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Science News for January 6, 2015


Drug stimulates brown fat and boosts metabolism

A FDA-approved drug may help combat obesity by stimulating brown fat's metabolic activity, increasing resting metabolic rate, and promoting weight loss in rodents. Researchers discovered that mirabegron activates the beta-3 adrenergic receptor, a promising target for obesity treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 6, 2015

Fractional quantum Hall effect: Experimental progress and quantum computing applications

Recent research on the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) has made significant progress, including the observation of the 5/2 filling state in graphene. This state is an even denominator state that requires new theoretical concepts to understand its many-body physics. FQHE applications in quantum computing are also being explored.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 6, 2015

Study finds certification may impact surgical patients

A recent study published in AORN Journal found that specialty nursing certification contributes to improved surgical patient outcomes in hospitals. The research showed higher rates of certified ambulatory perianesthesia nurse (CAPA) and certified nurse operating room (CNOR) certifications were associated with lower rates of central-lin...

Poor vitamin D status linked to longer respiratory support in ICU patients, study finds

A new cohort study found that low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are inversely associated with the need for mechanical ventilation in critically ill surgical patients. The study suggests that optimized vitamin D status may reduce respiratory muscle weakness and systemic inflammation, leading to shorter respiratory support times.

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateJan 6, 2015

An unexpected way to recover from a breakup

A new study suggests that repeatedly reflecting on a breakup can speed emotional recovery. Researchers found that participants who completed a more intensive set of tasks and measures had better overall recovery from their breakups. Reflecting on the relationship helped participants build a stronger sense of themselves as single people.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 6, 2015

Landmark trial: Early blood glucose control extends life in people with type 1 diabetes

A recent report led by a University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health investigator found that people with type 1 diabetes who intensively control their blood glucose soon after diagnosis are likely to live longer. The study showed a 33 percent reduction in deaths over the past several decades among participants.

Children's vulnerability reflected in genes

Researchers found that a specific gene variant is associated with children's vulnerability to negative environments, but also responded positively to an intensive intervention program called Fast Track. The study suggests that personalized treatments may be possible for society's most troubled children.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateJan 6, 2015

New picture, new insight

Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered previously unrecognized differences in the brains of patients with bipolar disorder using a novel MRI imaging approach. The study found elevated signal in cerebral white matter and cerebellar region of patients, suggesting abnormal cell metabolism may play a role in the disorder.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 6, 2015

Study casts doubt on mammoth-killing cosmic impact

A recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science has challenged the long-held idea that a cosmic impact triggered the Younger Dryas cold period. The research found that the scoria droplets believed to be evidence of an impact event were actually formed by heating most likely caused by Stone Age house fires.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJan 6, 2015

Primary care physicians more likely to recommend careers as nurse practitioners

A recent survey of primary care clinicians reveals that more physicians would recommend careers as nurse practitioners than as primary care physicians, driven by the need for greater clarity about roles and a shift in how clinician's view their careers. The study suggests that efforts to bolster the workforce should focus on reimaginin...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateJan 6, 2015

Major depression in the National Comorbidity Survey

The study found that major depression was highly prevalent in adolescents, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 11%, and females had twice the rates of males. The majority of adolescents with MDD demonstrated severe role impairment and substantial comorbidity with other mental conditions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 6, 2015

Peat fires -- a legacy of carbon up in smoke

A new study published in Nature Geoscience highlights the devastating impacts of peat fires, which can burn for days and weeks, producing severe air quality issues and triggering respiratory problems. The study finds that peat-rich regions will become more susceptible to drying and burning with a changing climate.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 6, 2015

The 'Berlin patient,' first and only person cured of HIV, speaks out

In a unique account, Timothy Ray Brown describes his experience as the first person cured of HIV through a stem cell transplant. He shares the details of the bold experiment that used a donor resistant to HIV infection. The 'Berlin patient' offers a rare glimpse into the human side of this groundbreaking treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateJan 6, 2015

How to sell the drugs of the future

A study by Concordia University marketing professor Lea Prevel Katsanis and her co-author found that knowledge of the benefits and risks of personalized medicine (PM) is crucial for patient acceptance. The research also highlights the importance of doctor-patient communication in PM adoption.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing·DateJan 6, 2015

Bariatric surgery associated with improved long-term survival

A study found that bariatric surgery significantly reduced all-cause mortality rates among obese patients, with improved survival at 5 and 10 years post-surgery. The research involved 2,500 surgical patients and 7,462 control patients, and suggests a beneficial relationship between surgery and survival for severely obese adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 6, 2015

Early blood glucose control lengthens life in people with type 1 diabetes

Research funded by the National Institutes of Health found that people with type 1 diabetes who intensively control their blood glucose levels can live longer than those who do not. The study, which followed participants for an average of 27 years, found a 33% reduction in deaths among those who received intensive treatment.

When DNA gets sent to time-out

A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a specific sequence and protein tags that send DNA to the edge of the nucleus, where its genes get turned off. This process is crucial for controlling genes and determining cell fate, particularly during development.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 6, 2015