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Science News Archive August 2013 - Page 4


Page 4 of 29

UK children less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD

New research suggests that UK children are far less likely to be diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their US counterparts. The study found that only 1.5% of parents in the UK reported a diagnosis of ADHD in children aged between 6-8, in contrast to 6.3% in the USA.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateAug 28, 2013

Univ. of Maryland research could result in new approach to prevent diabetes-induced birth defects

A University of Maryland research team identified a cell signaling pathway that contributes to developmental defects in babies of women with diabetes. The study suggests that reducing ASK1 activity may prevent these defects and proposes the use of a naturally occurring antioxidant, thioredoxin, as a potential therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 28, 2013

Kids' fast food ads emphasize giveaways more than food

Research published in PLOS ONE found that fast-food marketing aimed at children emphasizes giveaways and movie tie-ins more frequently than ads targeted at adults. The study also highlights the importance of aligning advertising to children with health promotion efforts to address concerns about obesity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 28, 2013

Researchers predict greener Greenland

Researchers predict significant growth of trees and bushes in large parts of ice-free Greenland by 2100, with southern regions likely to become greener. The analysis identifies over 400,000 square kilometers suitable for forest flora, offering new opportunities for activities such as hunting and commercial exploitation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateAug 28, 2013

Pain relief technique cuts hospital stay by one-third for some surgical patients

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that adding a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to surgical care reduced hospital stays by less than one day and postoperative narcotics use. The TAP block procedure, which poses no significant risks to patients, allows for quicker recovery and lower healt...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 28, 2013

The science of collaboration

Researchers propose a rigorous evidence-based approach to identify what works and doesn't work in collaborations, aiming to improve the efficiency of drug development. Thousands of organizations have come together in over 100 multi-stakeholder collaborations to solve specific problems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 28, 2013

The 'woman who understood Newton'

Laura Bassi was a renowned physicist in the 18th century, making groundbreaking contributions to experimental physics through conversation, demonstration, experimentation, and explanation. Her work and legacy were recognized with numerous professorships and academy memberships, despite facing controversy and restrictions on her career.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateAug 28, 2013

Hybrid screening strategy emerges for colorectal cancer

A new study suggests a hybrid screening strategy that combines annual or biennial fecal immunological tests with a single colonoscopy at age 66 may reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality while lowering costs. This approach can deliver health benefits comparable to current strategies, making it an attractive alternative.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 27, 2013

Genetic variant identified that may increase heart disease risk among people with type 2 diabetes

A study led by Harvard School of Public Health identified a novel genetic variant associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The finding suggests that the genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be different among those with and without diabetes.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateAug 27, 2013

Generational shift in attitudes among young footballers towards gay teammates

A recent study has found that attitudes towards gay athletes among young British players have shifted significantly over the past decade. Young footballers on the verge of becoming professionals are now more likely to be supportive of gay teammates, with all participants openly accepting one of their colleagues coming out.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Review for the Sociology of Sport·DateAug 27, 2013

Tennessee high school students publish in top science journal

Two Tennessee high school students, Dalton Chaffee and Hayes Griffin, published their research on mate choice in the journal Evolution, shedding new light on how mate selection is influenced by sexual imprinting. The study revealed that females' ability to identify preferred mates affects the evolution of sexual imprinting.

Calcium supplements may not prevent bone loss in women with breast cancer

A recent study published in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology found that calcium and vitamin D supplements do not prevent bone mineral density loss in women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Women with breast cancer experience a higher rate of bone loss than healthy counterparts, increasing their risk of fractures.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCritical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology·DateAug 27, 2013

Contagious savings

Researchers found that commercial Alternative Quality Contract programs reduce spending and improve quality for Medicare beneficiaries served by participating providers. Providers in these plans implement systemic changes that result in higher-value care for all patients, not just those covered by the plan.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateAug 27, 2013

A strategy for combating drug-resistant cancers

Researchers have identified a compound, I-Lys, that disrupts the interaction between CASP7 and XIAP in drug-resistant cancer cells, leading to activation of cell death and reduction in malignancies. The study suggests a promising approach for combating drug-resistant cancers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013

UTHealth, Swedish researchers uncover mystery in blood clotting disorder

Researchers from UTHealth and Lund University have discovered a genetic variant in the Factor V gene causing an abnormal form of the protein FV-Short, leading to excessive TFPI formation and uncontrolled bleeding. The study provides insight into the clotting process and offers potential treatment possibilities for the rare condition.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013

Review outlines best practice standards for coordinator-based fracture liaison services

The report provides 13 key standards for effective coordinator-based FLS services, which have been shown to close the treatment gap and manage high-risk patients. Implementing these standards can help healthcare providers identify and treat patients at risk of secondary fractures, reducing future fracture risk and associated costs.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateAug 27, 2013

Investigational oral regimen for hepatitis C shows promise in NIH trial

A new all-oral drug regimen has been found to be highly effective in clearing the hepatitis C virus and well tolerated in patients who historically have had unfavorable prognoses. The study showed a cure rate of about 70 percent using regimens without interferon, offering hope for those with chronic HCV infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateAug 27, 2013