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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 13


Page 13 of 35

Could I squeeze by you?

Scientists developed a deeper understanding of ideal mesoporous nanoparticle design to maximize catalytic output. They modeled molecular movement within narrow channels and found that the optimal channel diameter balances pore size with reactant and product passage.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 21, 2014

Getting the salt out

Researchers at MIT and Saudi Arabia have developed a method to remove salt from produced water using electrodialysis, which can be economically viable for treating extremely high-salinity water. The technology could reduce the need for fresh water from other sources and minimize contaminated water disposal.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Energy·DateOct 21, 2014

Hospitals converting to for-profit status show better financial health, no loss in quality

A new study found that hospitals converting to for-profit status improve their financial health but do not lower the quality of care they provide or reduce their service to poor or minority patients. The researchers assessed 4,571 hospitals over an eight-year period and found no noticeable change in patient outcomes or access to care.

Peanut in house dust linked to peanut allergy in children with skin gene mutation

A study published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found a strong link between early-life exposure to peanut protein in household dust and peanut allergy in children genetically predisposed to a skin barrier defect. Exposure to peanut protein was associated with a three-fold increase in risk of school-age peanut allergy.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 21, 2014

Preservation technique for marginal livers prevents biliary stricture

A new preservation technique, sequential subnormothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (SNEVLP), has been shown to prevent ischemic type biliary stricture following liver transplantation using grafts from donations after cardiac death (DCD). SNEVLP reduces bile duct and endothelial cell injury post-transplantation compared to cold storage.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateOct 21, 2014

Osteoporosis screening guidelines miss many younger post-menopausal women

A new study found that US osteoporosis screening guidelines failed to identify the majority of younger post-menopausal women who experienced major fractures. The guidelines recommended testing and treatment for women aged 65+, but only predicted fractures in around 25% of those aged 50-64.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 21, 2014

Study examines effect of hospital switch to for-profit status

A study of 237 converting hospitals found that for-profit status improved financial margins, but no association was found with changes in care quality or patient outcomes. The findings suggest that regulators and policymakers should consider the potential benefits of for-profit conversions primarily on financial health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 21, 2014

YEDA-XL-Protein GmbH agreement

The Weizmann Institute of Science has developed a novel, highly active interferon variant called YNSalpha8. PASylation technology extended its half-life in the body, resulting in improved protection from disease progression in a mouse model of human multiple sclerosis.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 21, 2014

Big black holes can block new stars

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that massive black holes can block the formation of new stars in mature galaxies. The study suggests that these jets of radio-frequency feedback streaming from central black holes prevent hot gas from cooling and collapsing into baby stars.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 21, 2014