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Science News for May 13, 2013


CLABSI prevention efforts result in up to 200,000 infections prevented in intensive care units

Research estimates that CLABSI prevention strategies have prevented up to 200,000 central line-associated bloodstream infections among ICU patients in the US since 1990. New technologies and guidelines have improved central line insertion and maintenance practices, reducing healthcare-associated infections nationwide.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMay 13, 2013

Brain frontal lobes not sole centre of human intelligence

Research from Durham University suggests that brain frontal lobes are not disproportionately enlarged relative to other areas in humans and other species. The study found that supposedly 'primitive' areas like the cerebellum played an equally important role in expanding the human brain.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

Non-smoking hotel rooms still expose occupants to tobacco smoke

A study found that non-smoking hotel rooms can be polluted with third-hand smoke, even if the hotel has a partial smoking ban. Non-smokers who stayed at these hotels had higher levels of nicotine and other pollutants in their urine and finger wipes compared to those staying in total smoking banned hotels.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 13, 2013

Urbanization and surface warming in eastern China

A recent study found that urbanization significantly affects surface warming in eastern China, particularly in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region. The study revealed a remarkable summer warming rate of 0.132-0.250°C per decade, accounting for 36%-68% of regional warming. In contrast, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region experienced...

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateMay 13, 2013

Using earthquake sensors to track endangered whales

A study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America uses seafloor seismic data to analyze fin whale calls, revealing new information on their movement patterns and communication habits. The research also sheds light on the animals' feeding behaviors and potential collisions with ships.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMay 13, 2013

Job stress, unhealthy lifestyle increase risk of coronary artery disease

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that people with job stress and an unhealthy lifestyle are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease. The study analyzed data from 7 cohort studies involving 102,128 participants and found that those with job strain had a 10-year incidence rate of 18.4 per 100...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 13, 2013

Productivity increases with species diversity

New research from University of Toronto Scarborough confirms that environments with distantly related plant species are more productive. The study suggests that such diversity can enhance species function and fill different environmental niches, leading to increased carbon drawdown and potential climate benefits.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

Binghamton researcher studies oldest fossil hominin ear bones ever recovered

A study led by Binghamton University anthropologist Rolf Quam analyzed two species of early human ancestor in South Africa, revealing a human-like malleus that suggests changes in the bone occurred early in human evolution. The findings provide new insight into human origins and may need to be updated to include changes in this bone.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

Routine screening for depression not recommended for adults with no apparent symptoms of depression

New guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommend against routine screening for depression in adults without apparent symptoms. The recommendations are based on a lack of high-quality evidence on the benefits and harms of screening. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of depression in patients wi...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 13, 2013

Higher child marriage rates associated with higher maternal and infant mortality

A study published in Violence Against Women reveals that countries with high girl child marriage rates have significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The research suggests a 70% reduction in maternal mortality could be achieved by reducing girl child marriage rates by just 10%. The findings support greater advocacy and ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalViolence Against Women·DateMay 13, 2013

Family trees for yeast cells

Researchers have developed a new method to analyse the genomes of yeast families, which is several hundred times faster than current methods. The new method uses barcode-enabled sequencing and allows for the analysis of tetrad relationships between spores, enabling the study of complex traits.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 13, 2013

How much a single cell breathes

Researchers have developed a method to precisely control the distance between electrodes and cells, allowing for accurate measurement of single-cell oxygen consumption. This enables quick analysis of cell activity and metabolic processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 13, 2013

Living close to major road may impair kidney function

A study of over 1,100 adults who had a stroke found that those living closest to major roads had lower kidney function and increased cardiovascular death rates. Exposure to air pollution from traffic was linked to reduced renal function and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMay 13, 2013

Study defines level of dengue virus needed for transmission

Scientists have identified the minimum dose of dengue virus needed to infect mosquitoes when bitten. This finding has significant implications for preventing the spread of the disease. The study provides a target for experimental vaccines and drugs to prevent the virus from reaching humans.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

'I care about nature, but ...'

A study by Technische Universität München found that entrepreneurs who prioritize their business goals over environmental concerns do so unconsciously, despite having strong values. Entrepreneurs with high self-efficacy and a challenging business climate were more likely to disengage from pro-environmental values.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 13, 2013

Circadian clock gene rhythms in brain altered in depression, UC Irvine Health study finds

Researchers found that genes controlling circadian clock rhythms are profoundly altered in the brains of people with severe depression, suggesting a physical basis for many symptoms. The study provides clues for potential new classes of compounds to rapidly treat depression by resetting abnormal clock genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

Alligator stem cell study gives clues to tooth regeneration

Researchers from USC Keck School of Medicine have uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators. The study found that alligator teeth are complex units of three components, including a functional tooth, replacement tooth, and dental lamina, which contain stem cells for regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

Individual and small-chain restaurant meals exceed recommended daily calorie needs

A new study reveals that individual and small-chain restaurant meals significantly exceed recommended daily calorie needs, with an average single meal containing two to three times the estimated calorie needs of an individual adult. The findings suggest that limiting menu labeling to large chain restaurants may not be enough to lower t...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 13, 2013