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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 27


Page 27 of 32

Novel study: Lower patient satisfaction in hospitals that employ more nurses trained abroad

A study of over 12,000 patients found that hospitals employing more nurses trained abroad are associated with lower patient satisfaction rates. Patients in these hospitals were less likely to rate their care as excellent or very good, and reported being treated with disrespect and having poor communication with their caregivers.

Newborns in intensive care exposed to thirdhand smoke residue

A small study found that surface nicotine was detectable on mothers' fingers and furniture in a neonatal unit, suggesting exposure to thirdhand smoke. Detectable levels of nicotine metabolites were also found in babies' urine samples, with potential health consequences for vulnerable premature newborns.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateDec 3, 2015

Study aims to set priorities for stillbirth research

A study combining parents' and professionals' views sets research priorities for stillbirth, identifying areas such as ultrasound evaluation and bereavement care as key focuses. The study received over 1600 responses, providing valuable insights into the complexities of stillbirth and its impact on families.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 3, 2015

Discovery of X-linked intellectual disability syndrome is aided by web tools

A geneticist has used powerful internet and social media tools to find doctors and researchers worldwide to confirm a new X-linked intellectual disability syndrome in young boys. The syndrome is characterized by severe developmental delays, facial malformations, and generalized hypotonia, with 14 cases involving 11 unrelated families.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 3, 2015

Research provides insights on how to improve face transplants

A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that faces transplanted change their appearance due to changes in the bone structure of the recipient, and seem to age at an accelerated rate. The research suggests the need for effective countermeasures to prevent muscle and bone atrophy in face transplant recipients.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateDec 3, 2015

The Lancet Oncology: Price of cancer drugs varies by up to 388% between European countries, Australia, and New Zealand

A study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that cancer drug prices vary significantly between European countries, with some nations paying up to 388% more than others for the same medication. The UK and Mediterranean countries have the lowest average unit manufacturer prices for a group of 31 originator cancer drugs, while German...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 3, 2015

A step towards gene therapy against intractable epilepsy

A new gene therapy approach has successfully reduced the number of epileptic seizures in test animals, mimicking human temporal lobe epilepsy. The treatment involves delivering genes for neuropeptide Y and its receptors into the brain, resulting in a significant reduction in seizures for up to 80% of the animals.

SourceLund University·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateDec 3, 2015

Dicamba drift affects non-target plants and pollinators

Research at Penn State found that dicamba drift reduces flowering in both alfalfa and common boneset plant species. Herbicide exposure also decreases insect visitation to damaged flowers, particularly honeybees and syrphid flies. The study suggests widespread damage from these herbicides may adversely affect pollinator communities.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateDec 3, 2015

Overcoming immune exhaustion from chronic HIV infection -- the roles of PD-L1 blockage, regulatory T cells, and viral load

A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can increase regulatory T cell numbers and virus production, while also boosting killer T cell proliferation. The researchers found that this approach may be beneficial for HIV-infected patients, but only when combined with antiretroviral treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 3, 2015

Quick thinkers are charismatic

A new study published in Psychological Science found that people who respond quickly to general knowledge questions and visual tasks are perceived as more charismatic. The researchers speculate that mental speed may facilitate charisma by enabling quick masking of inappropriate reactions and making humorous associations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 3, 2015

Storing electricity in paper

Researchers at Linköping University have developed power paper, a three-dimensional organic mixed ion-electron conductor that stores energy. The material has outstanding ability to store energy, can be recharged hundreds of times, and is produced from simple materials like renewable cellulose and an easily available polymer.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 3, 2015

Researchers identify biomarker of early lung cancer that may increase survival

Researchers in Taiwan have identified a biomarker called Huntingtin interaction protein-1 (HIP1) that detects the most common type of lung cancer in its earliest stage. HIP1 expression was found to be associated with longer survival rates and reduced metastasis, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 3, 2015