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Science News Archive July 2010 - Page 6


Page 6 of 23

Relationships hold key to spiritual care

Researchers found that relationships are a crucial factor in spirituality, with 87% of patients considering spirituality important in their lives. The study recommends focusing on presence, journeying together, and engaging in reciprocal sharing to improve spiritual care.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalPalliative Medicine·DateJul 23, 2010

When the quiet logo speaks volumes

A study by USC Marshall School of Business finds that luxury brands charge more for 'quieter' items with subtle logo placement and size, appealing to patricians. Counterfeiters predominantly copy lower-priced, louder luxury goods, while poseurs are more likely to express intent to purchase counterfeit bags.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 23, 2010

Graphene oxide gets green

Rice University scientists have created an eco-friendly method for mass-producing graphene oxide, a crucial component in various industries. The new process uses common chemicals to produce the material, eliminating toxic gases and making it safer for large-scale production.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 22, 2010

Not enough hours in the day for endangered apes

A recent study reveals that a warming climate may cause African apes to lose up to 50% of their habitats due to increased time spent resting. Researchers found that climate change alone can lead to significant habitat loss, making it crucial to ensure safe havens for conservation efforts.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJul 22, 2010

Nanowick at heart of new system to cool 'power electronics'

Researchers have developed a new ultrathin cooling technology that can efficiently cool 'power electronics' in military and automotive systems. The miniature device uses copper spheres and carbon nanotubes to passively wick a coolant, handling up to 550 watts per square centimeter of heat.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateJul 22, 2010

Resident scientists

Seven Northwestern graduate students will be 'resident scientists' at Chicago-area middle and high schools, integrating their research into the science curricula. The program aims to train graduate students in communicating complex research to people of all ages and bring computational thinking into the K-12 classroom.

Stopping anemia drug may be wiser than reducing dose to normalize hemoglobin levels

Researchers found that discontinuing epoetin was more effective than reducing dose in normalizing hemoglobin levels, but also increased risk of lower-than-recommended levels. Study results suggest a balance between administering epoetin and achieving target hemoglobin levels is necessary for kidney disease patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 22, 2010

Quantum mechanics not in jeopardy

Researchers have confirmed an axiom in quantum physics by ruling out the existence of higher-order interferences experimentally. This confirms the accuracy of Born's law, a key principle in quantum mechanics that proposes interference occurs in pairs of possibilities.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2010

A blood test for depression?

Researchers discovered a set of seven genes in whole blood that can diagnose major depressive disorder (MDD) with high accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to unbiased diagnosis and reduce stigma associated with mental health problems, ultimately helping patients receive better treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 22, 2010

Unique means of animal locomotion reported for first time

Biologists at Tufts University have discovered a novel 'two-body' system of locomotion in the crawling tobacco hawkmoth caterpillar, where its gut moves independently of the surrounding body wall. This finding may offer valuable insights for designing soft-bodied robots and re-examining the role of soft tissues in human biomechanics.

SourceTufts University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 22, 2010

Study describes health effects of occupational exposures in Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant workers

A five-year study found significantly lower death rates from all causes and cancer in Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant workers compared to the US population. However, death from lymphatic and bone marrow cancers was slightly above national rates. Security workers had higher overall death rates than other employees.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 22, 2010

Important clue to understanding the pathogenesis of ciliary disorders

Researchers have identified a gene that regulates the disassembly of primary cilia in living organisms, leading to defects in left-right asymmetry and organ function. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of ciliary diseases, which affect multiple organ systems and can lead to severe clinical symptoms.