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Science News Archive March 2013 - Page 21


Page 21 of 30

Why people put themselves under the knife

A long-term study by Ruhr-University Bochum found that patients who undergo plastic surgery experience improved life satisfaction, self-esteem, and mental health. The results suggest that cosmetic surgery can be a successful treatment for psychological variables, with no adverse effects observed.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMar 11, 2013

Combination therapy provides similar clinical benefit as single drug treatment in MS

A large-scale trial by The Mount Sinai Medical Center found that combination therapy did not improve clinical benefits over single drug treatment in multiple sclerosis patients, but reduced the development of new lesions. Combination therapy with Glatiramer Acetate and Interferon Beta-1a showed a reduction in MRI lesion accumulation.

Folic acid lowers risk of autism

A new study found that taking folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy can lower the risk of childhood autism by 40%. The study, based on data from Norway's Mother and Child Cohort Study, suggests that this prevention method is simple, inexpensive, and effective.

An Internet for robots

Researchers developed a cloud-computing platform called RoboEarth Cloud Engine to accelerate robot learning and adaptation in complex tasks. The platform allows robots to access enterprise-scale computing infrastructure, paving the way for lighter, cheaper, and more intelligent robots.

Hope for threatened Tasmanian devils

Scientists have discovered a way to revive genetic diversity in Tasmanian devils, allowing them to develop a vaccine against the deadly devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The vaccine aims to boost the devils' immune system and give them a fighting chance against the contagious cancer.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2013

Digital records could expose intimate details and personality traits of millions

A new study published in PNAS shows that automated analysis of Facebook Likes can accurately predict personal details such as race, age, and sexual orientation. The researchers analyzed a dataset of over 58,000 US Facebook users and found accuracy rates of up to 95% for distinguishing between African-American and Caucasian Americans. H...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2013

Global consensus on concussion in sport

A global panel of concussion experts has developed new guidelines for evaluating and treating concussions, which emphasize the importance of medical clearance before returning to competition. The guidelines also suggest a gradual return to activities after the first week post-injury.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 11, 2013

University of Maryland School of Medicine discovers adaptations to explain strategies for survival on Mars

Researchers found differences in core proteins from a microorganism that lives in a salty lake in Antarctica, enabling it to tolerate high salinity and desiccation. The study reveals potential adaptations for life on Mars, with scientists exploring the use of these protein modifications to engineer novel enzymes and catalysts.

Aspirin may lower melanoma risk

A new study found that women taking aspirin have a reduced risk of developing melanoma, with the longest users showing the lowest risk. Aspirin's anti-inflammatory effects may help protect against this type of skin cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 11, 2013

Clot-busting drug as effective as angioplasty

Researchers found that a clot-busting therapy can benefit some heart attack patients who cannot have immediate angioplasty, reducing all-cause mortality and cardiac rehospitalization. The STREAM trial included 1,915 patients from 15 countries and showed that drug therapy before transfer was at least as effective as angioplasty.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 11, 2013

A new drug reduces heart damage

A new anti-inflammatory drug, inclacumab, has shown promising results in reducing heart muscle damage during angioplasty. The study involved 530 patients with myocardial infarction and found that a single dose of the drug reduced troponin I levels by 24%, offering great promise for its potential use in treating heart attack patients.

Mummies study reveals that hardening of the arteries may have been a global problem in the ancient world

A study of ancient mummies from diverse cultures reveals that hardening of the arteries was a widespread problem globally, contradicting previous assumptions about its occurrence in ancient Egypt and diet-related factors. The research found that nearly half of the examined mummies showed signs of probable or definite atherosclerosis.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 10, 2013

Amplified greenhouse effect shaping North into South

A recent study published in Natural Climate Change reveals a significant reduction in temperature and vegetation seasonality over northern latitudes. As snow and ice cover diminished, temperatures increased at different rates during the four seasons, causing this region to resemble areas farther south in terms of vegetation patterns.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 10, 2013

Selectively manipulating protein modifications

Scientists have identified enzymes that can reverse a key protein modification involved in breast cancer, cellular stress reactions, and gene regulation. The discovery enables selective manipulation of ADP-ribosylation, which could lead to new treatments for inflammasions and cancers.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 10, 2013