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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 37


Page 37 of 352

New study finds no benefit to selecting dose of blood thinner based on patients' genetic makeup

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a gene-based method for selecting warfarin doses has no added benefit over standard dosing methods. However, African Americans patients showed better outcomes with non-genetic strategy, highlighting the need for further research on personalized medicine approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

Edoxaban effective in preventing stroke, reducing bleeding and cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation

The ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial found edoxaban to be at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism, while significantly reducing bleeding and cardiovascular death. High-dose edoxaban showed a 21% reduction in stroke risk and a 20% decrease in major bleeding compared to warfarin.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

Smartphone apps lack proven strategies to help smokers quit

A recent study found that many popular anti-smoking smartphone apps lack basic strategies known to help smokers quit, including counseling and medication guidance. The researchers recommend using these apps with caution and instead suggest calling a quit-line for proven help on beating tobacco addiction.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

Many pediatricians uncomfortable providing care to kids with genetic conditions

A national survey of pediatricians found that many order few genetic tests, don't discuss risks and benefits, and take limited family histories. The study highlights the need for robust education, access to resources, and improved electronic health records systems to enhance integration of genetic medicine into routine primary care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateNov 19, 2013

Casual employment is linked to women being childless by the age of 35

Research published in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology's journal Human Reproduction found a significant association between casual employment and delayed childbirth. Women who spent more time in temporary jobs were less likely to have their first child by age 35, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

See a Honda, buy a Mountain Dew? What happens when consumers fast-forward through commercials?

A study by researchers from Duke University found that exposure to multiple brands with different personalities can make a focal brand seem more distinctive. Consumers are more likely to buy Mountain Dew when it's paired with a dissimilar brand like Honda, especially at faster-than-normal commercial speeds.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 19, 2013

Phthalate exposure linked to preterm birth

A new study found that women exposed to phthalates during pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of preterm birth. The study, which measured phthalate levels in urine samples from pregnant women, found that those with the highest exposure had two-to-five times the odds of preterm birth compared to those with lower exposure.

The human health costs of losing natural systems: Quantifying Earth's worth to public health

A new paper highlights repeated correlations between human-caused changes to natural systems and human health outcomes, including cardiopulmonary disease, Chagas disease, malaria exposure, and iron deficiency anemia. The study proposes a research framework to strengthen the scientific underpinnings of both public health and environment...

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2013

A fresh step towards quantum computing

Scientists have successfully manipulated atomic magnetism by harnessing superconductivity to create a stable state, enabling the potential for quantum computing. By studying tiny magnetic molecules in contact with a superconductor surface, researchers were able to write and read information using controlled magnetism.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 19, 2013

What water looks like to DNA

A team of biochemists and mathematicians developed a geometric model to predict how biological molecules interact with water, computing results up to 20 times faster. This approach may help identify new targets for treating human diseases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 19, 2013

Hashtag health

A social media program by San Diego State University professor Ming-Hsiang Tsou analyzed tweets for keywords 'flu' and 'influenza' to identify outbreaks. The algorithm detected daily correlations between tweet patterns and regional reports, with five cities showing the strongest correlations.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateNov 19, 2013