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Science News Archive September 2012 - Page 12


Page 12 of 27

Disability caused by traumatic brain injury in children may persist and stop improving after 2 years

A recent study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that children who suffered moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries may still experience substantial functional disabilities and reduced quality of life two years after the injury. The authors suggest that a plateau is reached in recovery beyond this period.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateSep 18, 2012

Substance-use disorders linked to increased risk of death for veterans with PTSD

A new study by the University of Michigan Health System and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System found a significant link between substance-use disorders and mortality in veterans with PTSD. Younger veterans, including those from Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, showed a stronger association between substance-use disorders and death.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 18, 2012

Where body fat is stored may determine the likelihood of obese persons developing Type 2 diabetes

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that obese individuals with visceral fat are at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, those with excess abdominal subcutaneous fat were not at greater risk. The study, which sampled over 700 obese adults, used imaging methods to determin...

Protection for humans on Mars

The European Space Agency (ESA) funded a study to test the shielding properties of Moon and Mars regolith against cosmic radiation. The GSI facility in Germany analyzed how well the stone slabs protect against radiation and produced neutrons when radiated.

Discovery of reprogramming signature may help further stem cell-based regenerative medicine research

Researchers at Salk Institute discover a unique molecular signature in induced pluripotent stem cells, consisting of nine genes that govern epigenetic changes. This finding could help overcome hurdles to using induced stem cells in regenerative medicine and provide a new understanding of their safety profile.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2012

New findings on protein misfolding

Researchers have identified 21 proteins that interact with ataxin-1, which can enhance or prevent its misfolding and toxicity. The study found that proteins with a specific structure called 'coiled-coil-domain' promote aggregation and toxic effects.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 18, 2012

Statins are unlikely to prevent blood clots

A large analysis of over 100,000 participants found that statins have a very small effect on preventing venous thromboembolic events. The study suggests that high-dose and low-dose statins have no effect on blood clots.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 18, 2012

New NIST screening method identifies 1,200 candidate refrigerants to combat global warming

Researchers at NIST have developed a new computational method to identify promising refrigerant fluids with low global warming potential. The new method identified over 1,200 candidates from 56,000 compounds, including fluorinated olefins that react rapidly with atmospheric compounds.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateSep 18, 2012

Who is entitled to social welfare?

A Danish researcher found that a universal psychological instinct triggers decisions on deservingness of welfare recipients, regardless of cultural differences. This instinct dates back to the Stone Age, when sharing food was crucial for survival, and influences modern attitudes towards help and support.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateSep 18, 2012

Pacifiers may have emotional consequences for boys

Researchers found that heavy pacifier use in young children is linked to poor emotional maturity and lower perspective-taking scores. The study suggests that girls may be less affected due to societal expectations of emotional sophistication. Parents are advised to limit pacifier use to promote healthy emotional development.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·DateSep 18, 2012

How much product information do consumers want?

A study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that people vary widely on the level of detail required for understanding a product. Explanation fiends require more details to feel informed, while explanation foes feel confident with superficial explanations. Understanding what consumers want is crucial for marketers.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 18, 2012

Study links breast cancer risk to early-life diet and metabolic syndrome

Researchers at UC Davis discovered that early-life diet and metabolic changes can stimulate breast growth and increase the risk of breast cancer, independent of estrogen levels. The study used mice with a diet supplemented with CLA to mimic metabolic syndrome, which was found to increase mammary duct growth and tumor formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2012

Mercyhurst University presents new research on managing spinal injuries to NFL

Mercyhurst University researchers have developed new protocols for managing cervical spine injuries in football players, with the goal of achieving the highest level of care. The research, conducted in collaboration with Sports Medicine Concepts and the NFL, aims to standardize emergency management protocols and improve on-field response.

SourceMercyhurst College·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateSep 17, 2012