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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 56


Page 56 of 311

Restraint improves dielectric performance, lifespan

Duke University engineers demonstrated that rigidly constraining dielectric materials can increase their energy density and decrease rates of failure. By preventing physical deformation, epoxy acts as a mechanical constraint to enhance the component's ability to carry greater voltage.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 25, 2011

Now there's an app for NASA's Swift Observatory

The NASA Swift Observatory has released a free iPhone application that provides up-to-date information on gamma-ray burst discoveries, allowing users to track the location of Swift as it orbits Earth. The app also offers an interactive map, gallery of images, and real-time observations.

Regulatory process for organ scaling discovered

A new study has identified Dpp and Pentagone as key players in the scaling process of a fruit fly's wing. The research found that the feedback loop between Dpp and Pentagone regulates proportional tissue growth, keeping body proportions constant despite external factors like nutrition and temperature.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2011

Standard definition of loss-to-follow-up for ART patients

A new standard definition for loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) has been established for HIV antiretroviral therapy patients, using a 180-day clinic visit threshold. This definition was developed based on statistical analysis of data from 111 health facilities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 25, 2011

New test can precisely pinpoint food pathogens

A new genomic approach developed by Cornell University scientists enables precise identification of food-borne bacteria, facilitating the detection of outbreaks and their sources. This breakthrough method has the potential to uncover smaller outbreaks that may have gone unnoticed previously.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 25, 2011

A World Series to remember?

A new study published in Psychological Science found that fans of baseball teams tend to remember the games their teams won more than the ones they lost. The researchers discovered that positive experiences and social factors play a significant role in boosting memory for winning events.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 25, 2011

A call to bring back sanatoria to help deal with the growing threat of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) poses a significant threat globally, with over half a million cases of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) and 25,000 to 50,000 XDR-TB cases. Sanatoria were used to isolate patients, but their dismantling led to the current crisis. The Lancet calls for new-age sanatoria to provide state-of-...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 25, 2011

Geoscientists find key to why some patients get infections from cardiac implants

Researchers found that certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria have genetic variants that enable them to form biofilms on cardiac devices. This discovery offers clues for preventing infections in patients with implanted devices, which currently cost thousands of dollars and millions of dollars in healthcare costs each year.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2011

The role of fat in assessing breast cancer risk

A new study finds that both dense and non-dense fat tissue are independently associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The research used sophisticated computer software to analyze mammograms of postmenopausal women with breast cancer, comparing them to controls without cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateOct 25, 2011

Fast diagnostics not enough to change health outcomes

Recent research highlights that faster diagnostic tests are necessary but not sufficient to improve health outcomes for tuberculosis and HIV patients. The study emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation of diagnostics to ensure technical advancements translate into better patient care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 25, 2011

Estimating the effectiveness of vaccination programs

Researchers developed a method to estimate vaccination program effectiveness in three African countries, identifying areas for improvement. The study's findings can inform strategies to increase vaccine coverage and address issues with vaccine delivery.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 25, 2011

Chain hotels lead the way in going green

A WSU study suggests chain hotels are more likely to adopt energy-efficient light bulbs, train staff to reduce waste, and educate guests on water conservation. This trend may give independents a competitive disadvantage in attracting customers. Hotels can save up to $6.75 per day by implementing greener practices.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateOct 25, 2011

Nanotubes key to microscopic mechanics

Carbon nanotubes have been used to increase the electrical conductivity of silicon nitride by 13 orders of magnitude, enabling the production of intricate micro-components without compromising production time or integrity. The resulting nanocomposite materials offer improved wear resistance and preservation of mechanical properties.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateOct 25, 2011