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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 26


Page 26 of 28

See it, touch it, feel it

A new technology has been developed that allows for the creation of an invisible 3D haptic shape using ultrasound. This innovation enables surgeons to explore complex medical imaging data, such as CT scans, in a more immersive and tactile manner.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateDec 2, 2014

Mediterranean diet linked to longer life

A Mediterranean diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil has been associated with longer telomeres, a biomarker of slower aging. The study found that adherence to the diet was significantly linked to longer telomeres, corresponding to 1.5 years of telomere ageing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 2, 2014

Macho stereotypes put off men as well as women

A new study found that macho stereotypes discourage both men and women from pursuing traditionally masculine occupations. The research suggests that increasing the appeal of these jobs to a more diverse range of men could help attract more women, leading to greater equality in the future.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateDec 2, 2014

Study finds insects play important role in dealing with garbage on NYC streets

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that insects and other arthropods consume large amounts of garbage on NYC streets, including 2,100 pounds of discarded junk food per year. The researchers found that pavement ants are particularly efficient foragers in urban environments and compete with rats to eat human garbage.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 2, 2014

New cause of child brain tumor condition identified

A new study has identified the SUFU gene mutation as a major contributor to Gorlin syndrome-associated childhood medulloblastoma, significantly increasing the risk of brain tumors in children with this condition. This finding has major implications for treatment and screening protocols for children with Gorlin syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 2, 2014

E-signatures less trusted than handwritten signatures

A new study finds that people are more likely to distrust e-signatures than hand-signed documents, with those having fewer personal characteristics perceived as less valid. This lag between technological advancement and psychological reaction highlights the need for caution in adoption.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateDec 2, 2014

Lung cancer risk model refines decisions to screen

A new lung cancer risk model, PLCOm2012, refines decisions to screen individuals for annual CT scans, identifying a risk threshold for selecting high-risk smokers. The study found that this threshold resulted in higher sensitivity and specificity than the USPSTF criteria.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 2, 2014

How early trauma influences behavior

Research suggests that early-life stress can have positive effects on behavior, such as improved flexibility and goal-oriented behavior, which can be passed down through generations via molecular pathways. This study reveals the beneficial impact of moderate stress in childhood, leading to better coping strategies in adulthood.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2014

Experts question aspects of certain Ebola guidelines

The authors of a Transfusion commentary argue that forgoing routine lab tests may compromise patients' health more than any reduction in the risk of transmission. Experts recommend implementing well-characterized infection prevention and control recommendations to provide a safe environment for both patients and employees.

SourceWiley·JournalTransfusion·DateDec 1, 2014

Many people with missing teeth don't need dentures

A study of over 2,700 Australians found that many people with tooth loss do not need dentures as long as they have a sufficient number and type of remaining teeth. The researchers suggest allocating resources to prevent further tooth loss, diagnostic services, and follow-up care instead.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCommunity Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology·DateDec 1, 2014