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Science News Archive September 2015 - Page 35


Page 35 of 35

Orangutan females prefer cheek-padded males

Research found that cheek-padded males are significantly more successful in fathering offspring, with dominant males having greater reproductive success during their tenure as dominant. However, other males were able to sire offspring during periods of rank instability or at the beginning and end of a dominant male's reign.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 1, 2015

Economic security requires new measures of well-being

A University at Buffalo research team proposes new measures for savings and asset accumulation to promote lasting economic security. The study estimates monthly savings amounts required to meet various goals, such as retirement and education savings, and highlights the need for policy changes to encourage saving among low-income families.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateSep 1, 2015

Mass. General study identifies another way urate may protect against Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that urate stimulates astrocytes to activate an antioxidant pathway believed to have a role in several neurodegenerative disorders. A phase 3 trial of a urate-elevating drug, led by Dr. Michael Schwarzschild, is planned to enroll 270 patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateSep 1, 2015

Made from solar concentrate

A team of scientists from Berkeley Lab and the University of Illinois created a solar cell that absorbs high-energy light at a 30-fold higher concentration than conventional cells. This breakthrough uses quantum dot light-emitters with spectrally matched photonic mirrors to efficiently utilize the high-energy part of the solar spectrum.

Large parks key to city success

The study concludes that high-density cities with large parks or nature reserves yield the most benefits, but smaller parks and gardens also play a positive role. Compact developments incorporating large green spaces are essential for delivering ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateSep 1, 2015

Self-driving golf carts

Researchers at MIT's SMART program conducted a six-day experiment using autonomous golf carts to ferry tourists around winding paths. The system, which used off-the-shelf sensors and dynamic algorithms, demonstrated a 98% user satisfaction rate and showed potential for elderly transportation applications.

Redefining pediatric malnutrition to improve treatment

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) has redefined pediatric malnutrition to include five domains: anthropometrics, growth, chronicity, etiology, and impact on functional status. This revised definition aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition in pediatric patients.

Helping toddlers understand emotion key to development

A federally funded study led by Michigan State University researcher finds that teaching toddlers to understand emotion through 'emotion bridging' with their mothers can reduce behavioral problems. Mothers of higher-risk toddlers benefited most from this strategy, particularly those from disadvantaged families.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateSep 1, 2015

When stroke patients undergo surgery to remove blood clots, what anesthesia works best?

A study in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases explores the pros and cons of general anesthesia versus conscious sedation for stroke patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery. The authors conclude that an anesthesiologist or anesthesia care team should be present to provide sedation, regardless of the approach used.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateSep 1, 2015