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Science News Archive March 2013 - Page 6


Page 6 of 30

Relieving chronic pain

Researchers developed a new device called Human Spinal Cord Modulation System (HSCMS) to deliver therapeutic stimulation in a more targeted way. The device is designed to be in direct contact with the spinal cord, providing improved pain relief for patients with chronic pain.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 25, 2013

Businesses increase revenue with social media

A new study by Aalto University and Texas A&M University found that customers who engage with businesses on social media contribute 5.6% more revenue than those who don't. The research also identified key factors for success, including user-friendly sites, regular updates, and personalized messages.

SourceAalto University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMar 25, 2013

Wang's technology may answer host of medical questions

Researchers have developed a new technology called photoacoustic flowoxigraphy that allows for the measurement of oxygen in individual red blood cells in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of oxygen delivery to normal and diseased tissues, as well as how different disease therapies impact oxygen levels.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2013

JCI early table of contents for March 25, 2013

Researchers characterized SUDEP in a mouse model of DS, finding that treatment with drugs reducing parasympathetic activity reduced incidence. Lymphatic vasculature also plays crucial role in cholesterol removal from arteries, with impaired lymphatic growth leading to increased cholesterol retention. A new therapeutic target is identif...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 25, 2013

Laser empties atoms from the inside out

Researchers at the University of York and Joint Institute for High Temperatures used a petawatt laser to remove deeply bound electrons from atoms, creating a distinctive plasma state. The experiment aims to further understanding of fusion energy generation, which employs hotter plasmas than the Sun.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 25, 2013

Measuring the magnetism of antimatter

A team of Harvard scientists has successfully measured the magnetic charge of single particles of matter and antimatter, achieving a significant increase in accuracy for antiprotons. This breakthrough could provide new insights into the nature of matter and help address fundamental questions about the universe.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 25, 2013

Women make better decisions than men

A survey of over 600 board directors found that women are more likely to consider the rights of others and take a cooperative approach to decision-making. This results in better performance for their companies, with women-led boards experiencing higher returns on equity and lower rates of bankruptcy.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalInternational Journal of Business Governance and Ethics·DateMar 25, 2013

New study suggests that same-sex parents are judged more harshly than heterosexual parents

A new study by Binghamton University researchers found that gay parents are judged more negatively than straight parents when displaying the same negative parenting behaviors. The study suggests that this prejudice can add stress to the already challenging job of parenthood and limit opportunities for adoption or foster care.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of GLBT Family Studies·DateMar 25, 2013

Michigan hospitals national leaders in preventing common and costly urinary tract infections

A new study by the University of Michigan found that Michigan hospitals have significantly lower rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to other US hospitals. The study, which used a low-tech approach to timely removal of urinary catheters, resulted in a 25% decrease in UTI rates at Michigan hospitals.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2013

UW researchers discover the brain origins of variation in pathological anxiety

Researchers from UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health discovered a core circuit responsible for the variability in symptoms shown by patients with severe anxiety. The study identified two distinct brain circuits: one shared among all anxious individuals and another specific to particular symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2013

Hybrid ribbons a gift for powerful batteries

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material that accelerates the development of high-power lithium-ion batteries suitable for electric cars. The hybrid ribbons of vanadium oxide and graphene work well for lithium-ion storage, providing both high energy density and significant power density.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 25, 2013

Reversing blood and freshening it up

Researchers have successfully rejuvenated the blood of mice by reprogramming their stem cells, reversing epigenetic changes that occur with age. This breakthrough could potentially lead to new treatments for diseases such as leukemia, where cancer often originates in older, damaged bone marrow.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood·DateMar 25, 2013

Feeling sick makes us less social online too

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that only 10% of internet users post reviews and 15% comment, question or share health information on social media. The researchers believe more collective wisdom from the crowd could improve health-related discussions online.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMar 25, 2013

Ultra-precision positioning

Researchers developed a novel rotary actuator that delivers more torque than previous devices, achieving four-fold improvements in loading torque and accuracy. The device uses piezoelectric material and a clamp with a changeable clamping radius to optimize power and control.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 25, 2013

A paradox for young docs: New work-hour restrictions may increase, not decrease, errors

A recent study of over 2,300 first-year residents found that the percentage of self-reported medical errors increased after new work-hour restrictions took effect in 2011. The researchers suggest that the reduction in work hours led to a decrease in 'down time' and an increase in communication gaps, contributing to the rise in errors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2013

You don't 'own' your own genes

A recent study reveals that 41% of the human genome is covered by longer DNA patents, which could lead to a loss of individual genomic liberty. The study also found that short sequences from patents cover virtually the entire genome, even outside of genes.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMar 25, 2013

Using fluctuating wind power

Researchers propose a new strategy to optimize power-generation efficiency in fluctuating wind conditions by predicting maximum turbine generation capacity and incorporating various factors. The approach shows promise in improving power-generation efficiency, but further refinement is needed based on local conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMar 25, 2013