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Ostrich necks reveal sauropod movements, food habits

A new analysis of ostriches suggests that sauropod neck flexibility was probably lower than previously estimated due to the impact of soft tissues like muscle and cartilage. This reduced flexibility may have restricted the range of foods these dinosaurs could reach, leading to more active foraging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2013

Fishing for chips

A new study published in The Veterinary Journal found that high-quality microchip scanners can accurately read horse transponders, contradicting the claim that identification failure rates are too high. Researchers tested over 400 horses and found that even low-end scanners performed better than traditional branding methods.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·DateJun 25, 2013

Proteins in migration

Scientists develop new animal model to study Parkinson's disease, tracing protein spreading in brain regions. The experiment reveals clues on mechanisms underlying pathological progression.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMay 24, 2013

The Joint Facial and Invasive Neck Trauma (J-FAINT) Project, Iraq and Afghanistan 2003-2011

A new study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery concludes that additional training in managing face and neck injuries and improvements in body armor could be beneficial. The majority of injured service members had mild to moderate injuries, with females being at higher risk of survival.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateMar 5, 2013

That's the way the droplets adhere

MIT researchers have developed a new method to study droplet adhesion using a modified scanning electron microscope. They found that the angle of a droplet's leading and trailing edges relative to a surface plays a crucial role in determining whether it sticks, and that surface texture on rough surfaces can either improve or worsen adh...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2013

Study estimates prevalence of pediatric caustic ingestion injuries

A study estimates the prevalence of pediatric caustic ingestion injuries to be around 807 children per year, resulting in a significant economic burden of nearly $23 million. Legislative measures such as labeling requirements for caustic substances have contributed to a decline in injury rates over the years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 17, 2012

Adenotonsillectomy may help resolve obstructive sleep apnea in children with Prader-Willi syndrome

A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that adenotonsillectomy is effective in most children with Prader-Willi syndrome who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, but may not be curative for those with severe forms. The procedure helped normalize sleep patterns in 89% of patients.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 20, 2012

Work-family conflict translates to greater risk of musculoskeletal pain for hospital workers

A study by George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services suggests that work-family conflict is linked to a higher risk of neck and shoulder pain in hospital workers. Researchers found that employees with high work-life imbalance were nearly three times more likely to report arm pain.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateSep 27, 2012

Study examines chronic inflammation in oral cavity and HPV status of head and neck cancers

A study found that patients with oral cavity tumors positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) had significantly higher levels of chronic inflammation in the mouth compared to those without HPV. The authors suggest that preventing or treating sources of oral inflammation may be a simple way to reduce the risk of oral HPV infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJun 18, 2012

Study examines effect of prednisolone in patients with Bell palsy

A randomized trial of 829 patients with Bell palsy found that prednisolone treatment significantly reduced mild and moderate sequelae at 12 months. The study also showed that valacyclovir alone did not affect the severity of sequelae, while the combination of prednisolone plus valacyclovir did not offer additional benefits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateMay 21, 2012

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Jan. 3, 2012

The American College of Physicians has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, addressing new topics such as health catastrophes and social media professionalism. Researchers also found that spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and home exercise are more effective than medication for relieving neck pain. In contrast, in-hospital ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 2, 2012

Botulinum toxin does not cure common forms of neck pain

A group of scientists reviewed nine trials involving 503 participants and found no evidence that Botulinum toxin injections reduce chronic neck pain. The study suggests that further research is needed to clarify whether the dose can be optimized for neck pain.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 5, 2011

Propranolol associated with improvement in size and color of head and neck hemangiomas in children

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery found that propranolol therapy improved the size and quality of head and neck hemangiomas in children. The medication was effective in reducing tumor size, flattening lesions, and changing their color, even in cases where previous treatments were unsuccessful.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateMay 16, 2011

Lessening the dangers of radiation

A Tel Aviv University researcher has found that ultrasound scans are as effective as CT scans for diagnosing head and neck ailments, suggesting a safer alternative. The study's results have implications for the use of CT scans in medical procedures, particularly those involving radiation exposure.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalEuropean Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology·DateMay 11, 2011

Study shows how chickens keep their cool

A complex genetic mutation triggered by a vitamin A-derived substance caused the development of bald necks in Transylvanian naked neck chickens. The mutation led to enhanced production of an inhibitory protein called BMP12, resulting in an outstanding bald neck.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 15, 2011

Bedside ultrasound becomes a reality

The use of bedside ultrasound has increased significantly, particularly among non-radiologists, due to advancements in equipment quality and affordability. This shift enables point-of-care ultrasonography, which can decrease medical errors and provide real-time diagnosis.

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2011