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Science News Archive June 2014 - Page 13


Page 13 of 33

Recreational football reduces high blood pressure in mature women

A study of 41 untrained women aged 35-50 with mild high blood pressure found a significant reduction in blood pressure and body fat percentage after 15 weeks of football training. The researchers also found that women like playing football even if they have no previous experience, leading to the creation of their own football club.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJun 19, 2014

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Oldest ever schistosomiasis egg found may be first proof of early human technology exacerbating disease burden

A 6200-year-old schistosomiasis parasite egg discovered in Syria's Tell Zeidan grave suggests ancient agricultural irrigation systems may have spread the disease. The find, dating back a thousand years earlier than previous discoveries, highlights how human technology can exacerbate disease burdens.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 19, 2014

African American women with breast cancer less likely to have newer, recommended surgical procedure

Research from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that African American women with early-stage invasive breast cancer were 12% less likely to receive axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy, a minimally invasive technique. The study also showed that those who received older, more invasive axillary lymph node dissection ...

Important differences in hospitalization rates among racial and ethnic groups on dialysis

A study analyzing 563,281 hemodialysis patients found significant racial and ethnic differences in hospitalization rates. Younger black patients, older black patients, and older Hispanic patients had increased hospitalization rates compared to whites of similar ages, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 19, 2014

Modeling how neurons work together

Researchers developed a novel theory of how neurons work together during complex movements, revealing a balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals. The new model can accurately reproduce multidimensional movement patterns and may aid in the understanding of brain dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNeuron·DateJun 18, 2014

New manufacturing methods needed for 'soft' machines, robots

Researchers have developed a technique to produce soft machines made of elastic materials and liquid metals using a custom-built 3D printer. The technique enables the creation of strain gauges that can detect high strains and deform with almost any material, making it suitable for wearable technology and sensory skin.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 18, 2014

Springer launches comprehensive open access journal

The new journal, Research in the Mathematical Sciences, covers applied math, pure math, and theoretical computer science. It aims to publish high-quality original articles and seminal papers on emerging areas of mathematical research.

SourceSpringer·JournalResearch in the Mathematical Sciences·DateJun 18, 2014

Stem pipeline problems to aid STEM diversity

The article highlights the persistent issues with STEM pipeline diversity, citing data showing that underrepresented minority students are less likely to graduate and enter STEM careers. Researchers Andrew G. Campbell and Stacy-Ann Allen-Ramdial propose four ideas to improve the pipeline, including aligning culture and climate, partner...

SourceBrown University·JournalBioScience·DateJun 18, 2014

Unintended danger from antidepressant warnings

A study by Harvard Medical School found that antidepressant prescriptions for young people dropped after FDA warnings, leading to a relative increase in suicide attempts. The researchers suggest that better communication between the FDA, media, and physicians is needed to ensure patients receive appropriate treatment.

Combatting cuckoos

Researchers at Harvard University discovered that many birds targeted by the Common Cuckoo have evolved recognizable egg patterns to distinguish their own eggs from those laid by cuckoo cheats. These signatures provide a strong defense against cuckoo mimicry, helping host birds reject foreign eggs and protect their broods.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2014

Making smartphones smarter with see-through sensors

Researchers have developed laser-written light-guiding systems for efficient commercial use. The technology allows embedding sensors, including temperature and biometric sensors, into Gorilla Glass to create new real estate in phones. This could enable secure transactions using infrared light and more compact devices.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJun 18, 2014