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Science News Archive May 2012 - Page 20


Page 20 of 31

Reducing post-traumatic stress after ICU

A new study published in Critical Care found that women are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress after leaving an ICU, but a follow-up scheme has been shown to significantly reduce their symptoms. The study suggests that early intervention is crucial for women at high risk of PTSD.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateMay 13, 2012

Americans support national clean-energy standard

A Yale University study found that most Americans are willing to pay a premium for electricity in support of a national clean-energy standard. The average U.S. citizen is willing to pay $162 per year in higher electricity bills to support an 80% clean energy goal by 2035, but support varies among different demographics.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 13, 2012

Researchers map path to quantum electronic devices

Duke University researchers create a mathematical formulation to unlock the data stored in a database of potential TI ingredients, providing specific recipes for searching for TIs with desired properties. This breakthrough enables efficient alloys creation and discovery of new classes of systems.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 13, 2012

Barley takes a leaf out of reindeer's book in the land of the midnight sun

Researchers have found a genetic mutation in Scandinavian barley varieties that disrupts the circadian clock, allowing them to flower earlier than southern counterparts. This adaptation enables crops to thrive in regions with short growing seasons, providing new tools for breeding and developing more resilient crops.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2012

Low-cost nanosheet catalyst discovered to split hydrogen from water

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new electrocatalyst that efficiently generates hydrogen gas from water without using platinum. The novel nickel-molybdenum-nitride nanosheet catalyst outperforms traditional non-noble metal compounds and has the potential to unlock sustainable energy alternatives.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 11, 2012

Highly targeted irradiation as good as whole breast radiotherapy in early stage cancer

A randomized trial found that highly targeted irradiation had equally good results as whole breast radiotherapy in early stage cancer, with a lower risk of adverse effects. The treatment reduced the rate of local recurrence by 0.8% and improved cosmetic outcomes by 18%, making it a potential game-changer for breast cancer patients.

A*STAR scientists discover 'switch' to boost anti-viral response to fight infectious diseases

Researchers from A*STAR identified the molecular switch Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) that triggers innate immunity and activates potent virus killers, enabling effective responses to dengue and influenza viruses. The discovery paves the way for developing anti-viral drugs targeting BTK.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2012

Electronic medical record tool cuts down on unnecessary CT scans in ER patients with abdominal pain

A new tool embedded in patients' electronic medical records helps reduce the use of CT scans among ER patients with abdominal pain, resulting in a 10% decrease in potentially unnecessary tests. The study found no increase in hospital admissions, suggesting the tool is effective in balancing diagnosis accuracy with patient safety.

Discovery of a gene that causes Joubert Syndrome

Researchers identified C5ORF42 as the gene causing Joubert Syndrome in French Canadian families in the Lower St. Lawrence region of Quebec. The study, published in The American Journal of Human Genetics, provides a genetic basis for the syndrome and allows family members to assess their children's genetic risks with a simple DNA test.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 10, 2012

North Atlantic storm patterns throw light on 1987 gale

Researchers analyzed 100 intense North Atlantic storms, finding that around 30% had the potential to produce sting jets. These storms often originated from warmer latitudes, causing strong surface winds. The study highlights the need for improved forecasting and consideration of sting jet risks by insurance companies and policymakers.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 10, 2012

3-D image guided brachytherapy helps avoid hysterectomies for cervical cancer patients

A study of 163 patients with cervical cancer found that 3D image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) achieved high rates of tumor control and low side effects, making hysterectomies unnecessary for most women. The technique was effective in controlling the return and spread of the disease, and overall survival was 84% after three years.

Mechanistic discovery links psoriasis to increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Researchers discovered a causal link between chronic skin inflammation and cardiovascular disease, with aggressive reversal of psoriasis reducing the risk. A mouse model demonstrated that persistent inflammation leads to vessel wall inflammation and blood clot formation, which can increase stroke or heart attack risk.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateMay 10, 2012

Military marriages stay strong despite challenges

A new study published in the Journal of Family Issues found that military marriages are not more vulnerable to divorce than civilian marriages. Despite frequent deployments and separations, the risk of divorce among military couples has remained constant since the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq began.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateMay 10, 2012