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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 12


Page 12 of 32

What makes a successful pregnancy?

A study published in Advances in Neuroimmune Biology explores how maternal immunological tolerance of the fetus affects pregnancy outcomes. Researchers have discovered that cytokine expression at the fetal-maternal interface plays a significant role in determining oocyte competence and implantation rates.

SourceIOS Press·JournalAdvances in Neuroimmune Biology·DateMar 21, 2012

Will you have a heart attack? New test can possibly predict

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine shows a promising blood test that can predict who is at risk for an imminent heart attack, potentially saving thousands of lives. The test uses circulating endothelial cells, which are abnormally large and misshapen in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

SourceScripps Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 21, 2012

20-year results from breast cancer screening program show a significant drop in deaths, limited harm and reasonable costs

A 20-year breast cancer screening program in the Netherlands showed a significant drop in deaths from the disease, with a 31% reduction in deaths among women aged 55-79. The program also found limited harm from false positives and over-diagnosis, with only 2.8% of all breast cancers diagnosed being over-diagnosed.

Study on swirls to optimize contacts between fluids

A new study optimizes fluid mixing in bioreactors by controlling undercurrents to improve cell exposure. Researchers found that rotating inner cylinders and adjusting fluid velocities can create homogeneous feeding of cells from a liquid nutrient supply.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 21, 2012

Antidepressant use during pregnancy and high blood pressure

Research found that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants may increase the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension by 60%, with one SSRI associated with an 81% increase. Women should consult their doctor if concerned, as discontinuation can lead to depressive relapses and post-partum depression.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMar 21, 2012

New models predict patterns of brain damage in dementia

Two studies published in Neuron have developed groundbreaking models that predict the landscape of degeneration in various forms of dementia. The models, which focus on structural and functional connectivity networks, suggest that dementias target specific networks of neurons linked by connectivity rather than spatial proximity.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 21, 2012

Parents of children with cancer distrust and fear online sources of health information, study shows

A University at Buffalo study found that parents of pediatric cancer patients distrust online sources of health information and fear what they might encounter. Despite the accessibility of online medical information, caregivers preferred to receive information from trusted healthcare providers rather than the internet.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSociology of Health & Illness·DateMar 21, 2012

Decisions are taken more democratically with a higher percentage of women in management positions

A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid found that workplaces with a high percentage of women in management positions adopt more individualized employee feedback, democratic decisions, and establish more interpersonal channels of communication. This is attributed to the distinct behavior of men and women leaders in society.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateMar 21, 2012

Study: Stress-induced cortisol facilitates threat-related decision making among police officers

A study by Columbia Business School researchers found that stress-induced cortisol increases facilitate accurate threat-related decision making in police officers, especially when dealing with armed black targets. The findings suggest that police departments may benefit from modulating stress levels during training to improve accuracy.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateMar 21, 2012