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Science News for August 26, 2013


Patients leaving hospital against medical advice more likely to be readmitted or die

A new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients who leave hospital against their doctors' orders are more likely to be readmitted or die. The research, which analyzed over 1.9 million adult admissions, shows that leaving hospital against medical advice is associated with a higher risk of readmission and deat...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 26, 2013

Rethinking investment risk

A paper by MIT economist Alp Simsek suggests that financial innovation does not reduce portfolio risk, but instead raises it by spreading risk through new financial instruments and creating situations where parties hold opposing views. This can lead to increased average portfolio risks as speculative variance becomes dominant.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateAug 26, 2013

Watching the production of new proteins in live cells

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new technique to visualize protein synthesis in live cells, enabling the study of complex biological processes such as long-term memory and disease mechanisms. The method harnesses deuterium-labeled amino acids to track newly synthesized proteins, providing unprecedented insights into...

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2013

Researchers develop software tool for cancer genomics

A new bioinformatics software tool, DrGaP, has been developed to identify genetic mutations responsible for cancers. The tool combines statistical methods and bioinformatics tools to distinguish between driver mutations and passenger mutations, leading to a more complete identification of altered genes and signaling pathways in cancer.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 26, 2013

Penn study finds earlier peak for Spain's glaciers

A study by University of Pennsylvania geologist Jane Willenbring and colleagues found that the local glacial maximum in southern Europe occurred earlier than expected, around 26,000 years ago. This discovery provides new insights into how regional climates have varied over time and could lead to more accurate global climate models.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 2013

Maintain, don't gain: A new way to fight obesity

A new study from Duke University finds that a 'maintain, don't gain' approach can be effective in preventing obesity-related health issues among premenopausal black women. By focusing on maintaining current weight, these women can reduce their likelihood of experiencing chronic diseases later in life.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 26, 2013

Comprehensive Parkinson's biomarker test has prognostic and diagnostic value

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a comprehensive test for protein biomarkers in spinal fluid that shows prognostic and diagnostic value in early stages of Parkinson's disease. The study found that patients with lower levels of tau and alpha synuclein had greater motor dysfunction, while th...

Shopping in high heels could curb overspending

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that shopping in high heels can lead to more mindful consumer choices, resulting in a balanced approach between high-end and low-end products. By introducing physical sensations of balance, consumers are more likely to weigh options and avoid extreme spending

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateAug 26, 2013