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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 67


Page 67 of 240

New recommendations for better corporate portfolio management

The article proposes new best practices for corporate portfolio management, including revamping organizational structure and compensation systems to prioritize investor thinking. An independent group within companies can function like a SWAT team to support objective portfolio management.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Corporate Finance·DateSep 25, 2008

Risky behaviors on TV may be modeled by inexperienced viewers

A study in the Journal of Communication found that TV portrayals of risky sexual behavior can increase expectations of future engagement among inexperienced viewers. In contrast, those with direct experience are not influenced by TV content. This research highlights the potential for media to shape attitudes and behaviors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Communication·DateSep 25, 2008

Growth in the global carbon budget

The new global carbon budget shows unprecedented acceleration of CO2 emissions and atmospheric accumulation, with natural sinks growing slower than emissions. Decreasing forest cover mainly due to deforestation is responsible for a significant portion of emissions, while oceans' carbon uptake has decreased by 10 million tons.

Protecting patient privacy the new fashioned way

A new computer program, Medical De-identification System (MeDS), can accurately and speedily remove patient identifiers from medical records while retaining essential data for medical research. MeDS has been successfully tested on large datasets and shows promise in resolving the complex issue of privacy vs. public good.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateSep 25, 2008

Mayo Clinic discovery may help diabetic gastric problem

Researchers have found a potential solution for diabetic gastroparesis by increasing production of a key molecule in the digestive process. The study, published in Gastroenterology, shows that a red blood cell derivative can restore normal gastric emptying and improve glucose control.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 25, 2008

Army can boost mission success by better managing

A RAND Corporation study found that U.S. Army units can gain tactical and strategic advantages by better managing environmental issues during deployments, which can influence local support for the mission and overall success. The study recommends giving more weight to environmental considerations in planning and operations.

Zeroing in on Wi-Fi 'dead zones'

Researchers at Rice University developed a method to predict Wi-Fi coverage using basic topography and street locations, promising cheaper and easier network deployment. The technique was tested on two high-profile networks and showed promising results.

New research shows why metal alloys degrade

Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered that metal alloys can degrade due to diffusion, a process where atoms hop through the material, changing its structure. This finding has significant implications for the development of longer-lasting alloys, particularly in electronic materials like solder.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 24, 2008