Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 28, 2011


Mayo Clinic partners with advocacy organizations

The Mayo Clinic has developed a new tool kit, Action Signs, to help identify symptoms of mental health disorders in youth. The toolkit aims to improve diagnosis and care for up to 75% of youth with mental health disorders who are currently not identified or receiving necessary treatment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 28, 2011

Never too old to donate a kidney?

A new study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that individuals over 70 years old can safely donate a kidney without compromising their health. The organs from these elderly donors last as long as those from younger deceased donors, but not as long as those from younger living donors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 28, 2011

More power to the cranberry: Study shows juice better than extracts at fighting infections

A new study by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute shows that cranberry juice is more effective than proanthocyanidin extracts in preventing biofilm formation, a precursor to urinary tract infections. The study found that cranberry juice completely prevented biofilm formation, while extracts showed limited ability to reduce it.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalFood Science and Biotechnology·DateOct 28, 2011

Spin lasers in the fast lane

Researchers in Bochum developed a new concept for ultrafast semiconductor lasers by leveraging the intrinsic angular momentum of electrons called spin. This innovation enables modulation frequencies above 100 GHz, paving the way for high-speed data transmission and future Internet applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 28, 2011

Measuring the distance of processes

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new method to measure the distance between stationary and non-stationary processes, enabling more accurate statistical tests. This approach makes it possible to construct better models for predicting extreme events in time series data.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateOct 28, 2011

The Lutetia asteroid – a prehistoric relic

Researchers found that the Lutetia asteroid is a dense, intact relic dating back to the solar system's formation. The asteroid's density was calculated using a mathematical method developed by Professor Mikko Kaasalainen, revealing a large and metallic core surrounded by a more porous outer layer.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2011

Sexism and gender inequality

A new study published in Psychological Science found that an individual's sexism leads to gender inequality in society, with the largest study to date examining 57 countries. The research suggests that changing individual attitudes is crucial for achieving greater equality.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 28, 2011

An antibiotic effect minus resistance

Researchers have discovered a compound that shuts off the DNA valve allowing bacterial invasion and infection, effective against two virulent bacteria affecting plants and humans. The work has attracted interest from private companies testing its commercialization for treatments in plants, animals, and people.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateOct 28, 2011

Study finds no link between elderly patient activity and hospital falls

A new study from University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that elderly patients who suffered in-hospital falls actually moved around no more than those who did not fall. The researchers analyzed the mobility patterns of patients fitted with electronic devices and found no statistical difference in walking between the groups.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateOct 28, 2011

How biological capsules respond under stress

Researchers developed a new statistical method to assess the bending elasticity of biological membranes, improving accuracy by up to 80%. The method uses Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and has potential applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 28, 2011

Zoning boundaries can make good neighbors in conservation

A recent study from Michigan State University reveals that zoning can be an effective tool for balancing human activities with wildlife habitat. The analysis of a nature reserve in southwestern China shows that zoning ordinances are helping protect endangered giant pandas, but also highlights critical weaknesses such as ambiguous rules...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 28, 2011

How to unbalance nothingness

Researchers from Jena and Graz calculated the time evolution of the vacuum decay, revealing that particles of matter and antimatter behave in a novel self-focusing way. This breakthrough increases the possibility of discovering these particles in super strong electric fields.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 28, 2011