Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 26


Page 26 of 28

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

Infection control preparedness measures control avian flu in Hong Kong hospital

In a Hong Kong hospital, proactive infection control measures implemented since March 2013 successfully controlled the spread of Avian flu (A H7N9), with only two patient cases and no staff infections reported. The integrated approach utilized active surveillance, rapid molecular diagnostic testing, and hand hygiene protocols.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJan 5, 2015

Acoustic levitation made simple

A Brazilian team of researchers has developed a new levitation device that can hover tiny polystyrene particles with more control than any instrument before. The device uses sound waves to reflect off a concave reflector, allowing the particle to be moved around without precise setup.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 5, 2015

Ouch! When teeth and hands connect, bites may be beastly

Human bites can transmit over 600 bacterial species through oral flora, posing a significant risk of infection. Prompt treatment within 24 hours of an animal or human bite is crucial to prevent serious injury or infection, with antibiotic treatment recommended for hand bites to reduce the risk of infection and disability.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJan 5, 2015

Mom's exercise habits good for blood pressure in kids

A Michigan State University study found that exercising regularly during pregnancy can reduce a child's chances of developing high blood pressure later in life. The research suggests that physical activity during critical developmental periods may have a direct impact on the baby's cardiovascular health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateJan 5, 2015