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Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 12


Page 12 of 30

Bed sharing with parents increases risk of cot death fivefold

A large analysis published in BMJ Open found that bed sharing with parents increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by fivefold. The study advises against bed sharing for babies under three months old, citing a significant reduction in SIDS deaths when babies sleep on their backs in a cot.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 20, 2013

Predicting infectious influenza

A new computational technique allows predicting infectious avian influenza strains based on protein sequences and physicochemical characteristics. The 'A2H' system has successfully validated its predictions against known strains of bird flu and those that are infectious to people.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics·DateMay 20, 2013

Breakup of physician, drug company relationship could improve health care, cut cost

A new report suggests that breaking up the relationship between physicians and drug companies could lead to improved healthcare and cost savings. Researchers from Oregon State University found that avoiding conflicts of interest and replacing industry-funded information with peer-reviewed sources can help physicians make more informed ...

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMay 20, 2013

Blame your parents for bunion woes

A new study has found that bunions and lesser toe deformities are highly inheritable in Caucasian men and women of European descent. The Framingham Foot Study estimated heritability using genetic analyses of familial data, confirming the prevalence of these foot conditions is higher in older adults with a European ancestry.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateMay 20, 2013

Molecular trigger for Alzheimer's disease identified

Scientists at Cambridge's Department of Chemistry have mapped the pathway that generates 'aberrant' forms of proteins, which are at the root of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. The breakthrough opens up possibilities for a new generation of targeted drugs and earlier diagnosis of neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2013

Abundance and distribution of Hawaiian coral species predicted by model

A study models the distribution and abundance of six dominant Hawaiian coral species, predicting that Porites lobata is the most abundant around the main Hawaiian Islands. Environmental factors such as wave energy, seafloor shape, and island age influence coral cover, with highest concentrations found in wave-sheltered coastlines.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMay 20, 2013

Coming into existence

Researchers at JQI establish a new record for heralding efficiency, detecting entangled photons with 84% accuracy. This achievement paves the way for tighter loopholes over quantum reality and potentially random number generation.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 20, 2013

Unraveling the Napo's mystery

A team from Michigan State University is studying the Napo River's ecohydrology to assess its impact on the region. The research aims to document the river in its 'wild' state before major engineering work is conducted, guiding economic development and promoting conservation.

Anabolic steroids may affect future mental health

A study of elite male strength athletes found a strong connection between anabolic steroid use and depression, concentration problems, and aggressive behavior later in life. The study suggests that anti-doping efforts remain crucial in sports due to the cyclical relationship between substance abuse and mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 20, 2013

Imaging technique shows premature birth interrupts vital brain development processes leading to reduced cognitive abilities in infants

Researchers used MRI to identify disrupted brain processes in premature infants, showing a link between preterm birth and impaired cognitive function. The study found that cortical development was reduced in premature infants, with the greatest effect in the most premature babies.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2013

AHRQ-funded journal supplement offers lessons on primary care practice transformation

The AHRQ-funded journal supplement provides insights from 14 natural experiments on transforming primary care practice. Key findings highlight the importance of a strong foundation, visionary leadership, and contextual factors in achieving successful transformation towards the patient-centered medical home model.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 20, 2013