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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 16


Page 16 of 28

Patients given less blood during transfusions do well

A new Rutgers-led research study found that patients with heart disease who receive transfusions during surgeries do just as well with smaller amounts of blood. The study measured overall mortality and found no evidence of increased mortality from cardiovascular disease or severe infection due to the amount of blood given after surgery.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 10, 2014

More holistic approach needed when studying the diets of our ancestors

Recent research on early hominid diets highlights the limitations of using modern technologies alone to understand their eating habits. A holistic approach is needed, considering factors such as habitat, anatomy, and cognitive abilities. This interdisciplinary method can provide a more accurate picture of our ancestors' diets.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateDec 10, 2014

Anyone who is good at German learns English better

Research by University of Zurich linguist Simone Pfenninger found that students with strong German language skills tend to excel in English, even if they start learning the latter at a later age. In contrast, early foreign language learning can sometimes hinder L1 development in the short term.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalInternational Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism·DateDec 10, 2014

Racial and ethnic disparities narrow for acute care

A study found that racial and ethnic disparities in acute care narrowed significantly as hospitals improved quality, with nine major disparities mostly disappearing by the end of 2010. Hospitals serving minorities made faster improvements and delivered more equal care to white and minority patients over time.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2014

New study measures methane emissions from natural gas production and offers insights into 2 large sources

Researchers found that a small group of pneumatic devices and wells with frequent liquid unloadings are responsible for the vast majority of methane emissions from natural gas production sites. The study confirms regional differences in methane emission levels, with highest emissions in the Gulf Coast and lowest in the Rocky Mountains.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 10, 2014

New way to turn genes on

Researchers at MIT have successfully turned on any desired gene in living cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This breakthrough enables scientists to study gene function and identify genes involved in diseases, such as melanoma. The new method has also been used to screen for genes that confer resistance to cancer drugs.

How long can Ebola live?

A new study by a Pitt researcher reveals that there is limited scientific data on how long the Ebola virus can survive on surfaces, in water, or in liquid droplets. This knowledge gap makes it challenging to develop effective disinfection practices to prevent the spread of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateDec 10, 2014

Lifestyle the key to gap in cardiac patient outcomes

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that patients who managed their lifestyle factors were five times more likely to have long-term survival without any further heart arrhythmia. The intensive risk factor management program improved arrhythmia-free survival rates from 18% to 87% after five years.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 10, 2014

Wetlands more vulnerable to invasives as climate changes

A new study finds that climate change may tip the scales in favor of invasive wetland plants, which can outcompete native species due to their natural phenotypic plasticity. As environmental changes occur, invasive species will gain an advantage over native species, potentially reducing biodiversity and ecosystem function.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 9, 2014

Can doctors be trained in a 48-hour working week?

While some argue that a 48-hour working week has led to negative effects on medical training, others find no evidence to support these claims. Several reviews conclude that high-quality training can be delivered within this time frame, and trainees are increasingly satisfied with their training.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 9, 2014

New insight into risk of ankylosing spondylitis

Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a genetic variation in the ERAP1 enzyme that increases an individual's susceptibility to Ankylosing Spondylitis. Genetic testing for this variation may enable earlier diagnosis and improved management of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2014

Delayed cancer diagnosis unlikely to be due to poor medical practice

Delayed cancer diagnoses are often caused by limitations in scientific knowledge and the delivery of healthcare, not poor professional performance. Despite this, policy initiatives focusing on GP referral times may be ineffective. Researchers advocate for better information about diagnostic challenges to improve diagnosis and care.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 9, 2014

E-cigarettes less addictive than cigarettes

Researchers found that e-cigarettes are less addictive than traditional cigarettes, with higher nicotine concentration and longer use leading to greater dependence. The study suggests that e-cigs may have health advantages over cigarettes due to lower levels of toxic substances.

SourcePenn State·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateDec 9, 2014