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Science News Archive November 2014 - Page 30


Page 30 of 31

Preterm, low birth-weight babies may need new hips in adulthood

Researchers found a significant association between low birth weight and preterm birth with an increased incidence of hip arthroplasty independent of age, sex, BMI, education level, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and physical activity. No significant association was found with knee replacement surgery.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateNov 3, 2014

Grant success for Monash economists

Researchers will study past interventions and decision-making processes at the household level to understand what works and what doesn't. The project aims to identify drivers of food security status and constraints on improvements at the household level.

Plasma: Casimir and Yukawa mesons

Researchers discovered a connection between nuclear particles and electromagnetic theories via plasmas, suggesting an equivalence between generalized Casimir forces and weak nuclear interactions. The study found that long-range electromagnetic fluctuations differ from those in vacuum conditions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 3, 2014

Preclinical oncology coursework could help with practitioner shortage

A study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that preclinical oncology courses increased students' interest in specializing in oncology and empathy for cancer patients. The research suggests a need for medical schools to include such curriculum to develop communication skills and sensitivity towards death and dying.

Smoking is a pain in the back

A Northwestern University study found that smokers are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain and that quitting the habit may reduce vulnerability to this condition. The research also identified a key brain region involved in addictive behavior and motivated learning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 3, 2014

Climate change: Limiting short-lived pollutants cannot buy time on CO2 mitigation

A new integrated study suggests that targeting emissions of non-CO2 gases and air pollutants may not produce the desired long-term climate change benefits. The research highlights the importance of considering linkages between short-lived climate forcers and CO2 in climate stabilization scenarios, finding that near-term action on short...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Obesity a liability in cancer immunotherapy

A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine found that obesity can lead to lethal inflammation in response to certain anti-cancer therapies. This suggests that preclinical studies on young mice may not accurately predict outcomes in older patients, who are more likely to be overweight and develop cancer.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

Even when you're older you need chaperones

Researchers found that the quality of protective molecular chaperones declines dramatically with age, accelerating decline in those with neurodegenerative diseases. A subnetwork of 28 critical genes provides a basis for biomarkers and new therapeutics to prevent protein damage and cell dysfunction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 3, 2014

Berkeley Lab scientists ID new driver behind Arctic warming

Researchers discovered that open oceans are less efficient at emitting far-infrared energy than sea ice, leading to warmer oceans and melting sea ice. This phenomenon contributes significantly to the polar climate's warming trend, with simulations predicting a 2-degree Celsius increase in the Arctic climate after just 25 years.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Most mental health disorders not increasing in children and youth: Large Canadian study

A large Canadian study published in CMAJ found that symptoms of mental illness in children and adolescents are not increasing, contrary to popular media perceptions. The study suggests a decline in depression and anxiety, as well as suicidal behavior among youth, while hyperactivity increased in younger age groups.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 3, 2014

NSAIDs prevent colon cancer by inducing death of intestinal stem cells that have mutation

NSAIDs protect against colorectal cancer by inducing cell suicide pathways in intestinal stem cells carrying a mutated gene. The research team found that NSAIDs activate the so-called death receptor pathway, selectively triggering a suicide program in dysfunctional cells. This mechanism could help design new drugs to prevent colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

New research reveals what to discuss near life's end

A study published in CMAJ found that hospitalized patients and families prioritize discussing preferences for care, patient values, prognosis of illness, fears or concerns, and additional questions regarding care. However, these elements are infrequently discussed, leading to low concordance between preferred and prescribed goals of care.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 3, 2014

Study reveals startling decline in European birds

Bird populations across Europe have experienced sharp declines, with the majority of losses from the most common species. However, some less common birds have shown increases in recent years due to conservation efforts and legal protection. The study highlights the need for greater efforts to halt these continent-wide declines.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 2, 2014

Ultracold disappearing act

In a new study published in Nature Physics, Rice University physicists observed ultracold atomic collisions producing gaps between colliding solitons. This phenomenon challenges the expected behavior of solitons, which are waves that do not diminish or change shape as they move through space.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 2, 2014