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Science News Archive June 2015


Page 1 of 36

Water: The province of provinces

A recent study published in the International Journal of Water found that decentralized water regulation presents a theoretical benefit, allowing different populations to tailor spending to their particular circumstances. The research suggests that local decision-making can promote good governance and improve outcomes for Canadians.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Water·DateJun 30, 2015

Offering healthier options at carryout stores improves bottom line

A Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health pilot program found that offering healthier menu items at carryout stores increased gross revenue by an average 25%, not just improved health. The study, published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, suggests that convincing more carryouts to alter their menus can be profitable.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJun 30, 2015

Fingerprinting our sense of smell

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute create a complex mathematical formula to determine individual olfactory fingerprints, which are unique patterns based on personal scent preferences. This breakthrough could lead to early disease detection, non-invasive organ matching, and personalized medical treatments.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2015

Friction reduction breakthrough is no snake oil

Researchers have developed a surface texture inspired by snake skin that reduces friction by 40% in tests of high-performance materials. The discovery has significant implications for the reliability of mechanical components in machines such as cars and robots, particularly in dusty environments.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateJun 30, 2015

Biodegradable, flexible silicon transistors

Researchers developed a biodegradable silicon transistor using cellulose nanofibrillated fiber substrate, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional silicon-based transistors. The device exhibited superior performance and microwave-frequency operation capabilities comparable to existing semiconductor transistors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 30, 2015

Pinaverium shows promising results for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

A clinical trial confirms that pinaverium is an effective and safe option for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with a significantly higher percentage of patients reporting improved symptoms compared to the placebo group. The medication was also associated with common side effects, but no severe adverse effects were reported.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 30, 2015

Spouses & relatives of celiac disease patients at risk for autoimmune diseases

A nationwide observational cohort study found that spouses and first-degree relatives of celiac disease patients are at a higher risk of developing nonceliac autoimmune diseases. The most common conditions were systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes mellitus, and sarcoidosis. Genetic, environmental, and ascertainment bias mechan...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 30, 2015

Osteopathic manipulative therapy significantly improves low back pain in postpartum women

A new study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMTh) decreased postpartum low back pain by over 70 percent in women who had given birth at least three months before beginning treatment. Participants reported a significant improvement in quality of life, with a 7...

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJun 30, 2015

Europeans have unknowingly contributed to the spread of invasive plant species in the USA

A study found that anthropogenic factors, such as cultivation, played a more important role in plant invasiveness than previously thought. The research analyzed Central European plants introduced to North America and found that residence time in the invaded range and habitats occupied in native ranges were key drivers of invasion.

Graphene flexes its electronic muscles

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that graphene can be controlled by twisting it, creating an electronic flexoelectric effect. This property can be manipulated to vary the work function and engineer the band-structure stacking in bilayers or multiple layers.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJun 30, 2015

Repeated courses of antibiotics may profoundly alter children's development

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers found that multiple courses of commonly used antibiotics in children can have significant effects on their development. The study showed that antibiotic-exposed mice gained more weight and developed larger bones than untreated mice, while also disrupting the gut microbiome.