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Science News Archive August 2014 - Page 9


Page 9 of 31

'Haven't my neurons seen this before?'

A new study reveals that neurons in the brain's inferotemporal cortex fire strongly and selectively when exposed to familiar images, especially those seen many times before. This finding suggests that the brain uses this mechanism to track a rapidly changing visual environment and may lead to improvements in perception and cognition.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 24, 2014

Study: Cutting emissions pays for itself

Researchers found that carbon-reduction policies can lead to significant health savings, with benefits ranging from 26% to 10.5 times the cost of implementation. A transportation policy was the most expensive option, costing over $1 trillion in 2006 dollars, while a clean energy standard fell between the costs of other policies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 24, 2014

Train your heart to protect your mind

A new study published in Neurobiology of Aging found that exercising improves cardiovascular strength, which may protect against cognitive impairment as we age. The researchers tested 31 young people and 54 older adults, finding that those with better aortic elasticity and aerobic fitness performed better on cognitive tests.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateAug 24, 2014

Study shows cognitive-behavioral coping skills training has positive effects on rheumatoid arthritis

A study by Wayne State University researchers found that cognitive-behavioral coping skills training significantly improved RA patients' pain and mood for at least a year. In contrast, written emotional disclosure had only short-term benefits on joints and functioning. The combination of both therapies showed no unique benefits.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateAug 22, 2014

Penn study: Electronic alerts significantly reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections

The Penn Medicine team found that targeted automated alerts in electronic health records significantly reduced urinary tract infections in hospital patients with urinary catheters. Simplifying the alert design increased the rate of catheter removals, leading to a dramatic decrease in infections.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 22, 2014

Many patients are discharged without a diagnosis

New research reveals that one out of four acutely admitted medical patients leave the hospital without a diagnosis. The study found that many patients were not adequately examined during their hospitalization, increasing the risk of deterioration and re-hospitalization.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEuropean Journal of Internal Medicine·DateAug 22, 2014

Use a rule of thumb to control how much you drink

Researchers at Iowa State University found that using a rule of thumb to control pouring reduces overconsumption. Men who poured wine with a general guideline poured significantly less than those without one, regardless of their body mass index. This study suggests using a drinking rule can help prevent overdrinking.

SourceIowa State University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateAug 22, 2014

UH Case Medical Center's Dr. Parikh authors SCAI paper on renal artery stenosis treatment

Renal artery stenting may benefit patients with kidney artery blockages who were excluded from clinical trials. Expert panel recommendations suggest patients with cardiac disturbance or severe high blood pressure are good candidates for the procedure, while others may not be suitable due to mild or moderate blockages.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateAug 22, 2014

Alternate mechanism of species formation picks up support, thanks to a South American ant

A newly discovered species of ant, Mycocepurus castrator, has been found to support the theory of sympatric speciation, where a new species develops within a single colony. The research team found that the parasitic ants were genetically close to their host, but no longer reproductively compatible and had stopped reproducing together 3...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 21, 2014

Coping with smart phone threats

A Canadian team outlines possible coping mechanisms for lost or stolen mobile devices, highlighting the importance of user awareness and organization security measures. The researchers found that many users are either unaware or unwilling to use security countermeasures, leaving them vulnerable to data loss risks.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Mobile Communications·DateAug 21, 2014

Water window imaging opportunity

Researchers develop theoretical framework to generate coherent radiations in the water window range, enabling high-contrast imaging of biological samples. The study extends previous work on hydrogen and applies it to argon atoms, paving the way for improved spectroscopy techniques.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 21, 2014

Study shows steep decline in tooth loss, increase in socioeconomic disparities

A new study projects a continued decline in US edentulism prevalence through 2050, with high-income households experiencing the steepest reduction. However, tooth loss remains disproportionately prevalent among low-income populations, highlighting a need for targeted public health measures to address this issue.