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Science News Archive October 2013 - Page 23


Page 23 of 34

Cancer in EU cost €126 billion in 2009

The EU's total cancer cost was estimated to be €126 billion in 2009, with health care systems accounting for two-fifths of the expenditure. Lung cancer had the highest overall cost, while breast cancer was responsible for the largest share of spending on drugs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 13, 2013

Healthier diets possible in low-income, rural communities in America

A two-year study found that low-income, rural children in America consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables after being exposed to a healthier school food environment and educational curriculum. The intervention resulted in improved diet quality, including lower glycemic index and increased consumption of legumes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 11, 2013

Behavioral therapy provided during dialysis sessions may combat depression among kidney failure patients

A study found that behavioral therapy provided chair-side to kidney failure patients during dialysis significantly reduces depression scores and improves quality of life. The treatment group experienced greater improvements in fluid intake between sessions, making subsequent treatments more efficient.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 11, 2013

Packaging stem cells in capsules for heart therapy

Cardiology researchers at Emory have developed a solution to improve the impact of stem cell therapy on heart function. By packaging mesenchymal stem cells in alginate capsules, they can increase cell retention and survival, promoting healing factors that encourage regeneration of blood vessels.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 11, 2013

New analysis of US elementary school mathematics finds half-century of problematic 'strands' structure

A new analysis by Liping Ma reveals that the 'strands' structure in US elementary school mathematics has significantly weakened its effectiveness, with instability and discontinuity in curricular content and instruction. The structure was introduced in the 1960s as a replacement for traditional school arithmetic, but has persisted desp...

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateOct 11, 2013

Can thermodynamics help us better understand human cancers?

A new study identifies cancer-specific gene signatures for breast, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancers using surprisal analysis, a thermodynamics-based approach. This method allows researchers to understand how cellular energy is expended in cancer cells and identify potential biomarkers for early detection and therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2013

Uniformity: The secret of better fusion ignition

Theoretical physicists use numerical simulations to analyze the uniformity of irradiation at thermonuclear fusion reaction, with potential applications to the Orion facility's high-power laser beams. The approach demonstrates a reduction in non-uniformity by 50% and 35% for elliptical and circular intensity profiles respectively.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 11, 2013

The perils of texting while driving

A recent US study reveals that male drivers are more likely to engage in texting while driving, yet consider themselves more proficient. The study suggests that 'texting impulsiveness' is positively associated with frequent texters and those who multitask, highlighting the risks of this behavior on the road.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management·DateOct 11, 2013

New theory of synapse formation in the brain

Researchers have discovered a simple homeostatic rule that governs the formation of new neural networks in the visual cortex, enabling the brain to adapt to changes. The theory also sheds light on how synapses are formed and abandoned, with implications for understanding learning processes and treating neurological diseases.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 10, 2013

Kissing helps us find the right partner -- and keep them

A study by Oxford University researchers suggests that kissing helps humans size up potential partners and keeps them in long-term relationships. The survey found that women rated kissing as more important than men, particularly in long-term relationships where it plays a role in mediating affection and attachment.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateOct 10, 2013

Unregulated, agricultural ammonia threatens national parks' ecology

Researchers find that US national parks are experiencing 'accidental fertilization' at or above critical thresholds due to nitrogen compounds carried on the wind. The team predicts significant increases in agricultural land and fertilizer use by 2050, requiring a 55% reduction of anthropogenic NH3 emissions.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 10, 2013

Preventable risk factors pose serious threat to heart health of childhood cancer survivors

A national study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital suggests that reducing risk factors such as hypertension can lower the risk of heart disease in childhood cancer survivors as they age. The study found that survivors with normal blood pressure were at a five-fold increased risk of coronary artery disease, highlighting the impor...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 10, 2013