed cancer death rates across India and found that oral, stomach, and lung cancers are major causes of death in men, while cervical, stomach, and breast cancers cause the most deaths among women. The study also highlighted significant geographical and social variations in cancer mortality rates.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 28, 2012

Penn research points to new way of preserving fertility for boys undergoing cancer treatment

A team led by Ralph Brinster at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has successfully preserved spermatogonial stem cells in mice for over a decade, demonstrating their viability and ability to produce healthy offspring. The study provides promising evidence for a potential fertility treatment in humans, address...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 28, 2012

Taking some time off can help when learning a new language

A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that learning a new language can improve with time off. Adult subjects who took a break after high proficiency showed no decline in abilities and even processed the language more naturally. This unexpected result may be attributed to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2012

States keep up with ozone mandates

A Rice University study found that federal efforts were most effective at reducing pollutants, while state implementation plans played a smaller role. The study's findings suggest that nationally, ozone levels have improved substantially due to federal and EPA efforts.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateMar 28, 2012

In immersion foreign language learning, adults attain, retain native speaker brain pattern

Research at Georgetown University Medical Center found that adults learning a foreign language can come to use the same brain mechanisms as native speakers, particularly with immersion training. The brain consolidates knowledge of the foreign language over time, similar to other skills like riding a bike or playing a musical instrument.

With you in the room, bacteria counts spike

Researchers found that human presence causes a substantial increase in airborne bacterial and fungal particles, with sizes affecting filtration and recirculation. The study, led by Yale University engineers, aims to improve air quality by understanding the dynamics of indoor biological aerosols.

SourceYale University·JournalIndoor Air·DateMar 28, 2012

More than half of all cancer is preventable

According to Washington University public health researchers, more than half of all cancer is preventable through lifestyle choices and societal changes. The main obstacles to implementing these strategies include skepticism, short-term focus, intervening too late in life, research focusing on treatment rather than prevention, debate a...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 28, 2012

Does BMI affect post-surgical complications, survival in esophageal adenocarcinoma?

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found no link between body mass index (BMI) and post-surgical complications or survival rates among esophageal cancer patients. The study, published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, included 303 patients treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery·DateMar 28, 2012

Rhode Island Hospital study identifies the danger of grill brushes

A Rhode Island Hospital study highlights the dangers of accidental ingestion of wire grill brush bristles, which can lead to surgery and severe complications. The study identified six cases within an 18-month period, emphasizing the need for public awareness and physicians' attention to this potential danger.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 28, 2012

GPs should advise drinkers to keep a daily record of their drinking

A new study found that encouraging patients to monitor their daily alcohol intake, typically through keeping a record, is the most effective piece of advice in reducing drinking. This simple task raises awareness of behavior and helps individuals stay within set limits, leading to significant reductions in consumption.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 28, 2012