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Science News for May 15, 2012


Reported increase in older adult fall deaths due to improved coding

A recent report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy found a significant increase in older adult fall deaths following the introduction of ICD-10 update in 1999. The study revealed that improved reporting quality, rather than actual increases in fatal falls, was the main contributor to the rise in mortality rate.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateMay 15, 2012

A supernova cocoon breakthrough

Researchers observed a supernova's X-ray emission breaking through a cocoon of dense gas surrounding the star. The data support the idea that some supernovas are powered by blast waves interacting with surrounding material. Additionally, the discovery hints at an unrelated ultraluminous X-ray source nearby.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 15, 2012

Clinical news alert: Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons May highlights

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons May issue highlights new review articles on treating pediatric toe walking, managing pain after rotator cuff surgery, and other orthopaedic topics. The articles provide insights into diagnosis, treatment options, and patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMay 15, 2012

Research: 'Modern Portfolio Theory' optimizes conservation practices

A study from the University of Illinois demonstrates that adapting Modern Portfolio Theory for conservation purposes can help reduce outcome variation under climate change. By diversifying strategically across space, conservationists can achieve a 15% higher value of the conservation-objective-per-dollar-spent while reducing uncertainty.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2012

Cellular metabolism linked to anxiety disorders

A mouse model showed that GLO1 activity stimulates GABAA receptors, promoting anxious behavior. Inhibition of GLO1 reduces anxious behavior, suggesting it as a potential novel therapeutic target for anxiety disorders and other CNS diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 15, 2012

Lenalidomide prolongs disease control for multiple myeloma patients after stem cell transplant

A Phase III clinical trial found lenalidomide treatment decreased the risk of progressive myeloma or death in stem cell transplant patients, with a 63 percent reduction in disease progression risk. The study's results support the use of lenalidomide maintenance therapy after stem cell transplantation to improve patient outcomes.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2012

Statistical analysis projects future temperatures in North America

Researchers at Ohio State University have combined different climate models using spatial statistics to project future seasonal temperature changes in North America. The analysis estimates that average land temperatures will rise around 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2070, with regional temperature rises varying across seasons and regions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateMay 15, 2012

JCI early table of contents for May 15, 2012

Research reveals a link between Glyoxylase 1 and increased anxiety in mice, with implications for potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, studies provide hope for new treatments for the rare disease Beare-Stevens syndrome and graft versus host disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 15, 2012

New 'metamaterial' practical for optical advances

Purdue researchers create new metamaterials by replacing traditional metals with aluminum-doped zinc oxide, offering improved performance and semiconductor compatibility. This breakthrough enables the development of ultra-powerful microscopes, advanced sensors, and more efficient solar collectors.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2012

New evidence that many genes of small effect influence economic decisions and political attitudes

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that genetic factors explain some variation in people's political attitudes and economic decisions. However, the effects of individual genetic variants are tiny and scattered across the genome, making it difficult to predict economic and political preferences.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2012

Researchers identify key genes and prototype predictive test for schizophrenia

A research team identified a comprehensive group of genes linked to schizophrenia and developed a prototype predictive test that can accurately assess an individual's risk of developing the disease. The test was able to predict schizophrenia risk in about two-thirds of cases, providing guidance for early intervention and treatment.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 15, 2012

Spurious switching points in traded stock dynamics

A study by Vladimir Filimonov and Didier Sornette challenges the existence of power laws governing stock market volatility, volume, and intertrade times. They found that 'switching points' are actually caused by biased interpretation of market data statistics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 15, 2012

Why omega-3 oils help at the cellular level

Scientists at UC San Diego mapped omega-3 fatty acid processes in mouse cells, discovering that they inhibit an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) and potentially generating anti-inflammatory compounds from EPA and DHA. This finding suggests possible manipulation to short-circuit inflammation or boost health benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2012

Anti-HIV drug tenofovir is safe to take during pregnancy

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pre-birth exposure to tenofovir did not increase birth defects or growth abnormalities among infants born to African HIV-positive women. The researchers analyzed data from the DART trial and found no adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes or infant health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 15, 2012

UMD finding may hold key to Gaia hypothesis

A new study by UMD researchers provides a tool for tracing sulfur compounds through ocean organisms, atmosphere, and land, potentially proving or disproving the Gaia theory. The discovery reveals differences in sulfur compound metabolism that carry implications for tracking dimethylsulfide emissions and climate regulation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2012

When the soil holds not enough phosphorus

Scientists at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência have identified a new phosphate transporter in plant root cells that plays a crucial role in phosphorus uptake when Pi is scarce. The discovery provides insight into how phosphate transport systems can be manipulated to counteract stressful conditions and potentially improve crop yields.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMay 15, 2012

The elusive capacity of networks

Researchers at MIT demonstrate that network coding and error-correcting codes can be handled separately in wired networks, increasing capacity. In contrast, wireless networks pose challenges due to interference, but upper and lower bounds on capacities are calculated, providing a guide for future research.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Theory·DateMay 15, 2012

Reducing off-label use of antipsychotic medications may save money

A Penn State study found that 57.6% of patients prescribed antipsychotic medications in 2003 did not have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, highlighting potential savings through reduced off-label use. The study suggests that Medicaid programs may benefit from reducing non-FDA-approved use of these medications.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMay 15, 2012