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Science News for January 29, 2013


Discrepant analyses of industry-sponsored clinical trials

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found significant discrepancies between internal company documents and published trial reports in industry-sponsored clinical trials. The researchers highlighted the need for standardizing definitions of analysis types, making full trial protocols and data publicly available, and ensuring regul...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 29, 2013

Indoor air puts Chinese women nonsmokers at risk

A University at Buffalo study found that indoor air pollution contributes significantly to lung cancer risk in Chinese women, despite low smoking rates. The research measured particulate matter levels inside homes and linked them to lung cancer incidence, highlighting the need for improved ventilation systems and public education.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateJan 29, 2013

Epigenetic control of cardiogenesis

Researchers have discovered a new class of non-coding RNAs essential for embryonic heart development. Knocking down the long non-coding RNA Fendrr led to lethal malformations and impaired body wall formation in mouse embryos. The study sheds light on the role of epigenetic control in regulating cardiogenesis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 29, 2013

Study supports heart rhythm problems with some antidepressants

A recent study found a link between certain antidepressants and long QT intervals, a marker for heart rhythm abnormalities. The research used electronic health records to track patients who had taken antidepressants or methadone, and discovered that some medications increased the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 29, 2013

Simulations' Achille's heel

Computer simulations face challenges when applied to systems of finite size, such as those in crystal or liquid crystals. Additionally, some methods may not accurately compute thermal properties like entropy.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJan 29, 2013

Low-income pregnant women in rural areas experience high levels of stress, researcher says

Research by Tina Bloom at the University of Missouri's Sinclair School of Nursing highlights the dangers of chronic, long-term stress on low-income pregnant women in rural areas. These women experience financial problems, lack of employment opportunities, and isolation, which exacerbate their emotional and physical well-being.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalIssues in Mental Health Nursing·DateJan 29, 2013

Going trayless study shows student impact

A new study published in the Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition found that removing trays from university dining halls reduces food waste and dish use. The study, conducted at American University, shows a 32% reduction in food waste and a 27% reduction in dish use.

SourceAmerican University·JournalJournal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition·DateJan 29, 2013

Common genetic alteration found in head and neck cancers may not be key to effective treatment

Research found that a large majority of head and neck cancers have deregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, but this doesn't necessarily mean the tumor is dependent on it for survival. The study used tumor explant model to distinguish driver mutations from passenger mutations, which could help stratify patients for response to mTOR inhibitors.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 29, 2013

Ants' behavior leads to research method for optimizing product development time, costs

A Wayne State University researcher has developed a mathematical model-based methodology to estimate the optimal amount of time spent developing a product, as well as its cost, in overlapped product development. The approach could reduce product definition time by up to 50% and improve critical thinking.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalInternational Journal of Production Research·DateJan 29, 2013

Tomorrow's life-saving medications may currently be living at the bottom of the sea

Researchers have identified a new source of powerful antibiotics in shipworms, which could combat antibiotic resistance. Additionally, bacteria carried by cone snails produce neuroactive chemicals with promise for pain treatment. The discovery was made through the Philippine Mollusk Symbiont International Cooperative Biodiversity Group.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2013

New options for transparent contact electrodes

Researchers are developing new transparent contact electrodes using materials like graphene and carbon nanostructures, which offer improved conductivity and transparency compared to traditional metal oxides. These new materials have the potential to be combined with conventional solutions or used in entirely new applications.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 29, 2013

Young soccer players show signs of burnout

Research finds that junior male soccer players experience chronic stress, exhaustion, and disillusion with their sport at a young age. Players under external pressure from others are most vulnerable to burnout. The study suggests that perfectionism can be both a potent energizing force and a costly force for athletes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateJan 29, 2013

'Moral realism' may lead to better moral behavior

A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that priming participants with a belief in moral realism led to increased charitable donations, suggesting that considering objective moral facts can motivate people to behave better.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJan 29, 2013