Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2013 - Page 33


Page 33 of 34

Legionella bacteria found in compost products

A study by the University of Strathclyde found that Legionella bacteria exist in a significant number of commercial compost products in the UK. The research suggests that the bacteria are widespread in composts and could be a source of infection, especially if proper precautions are not taken.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateOct 1, 2013

Listening matters for mothers

A University of Iowa study found that mothers with prematurely born infants who participated in personal sessions with NICU nurses reported lower anxiety and depression symptoms. The sessions, led by a nurse, allowed the mothers to focus on themselves and their needs, leading to improved self-esteem and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Perinatology·DateOct 1, 2013

Farmers need help to plow through new food safety regulations

New food safety regulations require farmers to implement complex measures, but many struggle with compliance. A study found that knowledge of standards improved after training, yet confidence in implementing them decreased over time. Customized and modular training programs may be more effective for small-scale farmers.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Control·DateOct 1, 2013

Researchers bring product testing to foster care system

Usability testing in the foster care system diagnosed what worked and didn't work with a new intervention for families, encouraging problem-solving and collaboration. The testing identified challenges, such as logistics and family engagement, but also found that nearly every parent continued through several sessions of the intervention.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalEvaluation and Program Planning·DateOct 1, 2013

Study led by NYU Langone researchers finds the association between a high body mass index and the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease is stronger among east Asians than south Asians

A study led by NYU Langone researchers found that body fat and mortality due to cardiovascular disease differ between south and east Asians. A high BMI above 24.9 is a strong risk factor for death among East Asians, but not among South Asians.

'Walking droplets'

A team of researchers at MIT has successfully created walking droplets that exhibit pilot-wave dynamics in action. These droplets are reminiscent of the pilot-wave theory proposed by Louis de Broglie and were previously thought to be exclusive to the microscopic quantum realm.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 1, 2013

Chemist wins prize for water-purifying tech

A young Bangladeshi chemist has developed a reactor that removes nitrates from drinking water using electrodes, a process that also preserves healthy minerals. The tech aims to improve access to clean drinking water in Bangladesh and other developing countries.

SourceTWAS·DateOct 1, 2013

Alternative to antibiotics

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have investigated how plasmas affect bacterial cells, finding that they attack the cell envelope, DNA, and proteins. This discovery could lead to the development of alternative treatments for chronic wounds and root canal disinfection.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateOct 1, 2013

How to stay sharp in retirement

A study by Concordia University researchers found that individuals who engage in cognitively demanding activities and enjoy doing so tend to experience less cognitive decline later in life. Additionally, those with even mild depressive symptoms are more likely to show a decline in brainpower after retirement.

Smoking during pregnancy may increase risk of bipolar disorder in offspring

A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests a strong association between prenatal tobacco exposure and an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD) in adult children. The study, which analyzed data from the Child Health and Development Study, found that maternal smoking during pregnancy was associat...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2013

New theory in neuroscience by UNIST Research Team: Common mechanisms in Fragile X and Down syndrome

Scientists at UNIST have identified a common mechanism in Fragile X and Down syndrome that regulates dendritic spine morphogenesis and synaptic efficacy. This discovery provides an important stepping stone in understanding the multiple roles of DSCR1 in neurons and identifying potential therapeutic targets for intellectual disabilities.

Total hospital cost of robotic or conventional open-chest mitral valve repair surgery is similar

A Mayo Clinic study of 370 patients found that robotic mitral valve repair surgery had similar total hospital costs to conventional open-chest methods, but patients who underwent robotic repair recovered more rapidly and returned home earlier. The study also showed that systems innovations led to a significant decrease in costs over time.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateOct 1, 2013