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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 39


Page 39 of 352

Program helps at-risk family members of patients with heart disease improve their own heart health

Family members of patients with coronary heart disease improved cholesterol levels, physical activity, and dietary habits after participating in a year-long intervention program. The program included counselling sessions, goal setting, and feedback, resulting in reduced body mass index and waist circumference.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 18, 2013

Avoiding poisons: A matter of bitter taste

A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that herbivores have a greater number of Tas2r bitter taste receptor genes than omnivores and carnivores. The researchers correlated the Tas2r gene repertoire with dietary compositions, revealing a significant relationship between plant diet fraction and Tas2r gene number.

Early surgery for hip fractures in older adults may improve outcomes

A randomized controlled trial found that early surgery for hip fractures in older adults can significantly reduce complications and improve outcomes. The study involved 60 patients aged 45 or older who received either accelerated care or standard care, with the former resulting in shorter wait times and improved surgical results.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 18, 2013

Human error most common cause of birth asphyxia

A 15-year study found human error is the most common cause of infant asphyxiation at birth in Norway, with 50% attributed to poor fetal monitoring. The study suggests training for midwives and obstetricians, along with high-quality audits, could help reduce compensation claims after birth asphyxia.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateNov 18, 2013

Boredom research has now become more interesting

Researchers identify five types of boredom, including apathetic boredom, which resembles learned helplessness or depression, in a study published in Motivation and Emotion. The findings show that people tend to experience one type of boredom at a time, rather than randomly switching between different types.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateNov 18, 2013

Poorer, rural counties have lower CPR training rates

A study found that rural, poorer counties in the US have lower CPR training rates, particularly among communities of color. The disparity is attributed to geographic, population, and healthcare characteristics. Researchers call for targeted training programs to narrow existing gaps.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

Texting your way to weight loss

Researchers at Duke University found that daily texting can help obese black women lose weight. The Shape Plan intervention used tailored behavioral goals, brief feedback, and tips to track participants' progress. After six months, 26 women lost nearly 3 pounds, while 24 gained 2.5 pounds.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateNov 18, 2013

Study asks: Is a 'better world' possible?

A Michigan State University sociologist argues that neighborhood integration and cohesion cannot co-exist due to how people form relationships. The study suggests that finding a balance between the two is necessary, as integrating neighborhoods often leads to decreased social cohesion.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateNov 18, 2013

Promiscuous mouse moms bear sexier sons

Researchers found that female mice who competed socially for mates produce more urinary pheromones, making their sons more attractive to females. However, this increased attractiveness comes at a cost, as the sons have shorter lifespans due to the energy-intensive production of pheromones.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

People new to power more likely to be vengeful

Researchers found that individuals with less experience in holding power tend to seek revenge more than those who feel more self-assured. The study also showed that body posture can affect revenge tendencies, with expansive postures leading to greater vengeance among those new to power.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateNov 18, 2013

Study questions hypothermia treatment for cardiac arrest

A recent study led by Lund University researchers has found that therapeutic hypothermia treatment for cardiac arrest is just as effective at a body temperature of 36°C as it is at 33°C, without the increased risk of side effects. This finding has important implications for patient rehabilitation and recovery after cardiac arrest.

SourceLund University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

2 studies on the use of breast MRI

Two studies on breast MRI usage found a significant increase in its use for diagnostic evaluations and screenings, particularly among high-risk women. The studies also revealed disparities in the use of breast MRI, with some groups receiving more frequent screening than others.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

For anxious children and teens, context counts, UCLA researchers say

Researchers at UCLA have identified the medial prefrontal cortex as a key player in how anxious youths interpret neutral information. Increased activity in this brain region is observed when teenagers with anxiety disorders view faces that might be perceived as threatening, highlighting the importance of context in shaping their percep...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders·DateNov 18, 2013

Bacteria recycle broken DNA

Researchers discovered bacteria can take up small fragments of damaged DNA, including ancient DNA, and integrate it into their genome. This process, called Anachronistic Evolution, has significant implications for the spread of antibiotic resistance in hospitals.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

Most teen mental health problems go untreated

A new study by Duke University professor E. Jane Costello found that more than half of adolescents with psychiatric disorders receive no treatment. Treatment rates vary greatly depending on the disorder and provider, with teens suffering from phobias or anxiety disorders being the least likely to be treated.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateNov 18, 2013

Obesity found to be major risk factor in developing basal-like breast cancer

A recent study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found obesity to be a major risk factor for developing basal-like breast cancer in women. Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that obesity alters the cellular microenvironment of mammary glands, promoting the growth of basal-like tumors.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateNov 18, 2013

Underwater 'tree rings'

Researchers have found a dramatic decrease in sea ice cover over the last 150 years, with annual growth increments doubling since the Little Ice Age. This discovery provides new insights into climate reconstruction and extends knowledge back to the mid-1800s.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

New treatment more effective at reducing blood clots in brain-injured patients, MU surgeons find

Researchers at MU School of Medicine found a new protocol using preventive blood thinners reduces life-threatening blood clots in brain-injured patients. The study compared outcomes between 107 and 129 patients treated with or without the medication, showing zero instances of deep-venous clotting among those who received it.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateNov 18, 2013