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Science News for December 13, 2013


UCSF research finds new link between obesity, early decline in kidney function

A new UCSF-led study reveals that body mass index significantly increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, even before other obesity-related diseases emerge. Healthy kidneys play a vital role in various bodily functions, and the research emphasizes the importance of intervening early in life with obese patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateDec 13, 2013

Changing chemo not beneficial for metastatic B.C. patients with elevated circulating tumor cells

A phase III clinical trial found that switching to a different chemotherapy did not improve overall survival or time to progression for women with metastatic breast cancer and elevated circulating tumor cells. Patients with low CTCs before starting chemotherapy had a median overall survival of 35 months, while those with elevated CTCs ...

Clot-busters, caught on tape

Researchers used high-speed photography to study how ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles dissolve killer blood clots. The team found that the bubbles deform the clots' boundaries before burrowing into them, creating fluid-filled tunnels that break up the clots from the inside out.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 13, 2013

Strobe glasses improve hockey players' performance

A Duke University study found that strobe glasses improved hockey players' performance by forcing their visual system to train in difficult conditions. The glasses produced stroboscopic visual conditions, resulting in an 18% improvement in on-ice skills and demonstrating potential benefits for sports performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalAthletic Training & Sports Health Care·DateDec 13, 2013

No 2 people smell the same

Researchers at Duke University found that individuals can be very different in the way they activate their smell receptors, leading to unique perceptions of odor. The study identified 27 new receptors with significant responses to odor molecules, doubling the known number to 40.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 13, 2013

Pilot study finds ways to better screen and recover guns from domestic violence offenders

A pilot study has found ways to better screen and recover guns from domestic violence offenders, improving enforcement of existing laws. The study suggests using multiple sources of information, including firearm transaction records and court documents, to identify firearm owners and ensure timely recovery of firearms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 13, 2013

Duke engineers make strides toward artificial cartilage

Researchers at Duke University have created a composite material with properties similar to those of native cartilage, which could lead to improved artificial replacement tissues. The new material combines the strength and suppleness of native cartilage, addressing previous challenges in replicating its mechanical properties.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 13, 2013

UT Arlington marketing study shows ethnically diverse workforce may improve customer experience

A recent UT Arlington study suggests that ethnically diverse workforces can lead to improved customer experiences, particularly for Hispanic and Asian customers. The research found that shared ethnicity between employees and customers increases perceptions of favoritism and enhances the overall retail experience.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateDec 13, 2013

Ethanol blends carry hidden risk

Researchers at Rice University found that blending more ethanol into fuel can lead to the release of toxic or explosive gases, which can accumulate in buildings and pose health risks. The study highlights the need for new thinking on managing vapor-intrusion risks due to fuel spills.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 13, 2013