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Science News Archive June 2012 - Page 4


Page 4 of 29

Picking the pig with the perfect pins

Researchers at Newcastle University used biomechanical motion capture to analyze pigs' gait and identify those at risk of becoming lame. The study aims to develop a farmer-friendly system to predict leg problems and reduce lameness, improving health and welfare on UK farms.

Lung nodule matching software dramatically increases radiologists' efficiency

A new study has found that lung nodule matching software can significantly improve radiologists' efficiency, with an average increase of almost two-fold compared to manual matching. The software correctly matched nodules at an accuracy rate of 79-92% while reducing the time required for matching from 1 second to under 6 minutes.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJun 26, 2012

Kids who cook hungrier for healthy food choices

A survey of Grade 5 students in Alberta found that kids who help with meal preparation are more likely to eat healthier foods and have better diets. Children who cooked showed a greater preference for both fruits and vegetables, and were more confident about making healthier food choices.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateJun 26, 2012

More accurate diagnostic test may reduce deaths

A novel diagnostic test has been developed to accurately detect Group B Streptococcal infection in babies, allowing for quicker treatment and potentially reducing mortality rates. The test detects the presence of a specific gene in the bacteria, which is an important disease-causing factor.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateJun 26, 2012

Facebook makes us feel good about ourselves

A study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that editing social media profiles on Facebook increases self-esteem, while using MySpace leads to higher levels of narcissism. Researchers also discovered that the differences in site format between MySpace and Facebook may contribute to these findings.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJun 26, 2012

Who has power over food?

Raj Patel argues that understanding hunger and malnutrition requires examining systems and institutions holding power over food. Food sovereignty is advocated as a means to achieve food security and eradicate undernourishment, prioritizing women's rights and community control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 26, 2012

Countering crowd control collapse

Researchers found that crowd disasters are not caused by individual panic, but rather amplifying feedback and cascading effects. They introduced a new scale to assess criticality of conditions in the crowd, aiming to prevent disasters before they occur.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateJun 26, 2012

Seeing inside tissue

Caltech engineers enable focusing of light deep into biological tissue, opening up possibilities for non-invasive diagnoses and treatments. The technique uses ultrasound waves to shift the frequency of light, allowing for image creation without scattering effects.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2012

Jeffrey W. Olin, DO, authors study that describes symptoms and severity of fibromuscular dysplasia

A patient registry has yielded crucial data on the clinical features and outcomes of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), a non-inflammatory vascular disease. The study found that 91% of patients are women diagnosed in their prime of life, with an average delay in diagnosis of four years from symptom onset.

Hospitals' communication during residency matching may put stress on OB-GYN doctors-in-training

A new study by U-M researchers found that residency programs vary in their interpretation of National Residency Matching Program rules, leading to stress for both OB-GYN residents and program directors. The study suggests that frequent communication with candidates may create an unfair advantage, undermining the original purpose of the...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Graduate Medical Education·DateJun 26, 2012

Make me an offer, say online shoppers

A Michigan State University study found that online shoppers tend to be happier when they receive an offer rather than making one. This can have significant impacts on the fast-growing e-commerce industry. By putting customers in the receiver role, businesses may be able to fill more hotel rooms and airplane seats.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJun 26, 2012

Stem cell transplantation into mouse cochlea may impact future hearing loss therapies

Researchers in Japan have concluded that adult-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells demonstrate similar survival and neural differentiation capabilities when transplanted into mouse cochleae. However, iPS cell transplantation is associated with a risk of tumor growth, highlighting the importa...

Better surfaces could help dissipate heat

A new analysis of surface textures reveals that microscale roughening can improve heat transfer by more than doubling the maximum dissipation. The research found that a simple roughening of the surface improved heat transfer as much as previous techniques used to produce nanoscale patterns, and provides a theoretical framework for anal...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 26, 2012

Policies to discourage drug trafficking should account for complexity of 'the game'

Researchers found that former drug traffickers often want to quit due to safety reasons, family ties, and personal growth, but struggle to relinquish power and status. The study suggests policies addressing socioeconomic conditions, cultural values, and the demand for illicit drugs are needed to help traffickers leave the trade

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJun 26, 2012

Nanodiamonds cut through dirt to bring back 'bling' to low-temperature laundry

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that nanodiamonds can help remove crystallized fat from surfaces in eco-friendly low-temperature laundry cycles. This breakthrough could lead to significant energy savings and reduced wear on washing machines, as it allows for higher temperatures to be used more frequently.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 26, 2012