Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 3, 2014


Discussing alternative medicine choices for better health outcomes

A new study from University of Alberta researcher Sunita Vohra examines the use of alternative therapies among pediatric cardiac patients in Canada. The study found that 64% of patients at Stollery Children's Hospital reported using complementary and alternative medicine products, with most having no regrets about their choices.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 3, 2014

Alcohol consumption associated with increased risk of HPV infection in men, say Moffitt researchers

A recent study by Moffitt Cancer Center researchers found that men who consume more alcohol have a significantly higher risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The study analyzed over 1,300 men and discovered that those who drank the most alcohol had an increased risk of HPV independent of their number of sexual partners.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateOct 3, 2014

Argonne researchers create more accurate model for greenhouse gases from peatlands

A new model developed by Argonne National Laboratory scientists predicts that peatlands in the Arctic will release more methane and less carbon dioxide as they warm, significantly affecting climate change forecasts. The research aims to improve greenhouse gas emission models and address concerns about accelerated warming in the Arctic.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalBiogeochemistry·DateOct 3, 2014

Untangling how cables coil

Engineers at MIT and Columbia University developed a method to predict cable coil patterns using laboratory experiments, computer-graphics technology, and theoretical analyses. The research aims to help design better deployment strategies for fiber-optic cables and prevent transmission glitches and data loss.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2014

New study finds lack of adherence to safe handling guidelines for administration of antineoplastic drugs

A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study found that nearly 2,100 oncology nurses and healthcare personnel do not always follow recommended safe handling practices for antineoplastic drugs. The lack of adherence increases exposure risk to cancer-causing agents, leading to adverse health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Industrial Hygiene Association·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateOct 3, 2014

Healthy knowledge management and social networking

Research by Missouri University of Science and Technology found that social network analysis can improve knowledge sharing in large government healthcare organizations. By identifying key people and analyzing relationships, a core network was formed to rapidly disseminate information on projects.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Collaborative Enterprise·DateOct 3, 2014

Continuous fabrication system for highly aligned polymer films provides method for tuning mechanical and thermal properties in bulk polymers

Researchers at MIT demonstrated a novel automated fabrication process for producing highly aligned polymer films (HAPFs) with superior mechanical and thermal properties. The process involves sol-gel extrusion, structure freezing and drying, and mechanical drawing, resulting in uniform alignment of molecular chains.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateOct 3, 2014

Study questions the prescription for drug resistance

A new study reviewing nearly 70 antimicrobial resistance studies suggests that aggressive treatment may not always be the best way to prevent resistant pathogens. The review found that varying drug dosages and treatment durations may affect resistance emergence, and moderate treatment could be a more effective strategy for some diseases.

Cattle code cracked in detail

Scientists have created a global database that increases detailed knowledge of the cattle genome by several orders of magnitude. The database contains genomes of over 1,200 animals from various breeds, providing a comprehensive resource for studying cattle genetics and livestock history.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 3, 2014

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease -- new position paper in Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IAFLD) in children is characterized by gradual and often symptomless liver injury, with mortality rates up to 40%. Early enteral feeding and referral to specialized intestinal failure centers are key to prevention and treatment.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateOct 3, 2014