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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 22


Page 22 of 26

Daily deal industry shows no evidence of slowing down

A new study by Utpal Dholakia at Rice University found that daily deals are becoming increasingly successful for businesses, with three-quarters reporting profits after seven or more deals. The study also reveals that newer and smaller businesses tend to perform better in the long term, with sustainability rates of up to 40%.

Most accurate robotic legs mimic human walking gait

Researchers have developed a robotic set of legs that models human walking in a biologically accurate manner, allowing for insights into the processes underlying walking in humans. The robot's neural architecture and sensory feedback pathways mimic those found in humans, enabling it to walk without balance.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJul 5, 2012

The challenges and rewards of Paralympic medicine

The Lancet article highlights the complex mix of medical issues among Paralympic athletes, including injuries from prosthetic technologies and performance enhancement practices. The authors emphasize the need for increased awareness, training, and research to address these challenges and ensure proper healthcare provision.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 2012

When to rein in the stock market

A new MSU study suggests that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should intervene in the stock market only when external financial disruptions make it difficult for large shareholders to fend off speculators. The study finds that such interventions are rare and should be temporary.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateJul 5, 2012

Employees' interests predict how they will perform on the job

A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science suggests that employees' interests are a stronger predictor of job performance than overall interest scores. The research found that those whose interest profiles matched their job profiles were more likely to perform well, help others, and stay with the company longer.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJul 5, 2012

Vanderbilt study finds obesity linked to kidney injury after heart surgery

A recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center study has found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery. The study, which followed 455 cardiac surgery patients, found that a higher body mass index (BMI) was linked to a greater risk of AKI, with patients weighing more than avera...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 5, 2012

The parenthood paradox

A recent study found that women who believe in intensive parenting are more likely to experience stress, depression, and lower life satisfaction. Mothers who endorsed these attitudes had moderate levels of stress and depression, with approximately 23% showing symptoms of depression.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateJul 5, 2012

Loss of protein SPDEF allows prostate cancer cells to gain foothold at possible sites of metastasis

A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry found that prostate cancer cells lacking the protein SPDEF are unable to establish colonies at possible sites of metastasis, highlighting a potential biomarker for untreated cancers. Researchers hope to regulate SPDEF expression to prevent cancer cell metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2012

Calling all truckers ... not!

Researchers in India have developed a system to detect and block cellphone use by drivers while driving. The technology, based on RFIDs, aims to reduce road traffic deaths by minimizing distractions caused by cell phone conversations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Enterprise Network Management·DateJul 5, 2012

Freezing all embryos in IVF with transfer in a later non-stimulated cycle may improve outcome

A meta-analysis suggests that freezing all embryos for later transfer in a non-stimulated cycle may improve implantation and pregnancy rates, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) associated with fresh embryo transfers. The study found a relative risk of 1.31 for clinical pregnancies, with higher ongoing pregnan...

From 'law' to 'religion'

A joint study by Stefan Reichmuth and Reinhold Glei reveals the Koran's term 'dīn' changed meaning from 'law' to 'religion' in Latin translations, with implications for European understanding of Islam. This shift reflects a gradual development in Western philosophy, paralleling Judaism and Christianity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalReligion·DateJul 4, 2012

Individuals cooperate according to their emotional state and their prior experiences

Researchers found that individuals prioritize reciprocity over network structure when deciding to cooperate. This challenges traditional theories on cooperation among individuals. The study, published in PNAS, used a social conflict prototype called the Prisoner's Dilemma and involved 1,200 Aragon secondary students.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2012

Groundbreaking discovery of mechanism that controls obesity, atherosclerosis

Researchers from A*STAR have identified a novel signalling pathway controlling both obesity and atherosclerosis in mice. The study found that Wip1-deficient mice were resistant to weight gain and atherosclerosis through increased autophagy, highlighting a potential new approach for treating these conditions. Further investigation into ...