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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 9


Page 9 of 31

High rate of early delirium after surgery in older adults

A study found that nearly half of older adults undergoing surgery with general anesthesia developed delirium in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), with 45% of patients experiencing delirium. Delirium is linked to decreased cognitive function and an increased risk of nursing home admission. The study suggests that even brief episodes ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJul 24, 2013

Trust in physician eases talks about medical expenses

A study found that strong doctor-patient relationships facilitate conversations about healthcare costs, particularly when patients feel trust their physician. Patients are more willing to discuss personal out-of-pocket costs than insurer costs, and older and sicker individuals are more receptive to discussing costs.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 24, 2013

Gene transduction inhibits post-epileptic hippocampal synaptic reconstruction

Researchers found that intracerebroventricular injection of neuropeptide Y gene suppressed mossy fiber sprouting, inhibited abnormal synaptophysin expression, and reduced epileptic seizures. This study suggests a recombinant adeno-associated virus expression vector carrying the neuropeptide Y gene as a potential therapeutic approach.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 24, 2013

Environmental toxins enter the brain tissue of polar bears

Researchers have detected perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the brain tissue of polar bears, which could have severe impacts on human health. The study suggests that PFASs are crossing the blood-brain barrier and accumulating in all parts of the brain, highlighting the need for further research into their effects.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 23, 2013

Pre-clinical animal research must improve

A systematic review of guidelines for in vivo animal experiments identified key procedures to enhance preclinical efficacy studies. Researchers recommend prioritizing sample size calculation, randomized treatment allocation, and disease phenotype characterization to improve clinical relevance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 23, 2013

Atmospheric rivers set to increase UK winter flooding

A new study finds that atmospheric rivers are projected to increase in frequency and intensity under future climate change scenarios, leading to more severe and frequent winter floods in the UK. The research suggests that thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere, rather than natural climate variability, are driving these changes.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 23, 2013

Building a good-neighbor policy between livestock industry and communities

A study by University of Illinois economist Peter Goldsmith highlights the need for better communication between the livestock industry and local communities. The research found that more effective communication can help reconcile important issues and build common experiences, leading to a more factual conversation.

Choosing a wave could accelerate airplane maintenance

Aerospace engineers can now detect adhesive failures in hard-to-reach places more quickly and precisely using the right ultrasonic frequency. The selection process could save time and effort for engineers performing maintenance on complex composite materials.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives·DateJul 23, 2013

Between B cells and T cells

Researchers discovered that the transcription factor EBF1 is crucial for maintaining B cell identity and preventing alternative fates. When EBF1 was switched off, transplanted B cells forgot their previous identity and developed into T cells and natural killer cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 23, 2013

Concerted proton hopping in water

Researchers analyze proton diffusion mechanism using theoretical calculations, finding that protons hop quickly between water molecules, followed by rest periods. The discovery may be relevant to enzymes and macromolecules, improving understanding of proton transfer in aqueous systems.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2013

Optimists better at regulating stress

A study by Concordia University researchers found that optimists tend to have more stable cortisol levels, indicating better regulation of stress. In contrast, pessimists struggle to control their stress response, especially during high-stress situations.

SourceConcordia University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJul 23, 2013

Devastating long-distance impact of earthquakes

Researchers at the University of Bonn used computer simulations to show that seismic waves can focus over long distances, triggering mud eruptions. The study found that a dome-shaped structure under the mud volcano focused energy into the mud layer, liquifying it and injecting it into nearby faults.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 23, 2013

New species of Hero Shrew found in equatorial Africa

Scientists describe a new species of Hero Shrew with an interlocking spine that may represent intermediate character states between other shrews. The new species possesses features that enable it to position itself between palm trunks and access beetle larvae, providing a unique adaptation for survival.

SourceField Museum·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 23, 2013

Perfecting digital imaging

Researchers at Harvard University are developing new techniques to improve digital imaging, including a method to mimic the appearance of translucent objects and optimize screen hardware for adaptive displays. Their work has the potential to advance artificial vision, 3D displays, and video editing.

SourceHarvard University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 23, 2013

A new player in brain disease and stroke

Researchers discover histone H1 protein's role in neurodegenerative disease and stroke; protein can trigger immune response and drive brain cell death. The study may lead to the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000Research·DateJul 23, 2013