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Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 2


Page 2 of 30

Labor union decline, not computerization, main cause of rising corporate profits

A new study by Tali Kristal suggests that the decline of labor unions is the main reason for the surge in corporate profits and decline in workers' wages. The study found that industries with high unionization rates saw a large decrease in labor's share of income, while lightly unionized industries experienced little change.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 30, 2013

Does Type 2 diabetes really exist?

Leading diabetes expert argues that 'Type 2 diabetes' is a category error, implying an entity that doesn't exist. This mislabeling has led to sub-optimal treatment for patients. Professor Edwin Gale proposes replacing the term with 'idiopathic hyperglycaemia', emphasizing individualized treatments based on varied causes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 30, 2013

Immune system to fight brain tumors

Researchers at Lund University have developed a vaccine-based treatment that stimulates the immune system to fight brain tumors, with promising results in animal experiments. The treatment has shown significant effectiveness in curing rats of their brain tumors.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology·DateMay 30, 2013

Ancient Egyptians accessorized with meteorites

Researchers have found conclusive proof that Ancient Egyptians used meteorites to create symbolic accessories. The evidence comes from a prehistoric iron bead discovered in Egypt, which was dated to around 3350-3600BC. Analysis of the bead's composition confirms its meteorite origins.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateMay 30, 2013

Good kidney health begins before birth

Research found that low birth weight and prematurity are linked to low nephron numbers, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. The study suggests clinicians use birth weight as a parameter for screening patients.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 30, 2013

Biologists take snapshot of fleeting protein process

Researchers have captured the first three-dimensional crystalline snapshot of the initial step in actin filament formation, crucial for understanding cell shape and cancer. The study's dual-mutant approach helped overcome challenges in forming crystals, revealing critical contacts involved in nucleation.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 30, 2013

Parent input ignored in school closings

A Michigan State University researcher found that parents' concerns are frequently ignored when closing urban schools, and that teacher quality and economic investment are key factors that are not considered. Khalifa's study argues that school administrators should consider community voices and vested interests when making decisions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalUrban Education·DateMay 30, 2013

Landsat 8 satellite begins watch

The USGS has taken operational control of Landsat 8, the latest in a series of remote-sensing satellites that have been monitoring Earth's landscape since 1972. With this shift, at least 400 scenes will be collected daily to be processed and archived, supporting scientific research and decision-making on environmental issues.

Getting better without antibiotics

Research suggests that 70% of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections improve within a week without antibiotic treatment. The study's findings indicate that women may be more willing to delay antibiotic use than expected, highlighting the potential benefits of alternative treatments.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Family Practice·DateMay 30, 2013

Virginia's 'hybrid' surveillance strategy aided response to contaminated steroid outbreak

A 'hybrid' surveillance strategy, combining public health and clinical efforts, helped Virginia respond effectively to the contaminated steroid crisis. The approach involved close coordination between public health officials and healthcare providers, allowing for efficient tracking of nearly 700 exposed residents.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateMay 30, 2013

Researchers gain insight into key protein linked to cancers, neurodegenerative disorders

Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have gained insight into how Hsp70, a key molecular player, binds with ATP to enhance its activity and efficiency. This understanding paves the way for designing efficient small molecule drugs to specifically modulate Hsp70's function, potentially treating cancers and neurodegenerative disor...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 30, 2013

Is enough being done to make drinking water safe?

Researchers found only two technologies showed good evidence of effectiveness in reducing arsenic contamination, but most studies were of poor quality. The reluctance of users to adopt these technologies was also a major issue, with many people believing they would not be affected or finding them too difficult to use.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Evidence·DateMay 30, 2013

When friends create enemies

A University of Pittsburgh study found that hackers can identify over 60% of a target's private friends through the mutual-friends feature on Facebook. This can lead to inferring personal information, such as political affiliations or embarrassing details.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalComputers & Security·DateMay 30, 2013

TCE exposure linked to increased risk of some cancers

A cohort study published in JNCI found a statistically significant elevated standardized incidence ratio for primary liver cancer among workers exposed to trichloroethylene. However, no significant risk was observed for kidney cancer or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The authors suggest that further research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 30, 2013

Team solves one of the moon's mysteries

A Purdue University-led team has mapped the location and development of mass concentrations, or mascons, on the lunar surface, resolving a decades-long mystery. The findings provide valuable insights into the moon's origin and evolution and will aid in navigating future lunar missions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2013