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Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 22


Page 22 of 30

No strength in numbers

A new study confirms that big-city legislation is passed at lower rates than smaller bills, citing infighting within city delegations as the primary cause. Despite larger representation, urban areas struggle to pass legislation due to internal divisions and party politics.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateFeb 10, 2014

Transcendental Meditation significantly reduces PTSD in African refugees within 10 days

A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that Congolese refugees who practiced Transcendental Meditation experienced a significant reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after just 10 days. Their PTSD test scores dropped to an average of 48, indicating nearly no symptoms of PTSD.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateFeb 10, 2014

Researchers discover immune signature that predicts poor outcome in influenza patients

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified an immune signature that predicts poor flu outcomes in patients, who are more likely to develop severe symptoms and suffer from complications. The findings also explain why infants and toddlers are at elevated risk for flu-related issues.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2014

Is height important in matters of the heart? New study says yes

A new study from Rice University and the University of North Texas suggests that physical similarity is not the dominant rule in human mating when it comes to height preferences. Women prefer taller partners mostly for protection and femininity, while men prefer shorter women but not extremely short ones for intimacy purposes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateFeb 10, 2014

Researchers build nonflammable lithium ion battery

Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill have identified a nonflammable alternative to the inherently flammable electrolyte used in current lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for safer and more efficient electric vehicles. The new material, PFPE, exhibits unique properties that make it an ideal replacement, with potential applications in aeros...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2014

New live-cell printing technology works like ancient Chinese woodblocking

Researchers have developed a new live-cell printing technology called BloC-Printing that can print living cells onto any surface in a grid-like formation. The technology, which manipulates microfluidic physics to guide cells into hook-like traps, produces high survival rates of over 100% compared to traditional inkjet printing.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2014

Obese children more likely to have complex elbow fractures and further complications

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese children are at a higher risk of developing complex elbow fractures and experiencing postoperative complications. The study, which included over 350 patients aged 2-11, highlights the importance of early exercise and bone strengthening to prevent such issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 10, 2014

Penn's innovative community health worker model improves outcomes for high-risk patients

The IMPaCT model, which employs trained lay Community Health Workers (CHWs), has been shown to improve patient experiences and health outcomes. The intervention group had a 52% greater chance of seeing a primary care physician within two weeks after discharge and reported better communication with healthcare providers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2014

Genome editing goes hi-fi

Researchers have found a way to efficiently edit the human genome one letter at a time, boosting ability to model human disease and paving the way for therapies that fix genetic 'bugs'. The new technique highlights out-of-the-box thinking critical for scientific success.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 9, 2014

Tiny soft medicine factories

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed tiny, degradable 'medicine factories' inside the body that can produce specific medicines in response to specific enzymes. The technology, funded by a €2 million ERC grant, has the potential to revolutionize pain relief and cancer treatment.