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Science News Archive November 2013 - Page 24


Page 24 of 30

Obesity may limit overall function 2 years after shoulder replacement surgery

Despite obesity, patients experience improved shoulder function and reduced pain after two years post-surgery, but overall physical function remains unchanged. The study suggests that total shoulder replacement is an effective procedure for pain relief and functional improvement in patients with shoulder arthritis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 7, 2013

1 worm, 2 mouths

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology find gene eud-1 that determines wide-mouthed predators and narrow-mouthed bacteria eaters, providing insight into phenotypic plasticity. The discovery sheds light on how organisms adapt to changing environments and challenges current understanding of evolutionary adaptations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateNov 7, 2013

Alcohol ads reaching too many young people in TV markets across the United States

Researchers found that in 25 US TV markets, nearly 1/4 of popular youth programs exceeded the industry's voluntary standards for alcohol ad exposure. This could lead to a one-third drop in total youth exposure if ads were eliminated. Exposure to alcohol marketing increases underage drinking and health risks.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateNov 7, 2013

Women have greater shortness of breath than men when exercising

A new study published in Experimental Physiology found that women exhibit greater shortness of breath when exercising compared to men. The study suggests that this disparity is caused by a stronger electrical activation of the respiratory muscles, specifically the diaphragm, needed to compensate for smaller lungs and airways.

SourceWiley·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateNov 7, 2013

A fish that pushes in the wrong direction solves a mystery of animal locomotion

Researchers discovered that fish use a counterintuitive fin arrangement to increase both stability and maneuverability. By analyzing slow-motion videos and mathematical models, the team found that the opposing forces generated by the fin movements create stabilizing forces while improving velocity change.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2013

When is a comet not a comet?

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have observed a unique asteroid with six comet-like tails, challenging current understanding of asteroids and comets. The asteroid's rotation rate may have caused its surface to fly apart, ejecting dust into space.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 7, 2013

A bio patch that can regrow bone

Researchers at the University of Iowa have created a bio patch that can regrow bone by delivering DNA instructions to cells. The patch successfully regenerated bone in test animals and stimulated new growth in human bone marrow stromal cells. This breakthrough technology has potential uses in dentistry, including rebuilding bone for de...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 7, 2013