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Science News for January 17, 2014


High volume of severe sepsis patients may result in better outcomes

A recent study led by Boston University School of Medicine found that hospitals caring for more sepsis patients have significantly lower mortality rates than those with lower volumes. The superior outcomes were achieved at similar costs, suggesting improved processes of care for patients with severe sepsis.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 17, 2014

Penn researchers run successful HIV intervention project in S. Africa

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted a large-scale HIV intervention project in South Africa, involving nearly 1,200 individuals. The program showed significant improvements in condom use and reductions in unprotected sex among men, with participants reporting increased discussions about safe sex and condom use.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 17, 2014

Clever chemistry improves a new class of antibiotics

Researchers have developed a new class of antibiotics called acyldepsipeptides (ADEPs) that kill bacteria in a unique way by altering protein degradation pathways. By modifying the ADEP molecule's structure to make it more rigid, they increased its potency up to 1,200 times that of the naturally occurring molecule.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 17, 2014

Feast or fancy? Black widows shake for love

Research by Simon Fraser University biologists found that male black widow spiders produce carefully pitched vibrations to signal their presence and desirability to females. The team also discovered that these vibratory signals can help avoid potential attacks from the females, allowing males to successfully court and mate.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateJan 17, 2014

New insights into facial transplantation

Researchers have found that during active rejection episodes, many to most of the immune cells involved are of donor origin. This discovery provides new insights into the rejection process, suggesting that transplanted faces carry their own army of immune cells that may defend against rejecting recipient cells.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalModern Pathology·DateJan 17, 2014

Here comes the sun

Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, found that vitamin D deficiency stifferens blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The study used genetically modified mice to explore the effects of vitamin D deficiency on blood vessel flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalMolecular Endocrinology·DateJan 17, 2014

2 million people eligible for weight loss surgery

A new study published by JRSM Open suggests that up to 2 million people in England could benefit from bariatric surgery due to obesity-related diseases. The researchers highlight several factors contributing to low surgery rates, including patient awareness and socioeconomic status.

SourceSAGE·JournalJRSM Open·DateJan 17, 2014