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Science News Archive May 2012


Page 1 of 31

Listening in, researchers learn about end-of-life communication

A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that prognosis was discussed in 93% of conversations, with quality of life focused more often than survival. The conversation's tone varied depending on whether the patient was present, with pessimistic discussions more likely when family members were alone.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateMay 31, 2012

Cosmic calculations

A University of Delaware-led research team has developed more accurate calculations for the interactions between molecules of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, essential for spectroscopy in astrophysics. These advancements enable researchers to analyze molecular clouds where stars are born with greater precision.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2012

Dual effect on tumor blood vessels

Scientists found that Ang-2 regulates angiogenesis through TIE-2 and integrin signaling, leading to two independent effects on tumor blood vessels. This discovery prompts the development of new therapies targeting Ang-2.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 31, 2012

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital identify a genetic cause for CLOVES syndrome

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified the genetic basis for CLOVES syndrome, a rare congenital malformation and overgrowth disorder. They found that between six and 60 percent of cells in affected tissues contained mutations in a gene called PIK3CA, which activate cell division and growth pathways.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 31, 2012

Fantasizing about your dream vacation could lead to poor decision-making

Research suggests that fantasizing about idealized future scenarios can influence people's preferences for learning about the positives over negatives. This can impact decision-making, even for those considering careful deliberations. Positive fantasies can mimic the effects of intentions and lead to biased information acquisition.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMay 31, 2012

Advanced visualization techniques could change the paradigm for diagnosis and treating heart disease

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine are pioneering a new way to diagnose heart disease by focusing on fluid dynamics, not muscle mechanics. This approach uses advanced ultrasound techniques to visualize blood flow in the heart, providing clues for early detection and effective therapeutic interventions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 31, 2012

New treatment for irritability in autism

Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine significantly decreased irritability in children with autism, while being well-tolerated and causing minimal side effects. A large randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the findings and explore potential treatment benefits for other symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 31, 2012

Drug companies moving toward green goals

Many pharmaceutical companies are making progress in embracing green chemistry principles, reducing waste generation and operating more environmentally friendly ways. The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is helping its members share best practices and compare progress.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 31, 2012