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Science News for November 20, 2013


EORTC head & neck cancer trial shows assessing HRQOL is valuable to both patients and their doctors

A recent EORTC trial found that assessing HRQOL (health-related quality of life) is crucial for both patients with head and neck cancers and their doctors. The study showed that patients in the sequential treatment arm experienced less swallowing and speech problems compared to those in the alternating chemoradiotherapy arm.

Metabolically healthy obesity does not guarantee clean bill of health

Research found that obese people who are metabolically healthy still face an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from over 5,700 participants and found that normal weight individuals with multiple metabolic abnormalities also faced a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 20, 2013

Aging erodes genetic control, but that's flexible

Biologists at Brown University found that gene silencing via chromatin in fruit flies declines with age, but administering life span extending measures such as lower calorie diets or increased expression of the protein Sir2 restores the loss of gene silencing due to age. The study suggests a possible line of research to develop more pr...

Frequent breaks from sedentary behavior makes kids healthier

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that frequent interruptions in children's sedentary time can have a positive impact on their health. The research, which analyzed data from over 500 children aged 8-11, showed that breaks in sedentary behavior were associated with lower risk scores for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

IUPUI study: Finding Occam's razor in an era of information overload

A new study led by Steve Pressé reveals a preferred strategy for picking mathematical models with the greatest predictive power, emphasizing simplicity and avoiding unnecessary complexity. The study's findings support Occam's razor principle, suggesting that simpler theories are more likely to be correct.

3 new wafer trapdoor spiders from Brazil

Scientists have discovered three new species of wafer trapdoor spiders in Brazil, expanding our knowledge of the genus Fufius. The discovery highlights the morphological variability of the species and provides insight into their distribution across different environments.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateNov 20, 2013

'Undruggable' mutation meets its match

A team of scientists at the University of California, San Francisco has identified a previously unknown pocket on the K-Ras protein that can be targeted by a new compound. This compound inhibits only mutant K-Ras and leaves normal protein untouched, offering real translational implications for cancer patients.

Involving patients in their nurses' shift change reduces medical errors and satisfies patients

Research at St. Michael's Hospital found that bedside handover, where patients are involved in the transfer of accountability with their care team, can reduce potential errors and improve patient engagement. The study also showed that this approach increases patient safety, satisfaction, and better informs care plans.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Nursing Care Quality·DateNov 20, 2013

Coffee may help perk up your blood vessels

A study of 27 healthy adults showed that drinking caffeinated coffee significantly improved blood flow in a finger, with a 30% increase compared to decaffeinated coffee. The researchers suggest that caffeine may help open blood vessels and reduce inflammation, providing new insights into how coffee may benefit cardiovascular health.

Insomnia linked to mortality risk

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found a link between insomnia symptoms and higher mortality risk in men, particularly those with difficulty falling asleep and non-restorative sleep. The study, published online in Circulation, followed over 23,000 men for six years and found modest increases in cardiovascular-related death.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCirculation·DateNov 20, 2013

New research gives clues of antibiotic use and resistance in US children's hospitals

Researchers found that surgical patients in US children's hospitals account for 43% of all antibiotic use, with pneumonia, appendicitis, cystic fibrosis, and skin infections being high-usage conditions. The studies provide insights into antibiotic resistance patterns and opportunities for targeted antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 20, 2013

Mount Sinai finds brain abnormalities linked to impaired self-awareness in cocaine addiction

Researchers at Mount Sinai found long-term cocaine abuse linked to deficits in parts of the brain monitoring behavior, suggesting targeted treatments based on quantifiable biological abnormalities. The study's findings challenge clinical assumptions about addicted individuals' motivations and behaviors.

Focusing on faces

Researchers found specific neurons in the amygdala of autistic individuals respond differently to faces, with reduced processing of the eye region compared to control-group individuals. These neurons also responded more strongly to mouths than eyes, shedding light on abnormal face processing in autism.