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Science News for August 29, 2008


Engineers create bone that blends into tendons

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology successfully created artificial bones with a graded interface, allowing them to blend seamlessly into surrounding tissues like tendons. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve outcomes in ACL surgery and other applications where tissue integration is critical.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2008

Diversity among parasitic wasps is even greater than suspected

Researchers have discovered that the diversity of parasitic wasps is even higher than initially suspected, with 313 provisional species identified through a combination of ecological and genetic data. The new analysis sheds light on a group of insects that are already known for their staggering diversity, with estimates suggesting that...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2008

Flu shot does not reduce risk of death

Researchers analyzed data from over 700 elderly patients and found no significant reduction in all-cause mortality among those vaccinated against flu. Despite initial reports of a large mortality benefit, the study controlled for various variables and concluded that any potential benefit was small and statistically non-significant.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 29, 2008

The challenge of paying for quality nursing care

This special issue of Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice examines the economic value of nursing care and its impact on patient outcomes. The research reveals that improving work environment changes or staffing levels can lead to cost savings through increased nurse satisfaction and improved patient outcomes.

SourceSAGE·DateAug 29, 2008

Heavy breathing -- an obscure link in asthma and obesity

A recent New Zealand study investigated the relationship between obesity and asthma, ruling out systemic inflammation as a common factor. Despite not finding evidence of its involvement, researchers suggest that other possibilities, such as changes in innate immunity or dynamic lung function, may be worth exploring.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 29, 2008