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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 32


Page 32 of 34

Cultural world heritage threatened by climate change

A new study by Ben Marzeion and Anders Levermann finds that global warming will put 136 cultural monuments at risk, including historical cities like Bruges, Naples, and Istanbul. Sea-level rise will impact not only coastal areas but also regions currently populated by millions of people, leading to the loss of culture and heritage.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 4, 2014

Sea-level rise threatens UNESCO World Heritage sites

The study found that seven per cent of the current global population would be living on land that would be below sea level if temperatures increased above pre-industrial levels by 3°C in the next 2000 years. The impact on cultural heritage sites, including iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Sydney Opera House, is severe.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 4, 2014

Does palliative chemotherapy palliate?

Research suggests that palliative chemotherapy can lead to more invasive medical procedures and a higher risk of death in intensive care units among advanced cancer patients. The findings highlight the need for clearer discussion of the harms and benefits of palliative chemotherapy at the end of life.

Which interventions are most effective to promote exclusive breastfeeding?

A systematic review found that prenatal and postnatal interventions, duration, and mother emotional support are critical factors in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. The study suggests that more support and interventions in the postpartum period may be necessary to achieve the international goal of exclusive breastfeeding for six months.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateMar 4, 2014

CHOP researcher finds more genetic signals linking weight and heart health risk factors

A recent study by CHOP researcher Brendan J. Keating found that higher BMI raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, while another study identified genetic signals linked to central adiposity. These findings have significant implications for the obesity pandemic in the US and other countries.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 4, 2014

New school meal standards significantly increase fruit, vegetable consumption

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that the new federal school meal standards led to increased fruit and vegetable consumption among students. Despite criticism that the standards would lead to more food waste, the study showed no increase in waste, but high levels of waste still persisted.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 4, 2014

Eliminating bacteria, changing lifestyle could lower risk in people genetically susceptible to colorectal cancer

A study led by Dr. Sergio A. Lira found that removing gut bacteria reduced polyp formation and inflammation in mice, potentially reducing colorectal cancer risk. The researchers propose a new approach to understanding the interplay between genetic mutations, gut bacteria, and inflammation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 3, 2014

Blasts may cause brain injury even without symptoms

Veterans exposed to explosions may have brain damage despite lacking symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to researchers at Duke Medicine. The study found comparable white matter damage in both groups, with no clear link between brain injury and cognitive problems such as reaction time or decision-making.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateMar 3, 2014

Researchers discover how soils control atmospheric hydrogen

Soil bacteria, such as Mycobacterium smegmatis, use enzymes to efficiently scavenge hydrogen from the atmosphere, ramping up activity when carbon-based energy sources are scarce. This discovery has implications for understanding global climate processes and developing new catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014

Yoga regulates stress hormones and improves quality of life for women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy

Women with breast cancer who practiced yoga during radiation therapy experienced improved ability to engage in daily activities, better general health, and regulation of cortisol levels. Yoga also helped find meaning in the illness experience, which declined over time for women in other groups.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 3, 2014

Pitt public health analysis provides guidance on hospital community benefit programs

A new analysis by University of Pittsburgh researchers offers insights for nonprofit hospitals in implementing community health improvement programs. The study categorizes existing community benefit programs into hospital-based and community-administered programs, highlighting the importance of engaging with local communities to achiev...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateMar 3, 2014

Report reveals cancer drug divide

A new study comparing prescription data from England and Wales has found that patients in England are up to seven times more likely to be prescribed expensive cancer drugs than their counterparts in Wales. The Cancer Drugs Fund has created an inequality in access to these treatments, raising ethical, moral, financial, and policy concerns.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 3, 2014

We want to save water, but do we know how?

A national survey by Indiana University researcher Shahzeen Attari found that nearly 43% of participants cited taking shorter showers, despite toilets using the most water daily. The study highlights the importance of efficiency improvements like replacing toilets and retrofitting washing machines to conserve water.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014