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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 25


Page 25 of 28

Lower proportion of Medicare patients dying in hospitals

A study analyzing Medicare claims data found a decrease in hospital deaths, but increased ICU stays and healthcare transitions in the last months of life. Hospice use increased from 21.6% to 42.2%, while short hospice stays grew, suggesting that increasing hospice use may not lead to reduced resource utilization.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 5, 2013

Evidence that at least 1 mammal can smell in stereo

A study by Kenneth Catania at Vanderbilt University has found that common moles rely on stereo sniffing to detect odor gradients, a skill previously thought to be limited to visual and auditory perception. This discovery opens new avenues for research into the capabilities of other mammals that heavily rely on their sense of smell.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2013

21 minutes to marital satisfaction

A brief writing intervention helped couples sustain marital satisfaction by reducing distress from conflicts and improving passion and intimacy. The intervention, which involved just three seven-minute writing exercises, was effective regardless of relationship duration.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 5, 2013

Samoan obesity epidemic starts at birth

A new study by Brown University found that Samoan babies experience rapid weight gain in early infancy, which may foreshadow a future trend of obesity in developed nations. The researchers tracked the growth and weight gain of nearly 800 American Samoan babies born between 2001 and 2008.

SourceBrown University·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateFeb 5, 2013

RNA promotes metastasis in lung cancer

Researchers discovered that long non-coding RNA MALAT1 regulates genes involved in metastasis, leading to impaired mobility and tumor growth. By silencing MALAT1, the team found reduced metastasis formation in mice, opening a promising approach for lung cancer treatment.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 5, 2013

JSCM publishes issue on NIDRR-funded project on practice-based evidence in SCI rehabilitation

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine published the final phase of the SCIRehab Project, which investigated inpatient rehabilitation practices for acute spinal cord injury. The study found associations between interventions and patient outcomes, informing clinical decision-making and guiding clinicians in selecting interventions.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Spinal Cord Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2013

Flexible classroom design saves money, improves flexibility, accessibility of instruction

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a flexible classroom design that slashes administrative costs while improving engagement and accessibility for students. The design allows instructors to adjust the layout according to student needs, making it easier for students with special needs to participate.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputers and Composition·DateFeb 5, 2013

Hospice use rises; So does aggressive care

A recent study found that while more seniors are dying with hospice care than a decade ago, they are increasingly doing so for very few days right after being in intensive care. This suggests that palliative care often happens as an afterthought, and patients may not receive the full measure of comfort and psychological support they need.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 5, 2013

Obesity leads to vitamin D deficiency

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found a strong association between obesity and vitamin D deficiency. The research, led by Dr Elina Hypponen, used genetic markers to explore the link between body mass index (BMI) and genes associated with vitamin D synthesis and metabolism.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2013

Scientists prevent development of deafness in animals engineered to have Usher syndrome

Researchers have developed a novel therapeutic approach to treat deafness and balance impairment by injecting mice with an antisense oligonucleotide that targets a specific gene mutation. The treatment, which was tested on mice engineered to model human Usher syndrome, successfully rescues hearing and cures balance problems.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 5, 2013

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that exercising regularly earlier in life can significantly lower the risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 adults and found a strong association between midlife fitness levels and reduced risk of all-cause dementia. Additio...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

Biodiversity exploration in the 3-D era

A team of researchers from Hellenic Centre for Marine Research used X-ray computed tomography to create detailed 3D representations of tiny animals, facilitating the study of morphology and improving taxonomy. The method enables virtual rotation, magnification, and dissection of specimens, extracting new scientific information.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 4, 2013

Monogamous birds read partner's food desires

Researchers found that male Eurasian Jays can share food with their female partner according to her current desire, suggesting a 'state-attribution' ability. This behavior is crucial for species living in long-term relationships and may improve mate bonding.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013