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Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 6


Page 6 of 30

When perks don't work

A study by University of British Columbia researchers found that consumers experience social awkwardness when given free upgrades in front of others, leading to a decline in satisfaction and shorter browsing times. The study suggests that retailers should offer perks privately to avoid embarrassment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 27, 2013

Decision-making preferences among patients with heart attacks

A study of 6,636 patients with heart attacks found that two-thirds prefer an active role in decision-making. Physicians who provide patient-centered care should directly ask patients about their decision-making preferences. The study aims to develop systems that respect these preferences and give patients the opportunity they desire.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 27, 2013

How do plants grow toward the light?

Researchers at TUM discovered that auxin hormone plays a crucial role in plant growth towards light. By understanding the auxin transport mechanism, they were able to prove its involvement in phototropism for the first time. The study highlights the importance of auxin in regulating plant cell elongation and responding to light signals.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 27, 2013

When doctors and patients share in decisions, hospital costs go up

A hospital-based study found that patients who want to participate in their medical decisions end up spending more time in the hospital and raising costs of their hospital stay by an average of $865. The study suggests that encouraging patients to be more involved may not reduce costs, but rather increase length of stay and costs. Prov...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 27, 2013

All in one shot

Researchers have discovered a common sugar molecule on the cell surface of multiple pathogens, which could be key to developing a broad-spectrum vaccine. The sugar polymer, known as PNAG, is found on the surfaces of bacteria that cause strep throat, pneumonias, malaria, and other deadly infections.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2013

The formula for turning cement into metal

Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory have created a semi-conductor material by turning liquid cement into liquid metal through electron trapping. This process creates metallic-glass material with positive attributes including conductivity, fluidity, and low energy loss.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2013

How patient centered are medical decisions?

A national survey found that adults often did not make informed medical decisions due to insufficient shared decision-making. Healthcare providers need to improve patient engagement by balancing discussions on pros and cons and regularly seeking patient input.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 27, 2013

Rats have a double view of the world

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that rats move their eyes in opposite directions, allowing them to maintain a constant binocular field and detect potential threats. This adaptation is thought to increase their chances of survival against birds and other predators.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 27, 2013

Scientists narrow global warming range

Researchers used a new method combining observations and climate models to project future warming, finding 63% of uncertainty came from single sources such as climate sensitivity. The study suggests that exceeding 6 degrees warming is unlikely, while exceeding 2 degrees is very likely for business-as-usual emissions.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 26, 2013

New 1-step process for designer bacteria

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new one-step process called 'clonetegration' that simplifies the production of designer bacteria. This faster method enables multiple rounds of genetic engineering on the same bacteria and simultaneous integration of multiple genes, accelerating therapeutic drug development.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMay 26, 2013

June 2013 LITHOSPHERE now online

Studies in Western Europe reveal local forces driving tectonic activity, while a paper on the Osa Peninsula describes rapid vertical deformation of crustal blocks. Another study examines the extension of an orogenic wedge through the exhumation of high-pressure terranes in Norway.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateMay 24, 2013

New analysis yields improvements in a classic 3-D imaging technique

Research at Curtin University has enabled major improvements in the widely used century-old 3D printing technique Anaglyph printing. The team targeted crosstalk problems visible as ghost-like shadows and found potential solutions by changing cyan ink, optimizing glasses and light sources, and using improved image processing algorithms.

Going live -- immune cell activation in multiple sclerosis

Scientists have developed two new indicator molecules that can visualize the activation of auto-aggressive T cells in the body, shedding light on the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. The indicators enable researchers to track T cell activity and activation patterns in real-time, offering new avenues for drug development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2013

Proteins in migration

Scientists develop new animal model to study Parkinson's disease, tracing protein spreading in brain regions. The experiment reveals clues on mechanisms underlying pathological progression.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMay 24, 2013