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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 23


Page 23 of 32

Infection control certification associated with lower MRSA infection rates

A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that hospitals led by a board-certified director in infection prevention and control have significantly lower MRSA bloodstream infections. The study also suggests that multifacility performance improvement projects are effective in reducing healthcare-associated i...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateMar 9, 2012

Health monitoring? There's an app for that

A Bluetooth-enabled medical monitoring device can track various physiological parameters and send data to healthcare providers via Bluetooth connectivity. The device can also be used as a gateway to relay patient health data to remote databases for remote diagnoses.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Systems Technologies and Applications·DateMar 9, 2012

Strengthening the bond between policy and science

A new research agenda has been developed to strengthen the relationship between science and policy, addressing key questions on scientific advice to governments. The final set of 40 questions includes topics such as designing scientific advisory systems and ensuring early identification of policy issues requiring scientific input.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 9, 2012

Could a NOSH-aspirin-a-day keep cancer away?

Scientists have developed a new aspirin compound called NOSH-aspirin that curbs the growth of 11 different types of human cancer cells in culture and shrinks human colon cancer tumors by 85% in live animals without adverse effects. The hybrid is more potent and safer than classic aspirin, requiring lower doses to be effective.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateMar 8, 2012

Clot-busting enzyme plays 'peek-a-boo' with blood clots

Researchers at Monash University have discovered how a blood clot-busting enzyme is switched on, revealing a 'peek-a-boo' mechanism that could lead to new treatments for clotting and bleeding disorders. The findings also provide insights into the molecular details of current plasminogen-activating drugs.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 8, 2012

Do you hear what I hear?

Researchers identified how and where the brain processes frequency-modulated sound signals, which are crucial for understanding language and speech. The study found that these signals begin in the midbrain region of the brain, a surprising discovery that could help with hearing-related disorders.

Mom's voice may improve the health of premature babies

Researchers discovered that auditory stimulation of maternal sounds can lower incidence of cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants, suggesting a potential non-pharmalogical treatment. The study involved exposing fourteen extremely premature infants to personalized audio recordings of their own mothers' voices and heartbeats, leadin...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateMar 8, 2012

Caregivers of veterans with chronic illnesses often stressed, yet satisfied, MU researcher finds

A University of Missouri researcher found that over one-third of veterans' caregivers report high levels of strain, yet on average, they also report being satisfied with their caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers who received outside help and developed coping strategies were more likely to experience satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalResearch in Nursing & Health·DateMar 8, 2012

Revisiting LSD as a treatment for alcoholism

A new meta-analysis of LSD trials found that 59% of patients showed improvement in alcohol misuse, with lasting effects for at least six months. LSD interacts with serotonin receptors to stimulate new connections and open the mind, offering a promising treatment approach for alcoholism.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateMar 8, 2012

The dance of the chaperones

Researchers have identified DnaK as a central player in the chaperone network of E. coli, which helps proteins fold into their complex three-dimensional structures. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind protein folding and has implications for understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 8, 2012

Scientists discover 'Achilles' heel' of clot-buster

Researchers have solved the atomic structure of closed plasminogen, a key player in the clot-busting process, revealing an 'Achilles' heel' that proteins bind to when it opens up. This discovery may lead to more effective clot-busting drugs for treating heart attacks and strokes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 8, 2012