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Science News for November 27, 2013


Lakes discovered beneath Greenland ice sheet

Researchers have identified two subglacial lakes beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet, which could influence global sea level rise and the future of the ice sheet. The lakes are part of an open system connected to the surface, unlike isolated Antarctic lakes, and their existence has significant implications for understanding ice flow speeds.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 27, 2013

Penn study shows automated prediction alert helps identify patients at risk for 30-day readmission

A Penn Medicine study found that an automated prediction tool can accurately identify patients at risk of being readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The tool, developed by researchers, uses prior hospital admissions as a key predictor, and has been shown to reduce readmissions by 31% compared to those without the flag.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateNov 27, 2013

Pills of the future: Nanoparticles

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can be delivered orally and absorbed through the digestive tract, allowing patients to take a pill instead of receiving injections. The particles are coated with antibodies that act as a key to unlock receptors found on cells lining the intestine.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 27, 2013

Ethical debate on face transplantation has evolved over time, reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

The article discusses the evolution of ethical debates surrounding face transplantation, with early concerns fading as experience shows benefits in helping patients return to normal life. The procedure is expected to become more common, raising new questions about patient selection, costs, and allocation of donor tissues.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateNov 27, 2013

Clinical trial shows tongue-controlled wheelchair outperforms popular wheelchair navigation system

A new clinical study shows that a tongue-controlled wheelchair can access computers and execute commands faster than sip-and-puff systems, with equal accuracy. The Tongue Drive System enables people with tetraplegia to maneuver their wheelchairs better than those using traditional assistive technologies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 27, 2013

Paleotempestology and 2011's Hurricane Irene

A new study examines the geological legacy of Hurricane Irene, shedding light on the long-term record of storm frequency and impact. The researchers found that the lack of definitive signatures from the hurricane in paleostorm records highlights concerns about current understanding of hurricane deposition and preservation.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateNov 27, 2013

New aggressive HIV strain leads to faster AIDS development

A new aggressive HIV strain, A3/02, has been identified in West Africa and is associated with a shorter period of five years from infection to AIDS development. The study also highlights the increasing global spread of recombinant HIV forms, which can be more vigorous and aggressive than traditional strains.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 27, 2013

Study of young parents highlights links among stress, poverty and ethnicity

A comprehensive study reveals that poor mothers and fathers from ethnic minority groups experience high levels of chronic stress, affecting their mental and physical health. The research also found that certain ethnic groups, such as recent immigrants, tend to have lower stress levels despite facing similar socioeconomic challenges.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateNov 27, 2013

Making a gem of a tiny crystal

A Northwestern University research team successfully built near-perfect single crystals out of nanoparticles and DNA, transforming disordered materials into orderly crystal structures. The technique, developed by Chad Mirkin and Monica Olvera de la Cruz, holds promise for novel technologies and new industries.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2013

The deadly news about all osteoporotic fractures

New Australian research reveals that non-hip, non-vertebral fractures can significantly increase the risk of premature death, with some fractures potentially shortening life expectancy. The study analyzed data from a large-scale epidemiological study and found that all fractures are serious, with varying levels of severity.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 27, 2013

Labor mobility generates growth

A study by Aarhus University researchers reveals that labor mobility is essential for small European countries to match China's export growth rates. Companies can hire employees with experience in and knowledge about new export destinations to gain a competitive edge.

Pitt unlocks trove of public health data to help fight deadly contagious diseases

The University of Pittsburgh's Project Tycho has digitized all weekly surveillance reports for reportable diseases in the US since 1888, revealing patterns and insights into vaccine effectiveness. The database contains data on eight vaccine-preventable diseases, showing a resurgence of some diseases despite vaccination efforts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 27, 2013

Economic development can only buy happiness up to a 'sweet spot' of $36,000 GDP per person, study finds

A new analysis suggests that economic development can only buy happiness up to a certain level of wealth. Once income reaches around $36,000 GDP per capita, life satisfaction levels peak before dipping slightly in the very rich countries. This finding contradicts previous studies that showed a flat relationship between GDP and happiness.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 27, 2013

Parasite lost

Scientists have identified a key metabolic enzyme used by Plasmodium species at each stage of infection, paving the way for more effective drugs and potentially eradicating malaria. The discovery could lead to radical cures and prevent infections, blocking transmission back to mosquitoes.