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Science News Archive October 2011 - Page 20


Page 20 of 28

Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund awards grant to R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has awarded a $2 million grant to the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami to support its project on conserving critically endangered oceanic sharks. The program will employ satellite tags to track shark behavior in real-time, helping to determine the species' vulnera...

Burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe

The BURDEN study estimated 5,503 excess deaths from MRSA and 2,712 excess deaths from third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli infections in Europe. These infections resulted in 255,683 extra bed-days and an estimated €62 million in costs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 11, 2011

Ammonia gets overdue overview

A new study by Rice University and the University of Houston reveals seasonal variations in ammonia levels in Houston's atmosphere, affecting air quality. Ammonia levels are highest in summer and lowest in winter, with a mean concentration of 3.1 ppb during summer months.

SourceRice University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 11, 2011

NSF-funded database tracks water

A new $750,000 NSF-funded project is developing a searchable database to track water quality impacts from Marcellus Shale activity. The database will consolidate and update water data collected by various stakeholders, facilitating knowledge generation and community engagement.

New computer program promises to save the whales

Researchers at the University of Montreal developed a computer program to evaluate tradeoffs between marine mammal conservation, whale watching, and marine transportation. The model simulates the comings and goings of five whale species and three types of boats, allowing regulators to make data-driven decisions to reduce collisions and...

'Ghostwriting' the Torah?

Researchers have developed an algorithm that recognizes linguistic cues to divide texts into probable author groupings, sidestepping methodological hurdles in Bible scholarship. The software was able to separate passages from two Hebrew books with 99 percent accuracy and distinguish between 'priestly' and 'non-priestly' materials.

All for one, 'R-one' for all

The R-one project is a cost-effective way for Rice University to create an inexpensive and sophisticated robot that can be used in classrooms and aftercare programs. The robots are already being used in introductory engineering courses to teach programming, mechanical engineering, and distributed control.

Improved method for detecting mutant DNAs

A new DNA testing method, MEMO, has been developed to detect trace mutant DNA sequences with improved sensitivity. The technique uses 3′-modified oligonucleotides to block normal gene extension while allowing mutated gene extension, increasing detection sensitivity.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateOct 11, 2011

Inhaler treatment for lung cancer

A new system being developed by researchers at the University of Strathclyde could administer drugs to lung cancer patients more efficiently without harmful side effects. The approach involves delivering treatment via nebulisation, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates.

Evidence-based guidelines targeting fever, hyperglycemia, and swallowing management in stroke patients improve outcomes and can be adopted with confidence by acute stroke units

A multidisciplinary intervention targeting fever, hyperglycaemia, and swallowing management in acute stroke units improves 90-day survival rates and physical functioning. The study found that implementing this strategy can significantly better post-discharge outcomes for stroke patients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 11, 2011

Fall financial market jitters a SAD thing

A recent study by Lisa Kramer reveals that individuals with seasonal depression are more likely to avoid financial risk during the fall and winter months. In contrast, those without SAD tend to exhibit increased risk tolerance in spring and summer. These findings highlight the emotional component of financial decision-making.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 11, 2011

Managing child contacts of adult TB cases

A new health needs assessment framework is proposed to better manage child contacts of adult TB cases. The approach aims to reduce child mortality and the reservoir of M. tuberculosis in the community, contributing to TB elimination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 11, 2011