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Science News for February 1, 2013


Novel radiation therapy method shortens prostate cancer treatment time

A new radiation therapy method using volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has been shown to significantly reduce prostate cancer treatment time by approximately 14%. The study found that VMAT patients had shorter average room times, with some patients experiencing similar treatment times as those using gold-marker tracking.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateFeb 1, 2013

Nurses at forefront of genomics in health care

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes the importance of genomic knowledge for nursing care, highlighting its relevance to advancing patient care. Genomic studies published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship provide insights on genetic applications in nursing practice, including cancer risk assessment and prevention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Nursing Scholarship·DateFeb 1, 2013

A gut feeling about neural stem cells

Scientists at the University of Melbourne have successfully transplanted neural stem cells into mice, which then migrated to the gut and developed into functional neurons. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for intestinal motility disorders such as Hirschsprung's disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2013

If you are impulsive, take modafinil and count to 10

Researchers found that modafinil improved response inhibition in patients with initially poor impulse control, but had a detrimental effect in those with low initial impulsivity levels. The study suggests personalized medicine approaches may be necessary when prescribing modafinil for treatment of alcohol dependence.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 1, 2013

Overdose education, bystander nasal naloxone rescue kits associated with decreased opioid overdose death

A study found that overdose education and naloxone distribution programs in Massachusetts led to a significant reduction in opioid overdose death rates. The programs educated people at risk of overdose and provided them with naloxone rescue kits, which are safe and effective antidotes for reversing life-threatening opioid overdose effe...

Routes towards defect-free graphene

A new technique has been developed to grow graphene without defects, enabling the creation of larger sheets with aligned flakes and improved electron flow. This breakthrough has significant implications for industrial-scale graphene manufacturing and the development of graphene-based technologies in electronics, energy, and healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 1, 2013

Bioelectric signals can be used to detect early cancer

Biologists at Tufts University have identified a unique bioelectric signal in cells that are likely to develop into tumors, which they can use to detect early cancer. By manipulating the electrical charge across cells' membranes, they can lower the incidence of cancerous cells and suppress abnormal cell growth.

SourceTufts University·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateFeb 1, 2013

Study: Infection preventionists know safe care

A study found that hospital infection preventionists generally agree on the effectiveness of certain practices in preventing healthcare-associated infections. These practices include alcohol-based hand rub, aseptic urinary catheter insertion, and maximum sterile barriers during central venous catheter insertion. However, non-certified ...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateFeb 1, 2013

Majority of primary care physicians prefer delivering radiology test results to patients themselves

The majority of primary care physicians prefer delivering radiology test results to patients themselves, feeling medico-legally obligated by recommendations within reports. This preference is influenced by the wording and location of recommendations, highlighting the need for improvements in radiology reporting practices.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateFeb 1, 2013

Trauma patients, community say they support exception from informed consent research

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals high levels of approval among trauma patients, families, and communities to participate in clinical trials without express consent. The findings provide important clues for increasing studies aimed at improving care for time-sensitive injuries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateFeb 1, 2013

Humanitarian aid workers in Uganda show signs of stress, depression, and burnout

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 68% of Ugandan humanitarian aid workers experienced symptoms of depression, while 53% had anxiety disorders and 26% posttraumatic stress disorder. The study suggests that organizational environment significantly influences mental health and wellbeing.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateFeb 1, 2013

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers develop automated breast density test linked to cancer risk

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed an automated method to estimate mammographic breast density, a major risk factor for breast cancer. The new approach assesses the variation in grayscale values in mammograms, providing a viable, automated mammographic density measure that can be used in clinical settings.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 1, 2013

Caring friends can save the world

New research from Concordia University found that caring relationships in friendships can foster a desire to make a positive impact on one's community and world. Adolescents who exhibit empathic care towards their friends are more likely to develop concern for others beyond their immediate circle.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateFeb 1, 2013

New methods for quantifying antisense drug delivery to target cells and tissues

Two new methods for detecting and measuring the levels of antisense drugs in cells have been developed, allowing researchers to track PMO delivery to individual cells and quantify its presence in tissue. These methods will advance the field of PMO research and provide valid alternatives to current time-consuming detection techniques.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioResearch Open Access·DateFeb 1, 2013

New study sheds light on link between dairy intake and bone health

Researchers found that higher dairy intake, particularly from milk and yogurt, is associated with improved bone mineral density in the hip. However, cream consumption was linked to lower bone density. The study suggests choosing low-fat dairy products can increase nutrient intake and reduce saturated fat consumption.

Gap geometry grasped

A new algorithm analyzes void space in sphere packing to study the geometry of liquids and their flow through porous media. The method can also be applied to protein structure analysis, revealing key quantities such as buried cavity sizes and solvent accessibility.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 1, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 1, 2013

Researchers have found that transplanted neural stem cells can migrate to the gut and develop into functional neurons, providing a promising new treatment for gastrointestinal motility disorders. Additionally, a protein called MFGE8 has been identified as an important regulator of inflammation, blocking inflammasome activity and limiti...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2013