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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 25


Page 25 of 41

For surgeons in the OR, a way to fight bad posture

A team of engineers and doctors is developing a tool to identify poor posture and correct awkward positions in the operating room. Early results show that the tool is effective at spotting pain-inducing positions, which could lead to improved surgical safety for surgeons.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalIISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors·DateMar 14, 2017

Why do people switch their language?

A study by Katharina Prochazka and Gero Vogl applied a physics-based approach to analyze language movement in Southern Carinthia, Austria. The research found that interaction with other speakers of the same language is the primary driver of language shift, with village-level demographics playing a crucial role.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Ebola vaccines provide immune responses after 1 year

A new study found that Ebola vaccines provide durable immune responses at one year after vaccination, with 100% of recipients retaining Ebola virus glycoprotein-specific antibodies. The heterologous primary and booster vaccination schedule showed long-lasting immunity, exceeding eight months after primary immunization.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 14, 2017

Streamlining the measurement of phonon dispersion

Researchers adapted an instrument for high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy to reduce the time required to measure phonon dispersion. The device uses a hemispherical electron analyzer and high energy-resolution electron source, allowing surface scientists to measure samples that were previously too cumbersome.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 14, 2017

New platform for culturing stem cells

A new platform for culturing human pluripotent stem cells has been developed at Kyoto University, combining micro and nanotechnologies to precisely control the culture environment. The Multiplexed Artificial Cellular Microenvironment (MACME) array mimics extracellular environments with nanofibres in fluid-filled micro-chambers of preci...

SourceKyoto University·JournalSmall·DateMar 14, 2017

'Preventable' asthma attacks in Houston cost millions

A new study reveals that 'preventable' asthma attacks among schoolchildren in Houston result in significant healthcare costs. The researchers found a strong link between asthma incidents and schools on the city's east side, with African-American children comprising the largest percentage of cases.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of School Health·DateMar 13, 2017

Underwater vehicle design inspired by schools of fish

Researcher Keith Moored aims to understand the forces, energetics and flow physics of collective locomotion in schools of fish to develop optimized underwater vehicles. He will use a low-speed wind tunnel facility and particle image velocimetry system to characterize flow fields and forces acting on pitching wing models.

One synthetic molecule, two doorways into cell

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a synthetic ion channel molecule with two distinct openings, allowing for different-shaped paths into a cell. The molecule's rotation and attachment to lipids control its conductance states, offering potential insights into the unique functioning of these channels in living organisms.

SourceKyoto University·JournalChem·DateMar 13, 2017

Parenthood linked to longer life

Research published in Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that parenthood is associated with lower risks of death in older age, particularly among men. The study tracked the lifespan of over 1.4 million people in Sweden and found a two-year difference in life expectancy between parents and childless individuals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 13, 2017

Children experience long wait times for developmental and behavioral specialists

A Rutgers study finds that an estimated one in six US children have development disorders, but only 1,000 developmental pediatricians exist nationwide. The study also reveals a lack of programs offering accommodations for non-English speaking families, resulting in extended wait times and delayed diagnostic evaluations.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateMar 13, 2017

After Deepwater Horizon spill: Which animals weathered the disaster

A new study from Rutgers University reveals that killifish played a crucial role in the food web, while terns, gulls, and wading birds were highly sensitive to oil due to their extensive connections as prey and predator. The researchers identified blue crabs as key species for future research due to their importance in the ecosystem.

SourceRutgers University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 13, 2017

Expensive taxi rides for business travelers

A recent study found that taxi drivers in Athens charge business travelers a 7% higher fare than locals, taking advantage of the fact that passengers are reimbursed by their employers. The researchers also discovered that women were more likely to be overcharged than men.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateMar 13, 2017

A multidrug efflux pump in motion

A multidrug efflux pump in motion: Researchers have mapped the conformational changes that occur in P-glycoprotein, a protein notorious for pumping chemotherapeutic drugs out of cancer cells. This study sheds light on how P-glycoprotein binds and transports molecules, with potential implications for developing new treatments.