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Science News Archive April 2013 - Page 14


Page 14 of 32

European Commission must innovate to get value from €70 billion science funding program

The European Commission needs to reform its science funding programme by reducing red tape, improving data mapping and linking, promoting open data, and ending inegalitarian salary policies. The current programme aims to bring €70 billion of research funding, but reforms are necessary to unlock its full potential.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Health Services Research & Policy·DateApr 17, 2013

A new twist for quantum systems

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new control method for quantum systems, enabling precise steering through Hilbert spaces. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of practical quantum computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2013

DREAM and Sage Bionetworks tap the wisdom of the crowd to impact breast cancer prognosis

The DREAM Breast Cancer Prognosis Challenge successfully predicted better breast cancer progression than existing models, using genomic and clinical information from 2000 women. The winning team, Attractor Metagenes, developed a model based on 'attractor metagenes,' gene signatures that behave similarly in multiple cancer types.

SourceSage Bionetworks·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 17, 2013

New keyboard for touchscreens

Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft developed a new keyboard layout called KALQ that minimizes thumb movement and places frequently used letters centrally. Trained users can achieve 37 words per minute, significantly faster than the 20 words on split QWERTY, with improved error correction methods

HIV-infected moms who breastfeed exclusively have lower levels of virus in breast milk

A randomized clinical trial found that HIV-infected mothers who exclusively breastfed their babies for four months had significantly lower levels of the virus in their breast milk compared to those who stopped breastfeeding earlier. The study suggests that early and frequent breastfeeding can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmis...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 17, 2013

Fishing for solutions

Researchers have generated mutations in almost 40% of zebrafish genes, creating a resource for understanding physical and biochemical consequences of genetic variation. The study aims to reveal the function of each gene in zebrafish to shed light on human disease.

Hair analysis reveals elevated stress hormone levels raise cardiovascular risk

A recent study found that long-term cortisol exposure in seniors is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The study used scalp hair analysis to measure cortisol levels over a three-month period, revealing a clear link between chronically elevated cortisol levels and cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 17, 2013

Some minorities believe they are less likely to get cancer compared to whites, Moffitt study shows

A Moffitt Cancer Center study found that minority groups, including blacks, Asians, and Hispanics, hold differing beliefs about cancer prevention and feel they are less likely to get cancer. The researchers concluded that more culturally relevant information is needed to reach these populations.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateApr 17, 2013

Coelacanth genome surfaces

The coelacanth genome confirms genes evolve more slowly than in other organisms, suggesting a specialized environment has led to minimal change. The study also sheds light on the water-to-land transition, identifying key genetic regions associated with tetrapod innovations and immune system adaptations.

Mindfulness therapy might help veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder

A new study from the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System found that group mindfulness activities significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines meditation, acceptance, and awareness to help individuals manage traumatic thoughts and emotions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateApr 17, 2013

Not everyone likes the company picnic

A new study suggests that company social events can have a negative impact on building relationships between workers of different racial backgrounds. Researchers found that social interaction was less likely to help workers feel closer to their colleagues when they were dissimilar from the majority.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganization Science·DateApr 17, 2013

Blood pressure out of control at safety-net clinics

A Michigan State University analysis found that federally funded safety-net clinics lag behind in controlling high blood pressure among low-income patients. Only 38% of hypertensive patients had their blood pressure under control at a mid-Michigan safety-net clinic, with diabetes patients facing even greater challenges.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Hypertension·DateApr 17, 2013