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Science News Archive September 2013 - Page 26


Page 26 of 32

Huge gaps in hypertension management

A new study reveals significant gaps in hypertension management across the UK, US, and Canada, resulting in thousands of preventable deaths. Data from the three countries shows that high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and health expenditures.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 6, 2013

Growing thin films of germanium

Researchers developed a new technique to produce thin films of germanium crystals without high temperatures or other crystals as seeds. This allows for the production of large-area germanium films, opening new ways to create advanced flexible electronics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 6, 2013

Static killers?

A recent study by Eva Maria Putz and colleagues at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna has found that phosphorylation of a specific serine residue (ser-727) in the STAT1 protein regulates natural killer cell cytotoxicity. This regulation is crucial for tumor surveillance and preventing cancer development.

Drug patch treatment sees new breakthrough

Researchers have developed a new flexible microneedle patch that can deliver drugs directly through the skin, quickening delivery time and minimizing side effects. The breakthrough technology uses particle replication to create patches with precise control over shape and composition, reducing waste and increasing production efficiency.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 6, 2013

Relocation, relocation

Conservationists at the Zoological Society of London have devised a novel method to identify suitable new homes for animals under threat from climate change. The research uses habitat suitability maps and correctly identifies sites that will remain viable in the future.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 5, 2013

400-year study finds Northeast forests resilient, changing

A 400-year study by Harvard University researchers found that Northeastern forests have changed significantly after centuries of intensive land use. Maples have exploded across the region, while other tree types like beeches, oaks, and chestnuts show a pronounced decline. Pine numbers have shifted more than any other tree type.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 5, 2013

UCSB researcher explores relationship between landscape simplification and insecticide use

A UCSB study analyzed USDA data spanning two decades, showing the relationship between landscape simplification and insecticide use varies greatly from year to year. The research suggests that simplistic landscapes may not be better or worse than complex ones when it comes to insect pest problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2013

Authentic brain waves improve driver security

A new authentication system using brain wave biometrics can prevent vehicle hijacking and halt intoxicated drivers. The system continuously scans the driver's brain waves to verify their identity, ensuring safe operation of vehicles carrying valuable commodities and money.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biometrics·DateSep 5, 2013

Rice University wins neuroengineering grant

Rice University has been awarded a $2.8 million National Science Foundation grant to establish a multidisciplinary training program in neuroengineering for graduate students. The program, led by bioengineer Robert Raphael, will focus on problem-based learning and the development of online educational resources.

Keep stricter audit committee standards flexible, argues new study from the University of Toronto

A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that independent and financially-literate audit committees lead to higher firm values and less diversion of resources. The study suggests that regulators should maintain flexibility around rules requiring high-quality audit committees, particularly for smaller firms.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateSep 5, 2013

Religious leaders can be key to biological diversity

A new study suggests that religious leaders, particularly those from Christianity, have the potential to guide conservation efforts and promote biodiversity preservation. The research highlights the importance of involving religious groups in the conservation debate, as they often shape people's ethical attitudes towards nature.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalOryx·DateSep 5, 2013

Social media + behavior psychology leads to HIV testing, better health behaviors

A UCLA study demonstrates that combining behavioral science with social media and online communities can lead to increased HIV testing and encouraged significant behavioral change among high-risk groups. The approach proved to be one of the best HIV-prevention methods on the Internet, with high retention rates and successful engagement.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 5, 2013

New recommendations for standardizing studies of thyroid hormone and disease from ATA taskforce

The American Thyroid Association's Taskforce on Approaches and Strategies to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Economy has released a comprehensive guide with 70 specific recommendations to standardize study design in thyroid research. This will lead to more standardized approaches, improving the comparability of results and informing the de...