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Science News Archive May 2012 - Page 12


Page 12 of 31

Computers & Graphics incorporates Collage Authoring Environment

The special issue on 3D Object Retrieval will incorporate the Collage Authoring Environment, allowing authors to embed executable code and data into their papers. This enables verified results and improves peer-review, leading to faster knowledge dissemination in fast-moving fields like Computer Graphics.

SourceElsevier·JournalComputers & Graphics·DateMay 21, 2012

Study finds surgical residents often fatigued

A study of 27 orthopedic surgery residents found that they were functioning at less than 80% mental effectiveness due to fatigue during 48% of their awake time. Residents who worked night shifts slept an average of 5.1 hours daily, highlighting the prevalence and variability of resident fatigue.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateMay 21, 2012

Today's environment influences behavior generations later

Researchers found that rats exposed to vinclozolin as fetuses showed increased anxiety, sensitivity to stress, and altered brain activity in their third-generation offspring. This study suggests epigenetic transgenerational inheritance may play a role in the development of post-traumatic stress syndrome and other mental disorders.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

Violent video games turning gamers into deadly shooters

A new study published in Communication Research found that playing violent shooting video games improves firing accuracy and influences players to aim for the head when using a real gun. Players who played violent games hit targets 33% more often and shot at the head 99% more frequently.

SourceSAGE·JournalCommunication Research·DateMay 21, 2012

New study examines relationship between social status and wound healing in wild baboons

A new study by University of Notre Dame biologist Beth Archie and colleagues reveals that high-ranking male baboons have better wound healing rates. The researchers found that factors associated with high rank, such as chronic stress and age, suppress immune function in low-ranking males, making them more susceptible to illness.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

Pandemic 2009 H1N1 vaccination produces antibodies against multiple flu strains

Researchers have made a significant discovery that the pandemic 2009 H1N1 vaccine can produce antibodies against not only the H1N1 virus but also other influenza virus strains including H5N1 and H3N2. This breakthrough brings the team closer to developing a pan-influenza vaccine that can reliably induce broadly cross-reactive antibodies.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

G protein-coupled receptor mediates the action of castor oil

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research have elucidated the action mechanism of castor oil, revealing that ricinoleic acid activates the EP3 receptor to stimulate intestinal activity and labour. This discovery could lead to a reassessment of its clinical use and potentially open new areas of application.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

Poor-quality antimalarial drugs threaten to jeopardize progress made in malaria control over past decade

The Lancet review finds that poor-quality antimalarial drugs are a major threat to global efforts to control and eliminate malaria. In Southeast Asia, over a third of analyzed drugs failed chemical testing, while in sub-Saharan Africa, nearly half were found to be fake or contained incorrect active ingredients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 21, 2012

Richer parasite diversity leads to healthier frogs, says University of Colorado study

A University of Colorado study found that increases in parasite diversity lead to a decrease in the infection success rate of virulent parasites, including one that causes malformed limbs and premature death. Higher biodiversity can help protect against certain diseases by acting as a buffer against virulent pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

Study reveals how high-fat foods impact diabetes and metabolic syndrome

A University of Michigan Health System study reveals that Bcl10 is necessary for the harmful effects of high-fat foods on insulin action and blood sugar regulation. The findings suggest that even short-term changes in diet can induce insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of understanding the body's response to indulgent eating.

Obese adolescents have heart damage

New research reveals that obese adolescents, even those without symptoms of heart disease, already have structural and functional changes to their hearts. The study found that measures of heart size and function were increased in parallel to BMI, indicating damaged hearts with thicker walls and impaired systolic and diastolic function.

HIT essential to disaster support, recovery

A community health center in Joplin, MO, survived a tornado by having comprehensive disaster planning and robust electronic medical record systems. The study highlights the importance of data security and preparedness for interruptions to care and information access during disasters.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalOnline Journal of Public Health Informatics·DateMay 21, 2012

Breast-fed babies' gut microbes contribute to healthy immune systems

A new study found that breast-fed babies have a more diverse bacterial colonization than formula-fed babies, leading to changes in the expression of genes involved in their immune system. The study also showed a link between the expression of genes in the bacteria and genes of the immune system in the baby.

Touching tarantulas

A new study at Northwestern University found that a single brief therapy session for adults with a lifelong debilitating spider phobia resulted in lasting changes to the brain's response to fear. Participants were able to touch or hold a tarantula in their bare hands six months after treatment, showing the effectiveness of short exposu...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

UW study: Sleep apnea associated with higher mortality from cancer

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found a significant association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and increased risk of cancer mortality. Patients with severe SDB had a nearly five times higher incidence of cancer deaths compared to those without the disorder.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 20, 2012