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Science News Archive November 2013 - Page 10


Page 10 of 30

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.

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.