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Science News Archive October 2013 - Page 16


Page 16 of 34

Embargoed news from Oct. 22, 2013 Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet

The American College of Physicians recommends against routine screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in asymptomatic adults without risk factors. In contrast, patients with hypertension and stage 1-3 CKD should be treated with ACE inhibitors or ARBs to manage elevated low-density lipoprotein levels. The evidence review suggests tha...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 21, 2013

Harvard researchers, pharma experts offer recommendations to expand access to clinical trial data

A new report from Harvard University proposes recommendations for addressing the challenge of expanding public access to clinical trial data. The authors suggest a system that balances the need for transparency with the protection of research participants' identities, while also minimizing burdens on trial sponsors.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 21, 2013

2 genetic wrongs make a biochemical right

Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered that knocking out a gene important for mRNA translation restores memory deficits and reduces behavioral symptoms in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. The study suggests that the prime cause of the disease may be a translational imbalance, and restoration of this balance may be neces...

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 20, 2013

Rats! Humans and rodents process their mistakes

Researchers tracked similarities in how human and rodent subjects adapted to errors in a simple time estimation task, finding that both species employed low-frequency brainwaves to synchronize neurons. This study suggests that rat models could be useful for studying psychiatric diseases.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2013

Shining the soothing light

A Phase III trial found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces the incidence of severe canker sores (grades 3 and 4) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy. LLLT also improves patient quality of life, reducing oral pain and opioid analgesic use.

SourcePublicase International·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·DateOct 20, 2013

Topological light: Living on the edge

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute report direct observation of topological effects for light in two dimensions, creating ultrastable quantum 'playgrounds.' Photonic edge states exhibit persistent flow and near immunity against defects, similar to quantum Hall effect for electrons.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 20, 2013

Learning dialects shapes brain areas that process spoken language

A new study from RIKEN Brain Science Institute found that the pitch-accent in words pronounced in standard Japanese activates different brain hemispheres depending on whether the listener speaks standard Japanese or one of the regional dialects. Native speakers who acquire a second language later in life process pitch changes similarly...

SourceRIKEN·JournalBrain and Language·DateOct 18, 2013

The benefits of bacteria for gut health

Researchers have discovered that specific bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, stimulate the growth of host epithelial cells through the production of reactive oxygen species. This finding has implications for treating inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 18, 2013

Salmonella sensing system

A novel design uses a magnetoelastic biosensor and surface-scanning coil detector to detect Salmonella on food surfaces, enabling real-time testing of food and processing plant equipment. This handheld device can be used in agricultural fields or processing plants to quickly identify contaminated surfaces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 18, 2013

Evolution is not a one-way road towards complexity

A new study on cryptic worms reveals that their ancestors had a highly complex muscular body plan, which is lost in the adult stage. The findings suggest that the common ancestor of aplacophorans and polyplacophorans was similar in complexity, implying that the worm-like groups lost these traits over evolutionary time.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 18, 2013

Skid row cancer study has implications for treatment today, Penn researcher says

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researcher Robert Aronowitz highlights the flaws in prostate cancer screening measures, citing a 1950s study that showed invasive procedures were often performed without solid evidence. Millions of men have undergone PSA tests, which can lead to unnecessary treatments and detrimental effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 18, 2013