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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 19


Page 19 of 35

Executive scandal hurts job prospects even for entry-level employees

Research finds that moral suspicion from higher-ups' wrongdoing can spill down to people lower in an organization, damaging job prospects. The study suggests that emphasizing the individual's personal flaws or values rather than their organizational status can help reduce this effect.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 16, 2014

A simple and versatile way to build 3-dimensional materials of the future

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a novel method to assemble graphene into porous 3D structures, overcoming the challenge of maintaining unique material properties. The technique uses interfacial complexation with oppositely charged polymers, enabling tunable porosity and scalability for large-area films.

Pitt/McGowan Institute team discovers stem cells in the esophagus

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered a pool of stem cells in the esophagus, which could lead to new treatments for esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus. The study found that these stem cells divide slowly compared to other cells in the esophagus, suggesting they may play a role in tissue rene...

Camargue flamingos starved in freezing conditions in 1985 and 2012 mass mortalities

A 1985 mass mortality and a 2012 severe cold snap led to the deaths of nearly one-third of Camargue flamingo population. The study suggests that freezing temperatures increased the birds' energy demands, tipping them into starvation. The researchers found that the 2012 event had a lower death toll due to milder temperatures.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 15, 2014

Brain surgery through the cheek

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a robotic device that can treat severe epilepsy with a minimally invasive procedure. The system uses a shape-memory alloy needle steered by a robotic platform to destroy the area where seizures originate, avoiding drilling through the skull.

Slow and steady does not win the weight loss race

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that substantial weight loss is more likely achieved through rapid weight loss programmes. Researchers compared two groups: one following a 12-week rapid weight loss programme with an average weekly weight loss of 1.5kg, and the other on a 36-week gradual weight loss pr...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 15, 2014

Personalized cellular therapy achieves complete remission in 90 percent of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients studied

A personalized cellular therapy called CTL019 achieved complete remission in 27 of 30 patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with 78% remaining alive six months post-treatment. The treatment involves infusing engineered immune cells that target cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 15, 2014

Three hours of life per euro

A study found that each additional euro spent on pensions and public health insurance in Eastern Germany increased life expectancy by 3 hours. Public health care had a greater impact, contributing 2.5 times more to life expectancy than pension payments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe Journal of the Economics of Ageing·DateOct 15, 2014

Pattern recognition receptors may be potent new drug targets for immune-mediated diseases

The article highlights the role of pattern recognition receptors in regulating immune responses and their potential as novel targets for developing potent new therapies. The JAK/STAT signaling network also plays a crucial role in disease pathogenesis, and targeting these networks may lead to improved treatments for various diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateOct 15, 2014

Risking your life without a second thought

An analysis of statements from 51 recognized civilian heroes found that most describe their acts as intuitive, rather than deliberate. This suggests that high-stakes extreme altruism may be largely driven by automatic, instinctual processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 15, 2014

Rivers flow differently over gravel beds, study finds

Researchers found dramatic differences in flow velocity patterns and forces on river beds between gravel and sandy models, disproving a popular theory. The study's new parameters improve predictive models for nutrient and pollutant transport and provide insight into organism behavior in the narrow zone where rivers meet their beds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 15, 2014

Light pollution contributing to fledgling 'fallout'

A 15-year study found thousands of birds are attracted to artificial lights during their first flights, leading to high mortality rates. Turning street lights off decreased the number of grounded fledglings, suggesting a link between light pollution and bird deaths.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 15, 2014

Extinct giant kangaroos may have been hop-less

New research suggests that extinct giant kangaroos likely walked instead of hopped, with stiff backs and strong joints supporting their body posture. The study analyzed anatomical differences in limb bones compared to other kangaroo species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 15, 2014

Ebola highlights disparity of disease burden in developed vs. developing countries

The study found that measles death rates were 197 times greater in developing countries than in developed countries, while syphilis death rates were 33-45 times higher. Ebola mortality rates were also significantly higher in developing countries, with 4,447 deaths compared to just two in developed nations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateOct 15, 2014

Bullies in the workplace

A study by Iowa State University researchers found that workplace bullying victims often feel silenced due to fear of being disbelieved. Supportive co-workers and managers can help create a culture where victims feel heard and believed.

SourceIowa State University·JournalManagement Communication Quarterly·DateOct 15, 2014