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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 13


Page 13 of 31

Seashell strength inspires stress tests

Researchers at Rice University and Indian Institute of Science model seashells' ability to withstand pressure, discovering evolutionary optimization allows fractures to appear only where they're least likely to hurt the animal inside. The team found complex shapes make shells nearly twice as good at bearing loads than nacre alone.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 19, 2015

Researchers pin down enzyme role in muscle 'aging'

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that an enzyme called 11β-HSD1 is increased in muscles of older women, leading to reduced grip strength and insulin resistance. The researchers believe inhibiting this enzyme could hold the key to preventing or reversing muscle wasting associated with aging.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2015

Large urban hospitals disadvantaged by medicare/medicaid patient satisfaction rating system

A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that large urban hospitals in densely populated regions of Washington DC, New York State, California, Maryland, and New Jersey have lower patient satisfaction scores due to demographic bias. The authors propose an adjustment formula to mitigate this bias, which, when applied to New York Stat...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

Tracking the trends in youth self-harm visitation rates to Alberta's emergency rooms

A University of Alberta study found that youth from families receiving government subsidies and First Nations children accounted for disproportionately high rates of self-harming behavior at Alberta's emergency rooms. The study suggests that social determinants, such as living conditions, play a crucial role in mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCanadian Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

Widespread diabetes screening in India is predicted to be ineffective

A new study suggests that widespread diabetes screening in India using current methods could lead to massive waste of resources and unnecessary testing. The researchers estimate that only between 26 million and 37 million out of 567 million eligible individuals would meet the international diagnostic criteria for diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

Computing at the speed of light

Engineers created an ultracompact beamsplitter to divide light waves into two channels, bringing researchers closer to silicon photonic chips that compute with light instead of electrons. This technology could significantly increase the power and speed of machines such as supercomputers, data center servers, and mobile devices.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 18, 2015

Australian researcher helps with Ebola vaccine trials

A team of researchers, led by Dr. Steve Bellan and including Associate Professor Manoj Gambhir from Monash University, have identified the most effective human trial design for testing Ebola vaccines in Sierra Leone. The study suggests that a modified randomized control trial is the best approach to detect an effective and safe vaccine.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 18, 2015

When citizens disobey

A new study by Lily Tsai of Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that citizens in rural China engage in 'constructive noncompliance' to prompt government policy changes, often based on issues like property. The research suggests a greater willingness to disobey laws in situations where citizen input is more likely.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalComparative Politics·DateMay 18, 2015