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Science News for November 19, 2013


Breakthrough in adult heart repair

Researchers have made a significant discovery in adult heart repair by identifying the Hippo pathway as a key regulator of cardiomyocyte proliferation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve heart function after a heart attack and reduce the severity of heart disease.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateNov 19, 2013

New study finds no benefit to selecting dose of blood thinner based on patients' genetic makeup

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a gene-based method for selecting warfarin doses has no added benefit over standard dosing methods. However, African Americans patients showed better outcomes with non-genetic strategy, highlighting the need for further research on personalized medicine approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

Edoxaban effective in preventing stroke, reducing bleeding and cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation

The ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial found edoxaban to be at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism, while significantly reducing bleeding and cardiovascular death. High-dose edoxaban showed a 21% reduction in stroke risk and a 20% decrease in major bleeding compared to warfarin.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

Smartphone apps lack proven strategies to help smokers quit

A recent study found that many popular anti-smoking smartphone apps lack basic strategies known to help smokers quit, including counseling and medication guidance. The researchers recommend using these apps with caution and instead suggest calling a quit-line for proven help on beating tobacco addiction.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

Many pediatricians uncomfortable providing care to kids with genetic conditions

A national survey of pediatricians found that many order few genetic tests, don't discuss risks and benefits, and take limited family histories. The study highlights the need for robust education, access to resources, and improved electronic health records systems to enhance integration of genetic medicine into routine primary care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateNov 19, 2013

Casual employment is linked to women being childless by the age of 35

Research published in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology's journal Human Reproduction found a significant association between casual employment and delayed childbirth. Women who spent more time in temporary jobs were less likely to have their first child by age 35, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

See a Honda, buy a Mountain Dew? What happens when consumers fast-forward through commercials?

A study by researchers from Duke University found that exposure to multiple brands with different personalities can make a focal brand seem more distinctive. Consumers are more likely to buy Mountain Dew when it's paired with a dissimilar brand like Honda, especially at faster-than-normal commercial speeds.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 19, 2013

Phthalate exposure linked to preterm birth

A new study found that women exposed to phthalates during pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of preterm birth. The study, which measured phthalate levels in urine samples from pregnant women, found that those with the highest exposure had two-to-five times the odds of preterm birth compared to those with lower exposure.

The human health costs of losing natural systems: Quantifying Earth's worth to public health

A new paper highlights repeated correlations between human-caused changes to natural systems and human health outcomes, including cardiopulmonary disease, Chagas disease, malaria exposure, and iron deficiency anemia. The study proposes a research framework to strengthen the scientific underpinnings of both public health and environment...

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2013

A fresh step towards quantum computing

Scientists have successfully manipulated atomic magnetism by harnessing superconductivity to create a stable state, enabling the potential for quantum computing. By studying tiny magnetic molecules in contact with a superconductor surface, researchers were able to write and read information using controlled magnetism.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 19, 2013

What water looks like to DNA

A team of biochemists and mathematicians developed a geometric model to predict how biological molecules interact with water, computing results up to 20 times faster. This approach may help identify new targets for treating human diseases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 19, 2013

Hashtag health

A social media program by San Diego State University professor Ming-Hsiang Tsou analyzed tweets for keywords 'flu' and 'influenza' to identify outbreaks. The algorithm detected daily correlations between tweet patterns and regional reports, with five cities showing the strongest correlations.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateNov 19, 2013

Study: Odds of rehospitalization of cognitively impaired varies by discharge destination

A study by Indiana University and Regenstrief Institute found that cognitively impaired older adults released from the hospital are less likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days if they go to a nursing home. In contrast, those returned to their own homes or family members are more likely to experience readmission.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 19, 2013

The semantics behind the sale price: When does the 'original' price matter?

Research reveals that consumers value sales more when considering the original price, and retailers can leverage this by highlighting list prices. In three experiments, authors found that relying on competing product similarities increased consideration of both original and sale prices, while focusing on dissimilarities led to a focus ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 19, 2013

Corticosteroid added to standard treatment improves eyesight in patients with sudden vision loss

Researchers found that adding a corticosteroid to standard treatment significantly improves both short- and long-term visual acuity in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The study showed that patients treated with the combination therapy had better long-term vision compared to those only treated with...

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2013

Social values vary across Canada

A national survey conducted by Concordia University found that Canadians have varying opinions on the country's social welfare programs and Aboriginal self-governance. While a majority (65%) supports universal access to assistance programs, there is significant variation in prioritization, with families with children living in poverty ...

Non-specialist health workers play important role in improving mental health in developing countries

A new Cochrane review shows that non-specialist health workers, such as doctors and nurses, can alleviate depression and anxiety in people with mental health problems. Non-specialists may also help treat maternal depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse, although the benefits may be smaller.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateNov 19, 2013

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013 news tips

A new bioabsorbable magnesium stent has shown promising results in reducing the risk of heart attacks for up to three years after implantation. Of 46 patients, only two required vessel-opening procedures and one suffered a heart attack within the first year, with no incidents reported in the second year.

Enhancing battery performance

Researchers from Japan have developed a new method to align the individual grains of lithium cobalt oxide in a cathode, resulting in improved Li-ion battery performance. The aligned structure allows for easier access for lithium ions, reducing stress and increasing efficiency, making it a major breakthrough in Li-ion battery technology.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateNov 19, 2013