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Science News for October 30, 2013


Qigong can help fight fatigue in prostate cancer survivors

A pilot study shows that older patients who practiced Qigong experienced significant declines in fatigue and distress. The mind-body activity, which combines slow movements with deep breathing and meditation, was found to be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for managing prostate cancer-related fatigue.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateOct 30, 2013

A new treatment for heart attack will soon be available for emergency teams and the emergency ambulance

A new strategy for emergency anticoagulant treatment has been developed, using bivalirudin, which reduces the risk of death or serious bleeding by 8.5%, compared to traditional heparin treatment. The EUROMAX clinical trial found that this approach improves patient outcomes without increasing the risk of stent thrombosis.

Study finds pre-hospital administration of bivalirudin substantially improves outcomes compared to heparin in heart attack patients

The EUROMAX trial reveals that administering bivalirudin to STEMI patients in pre-hospital settings significantly reduces death and major bleeding complications compared to heparin. Bivalirudin also showed a lower rate of reinfarction and death, however with increased risk of acute stent thrombosis.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 30, 2013

Type 2 diabetes: New associations identified between genes and metabolic markers

Scientists from Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen discovered new associations between two major Type 2 diabetes risk genotypes and altered plasma concentrations of metabolic products. The study, published in PLOS ONE and Metabolomics, reveals specific metabolic effects, particularly for the TCF7L2 genotype.

Bats confirmed as SARS origin

A team of scientists isolated a live virus from horseshoe bats in China, confirming them as the origin of the SARS-CoV. The discovery will help governments design effective prevention strategies for similar epidemics.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2013

A sauropod walks into a bar. 'Why the long neck?'

A new PLOS Collection delves into the complex evolutionary cascade theory that made sauropod dinosaurs' gigantism possible. Researchers investigate factors contributing to their unique body size, including mobility, posture, and nutrition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 30, 2013

Alarming increasing incidence of myopia

A recent study published in Optometry and Vision Science highlights the alarming increase in myopia incidence, primarily influenced by environmental factors. Multifocal contact lenses have shown promise in reducing myopia progression in children, with results persisting through at least two years.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateOct 30, 2013

Experts from NYU Langone present new research at American College of Rheumatology 2013 Annual Meeting

Researchers from NYU Langone presented new findings on a drug called hydroxychloroquine, which shows promise in preventing recurrent heart disease in at-risk pregnancies. The study identified multiple genetic risk variants for congenital heart block and may lead to new therapies for autoimmune and rheumatic conditions.

Rare earths in bacteria

A team of researchers discovered a bacterium that requires rare earths to grow and produce energy from methane. The rare earths are necessary for the enzyme methanol dehydrogenase, which processes the methanol produced in methane decomposition.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateOct 30, 2013

Divorced people more likely to die from preventable accidents

A new study by sociologists at Rice University and the University of Pennsylvania found that divorced individuals are more than twice as likely to die from preventable causes such as fire, poisoning, and smoke inhalation. Single people and those with low educational attainment also face a higher risk of accidental death.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateOct 30, 2013

Study: Models to predict scientists' future impact often fail

Researchers at Aalto University found that current models for forecasting scientist's future contributions are unreliable and can grossly overestimate their predictability. The study analyzed 762 scientists from three disciplines and identified subtle flaws in current models, including false autocorrelation and varying predictive power...

SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 30, 2013

Incurable brain cancer gene is silenced

A Northwestern University research team has developed a drug that silences a critical gene in glioblastoma, increasing survival rates by nearly 20% and reducing tumor size. The novel therapeutic uses nanotechnology to target the gene, which plays a key role in therapy resistance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 30, 2013

Bloomberg's health legacy: Urban innovator or meddling nanny?

Lawrence O. Gostin praises Bloomberg's policies addressing obesity epidemic, disease surveillance, and tobacco control, citing successes in trans fat limits and tobacco reduction. He argues that Bloomberg's approach is a necessary response to lifestyle-related diseases, demonstrating creativity and courage in public health advocacy.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateOct 30, 2013

What makes creativity tick?

Researchers at Michigan State University developed a simple 'noun-verb' test to measure creativity, finding that those who gave creative answers in the test were indeed the most creative as measured by other methods. The test could help create better educational and training programs to foster creativity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateOct 30, 2013

Seeing in the dark

A cognitive science study reveals that at least 50 percent of people can perceive the movement of their own hand even without light, suggesting brain combination of sensory information. Synesthetes, individuals who experience blending of senses, also showed improved visual perception.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 30, 2013

Early HIV antiviral treatment found to be cost-effective in South Africa, India

A study found that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected individuals with uninfected sexual partners can be a cost-effective strategy to prevent viral transmission. In South Africa, the treatment was projected to save money during the first five years, while in India, it was determined to be cost-effective o...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 30, 2013

Autism and language impairment genetically linked

Researchers found a strong genetic connection between family members with autism and those with specific language impairment, characterized by speech and language difficulties. The study suggests that genes responsible for oral and written language impairments can result in similar behavioral characteristics.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 30, 2013

New multiple action intestinal hormone corrects diabetes

Scientists have developed a new therapeutic approach for Type 2 diabetes using a novel single molecule hormone that acts on GLP-1 and GIP receptors. The hormone reduces weight and improves blood sugar levels, and may offer unprecedented potential for personalized therapies.

MUHC researchers identify biomarkers that could lead to early diagnosis of colorectal cancer

Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre have identified genetic changes in the colon lining that could be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The study, published online in Cancer Prevention Research, has implications for the nearly one million people diagnosed annually worldwide.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateOct 30, 2013

Too much texting can disconnect couples

A recent study by Brigham Young University researchers found that excessive texting can lead to lower relationship quality in committed relationships. For both men and women, using text messages to resolve conflicts or make decisions is associated with reduced relationship satisfaction.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Couple & Relationship Therapy·DateOct 30, 2013

Taking a cue from nature

Researchers are developing a new class of molecules called peptoids that can alter zeolite growth, changing the shape of these crystals from cylinders to flat platelets. This improvement will significantly extend the lifetime of catalysts, enabling companies to carry out processes more efficiently and at lower costs.

Brain regions can be specifically trained

A study found that playing video games like Super Mario 64 increases grey matter in the brain's spatial orientation, memory formation, and strategic planning centers. This plasticity may prove therapeutic for patients with mental health issues, such as schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 30, 2013

Children with diplegic and hemiplegic cerebral palsy: Who can be paid more attention by rehabilitation physicians?

Research by Valeska Gatica Rojas and colleagues found that children with diplegic cerebral palsy exhibit weaker postural balance control ability and less standing stability compared to hemiplegic cerebral palsy patients. Rehabilitation physicians can benefit from this knowledge to tailor their treatment approaches for improved outcomes.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateOct 30, 2013

TGen-led research shows ability to do next-generation sequencing for patients with advanced cancers

A pilot study by TGen and the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center used next-generation sequencing to analyze genetic variations in nine patients with advanced cancer. The study found that this technology can reveal multiple genomic changes and identify potential therapeutic targets, which could improve treatment outcomes for these patients.

Pain management of hemiplegic shoulder pain post stroke

Researchers investigated the characteristics of hemiplegic shoulder pain post-stroke and found that early onset and specific diagnosis types can reduce pain management efficacy. Comprehensive rehabilitation and electroacupuncture are more effective in alleviating shoulder subluxation pain. The study provides valuable insights for diagn...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateOct 30, 2013