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Dial-an-interpreter can help docs get patients' consent

A study by University of California San Francisco researchers found that installing a bedside interpreter-phone system improved understanding of healthcare procedures among patients with limited English. The system reduced errors and disparities in care, especially for Chinese- and Spanish-speaking patients.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2017

More screen time for kids isn't all that bad

A study found that moderate to high levels of screen time are not associated with negative outcomes in teenagers. The researcher suggests that parents should focus on how media is used rather than just time consumption, as it can foster learning and socialization.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychiatric Quarterly·DateFeb 7, 2017

Online scrutiny is stressful for doctors

A study found that online ratings and comments significantly increase doctor job stress, with 78% of physicians feeling the impact. Patients also use online reviews to make informed choices, but may be hesitant to share their own experiences due to concerns about bias.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2017

How water can split into two liquids below zero

Researchers confirmed a theoretical possibility of dual liquid states in sub-zero water and other tetrahedral molecules. A study using DNA origami and simulation revealed that such structures could exhibit a high-density and low-density liquid phase, separated by an empty lattice.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 25, 2017

Plan A is to get patients to stick to their blood pressure pills

A study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that fixed-dose combination pills work best to encourage patients with high blood pressure to stick to their prescribed anti-hypertensive medications. Patients on these combined pills were 9% more likely to be persistent in taking their medication, compared to those on sin...

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 19, 2017

Women as decorative accessories: Keep silent or take a stance?

A recent study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that awareness campaigns targeting women can be a powerful tool to encourage collective action against female sexual objectification. The research revealed that watching a critique video clip increased women's willingness to support protests, whereas men showed no such effect.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 4, 2017

Economics made simple with physics models

Researchers have applied physics models to understand economic systems, but results show that universal features may be the exception rather than the rule. Econophysics has led to discoveries like the inverse cubic law describing stock price fluctuations.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Techniques and Instrumentation·DateJan 3, 2017

The beating heart of solar energy

Researchers found that small solar cells under the skin can generate enough power to fully charge pacemakers or extend their lifespan. This technology has the potential to reduce device replacements and size, saving patients discomfort and stress.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 3, 2017

Think chicken -- think intelligent, caring and complex

Research shows chickens possess complex cognitive abilities, including numerical understanding, self-awareness, and referential communication. They also experience emotions like fear, anticipation, and empathy, and demonstrate problem-solving skills in social situations.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJan 2, 2017

Predicting future sports rankings from evolving performance

A team of Mexican scientists used tennis, chess, golf, poker, and football performances to identify universal features in hierarchical structure creation. They found that ranking hierarchies may be driven by the same underlying generic mechanisms as rank formation, regardless of sport characteristics.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateDec 20, 2016

The transgender 'bathroom bill': Who wants it -- men or women?

A study analyzed public comments on online news articles about transgender individuals using female-only bathrooms. Men were found to be more concerned about safety and privacy, while women expressed muted concerns about potential 'perverts'. The study's findings suggest that male transphobia may be linked to traditional masculine roles.

SourceSpringer·JournalGender Issues·DateDec 19, 2016

Dental hygiene, caveman style

A study of 1.2-million-year-old tartar reveals that ancient humans used a kind of toothpick to clean their teeth, while consuming a balanced diet of meat and starchy foods. The analysis also suggests they ate grass seeds and had access to forests.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateDec 15, 2016

More exact, ethical method to tell the sex of baby chickens

Researchers have developed a non-destructive imaging technique to accurately determine the sex of baby chickens within four days of hatching, promising to reduce animal welfare concerns. The technique uses optical spectroscopy to identify gender-specific biochemical differences in embryonic blood, with an accuracy rate of 93%.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2016

Sugar and sweeteners -- how do they affect our appetite?

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that healthy young men who consume sugar, Stevia, monk fruit, or aspartame-sweetened beverages do not experience a significant difference in overall energy intake. However, they did eat more after consuming natural non-nutritive sweeteners.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateDec 13, 2016

Metaphoring the police: It's all about the right choice of word

Experiments reveal that using the protective concept of 'guardian' instead of 'warrior' to describe police can influence people's attitudes towards law enforcement. Participants who saw the police as 'guardians' felt the justice system was more fair and effective than those who considered them 'warriors'.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateDec 8, 2016

Beware: Children can passively 'smoke' marijuana, too

A new study detected traces of THC, a primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana, in the urine of children exposed to secondary marijuana smoke. Higher concentrations were found in non-white children compared to white children. Researchers call for further investigation into secondhand marijuana smoke exposure as a potential health risk.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateDec 7, 2016

Guppies: Study sorts the maths whizzes from the dunces

Researchers found that guppies with superior mathematical abilities were better at distinguishing between bigger and smaller shoals, as well as choosing larger food items. This enhanced cognitive ability led to increased survival rates and foraging success in the wild.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateDec 5, 2016

Hope for people who struggle after suffering brain trauma

A combined pharmacological therapy and rehabilitation program shows promise in treating persistent cognitive difficulties after traumatic brain injuries, with modest yet significant improvements noted in verbal and nonverbal learning abilities, working memory, and divided attention.

SourceSpringer·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateNov 22, 2016

Do stress and strain lead to deviant behavior?

A recent study found that individuals experiencing stress and strain are more likely to engage in deviant behavior such as gambling and substance abuse. The research, conducted by Romy Greco and Antonietta Curci, analyzed the effects of family influences on younger people's coping strategies.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateNov 22, 2016

A father's influence makes for better grades

A new study found that fathers' warmth positively affects teenagers' optimism, self-efficacy, and academic achievement. Fathers' involvement is particularly beneficial for low-income families, leading to better math grades and language ability in girls and boys.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateNov 16, 2016

Asian-Americans least likely to be screened for diabetes

A recent survey found that Asian Americans are the least likely racial or ethnic group in the US to receive type 2 diabetes screening, despite having a high risk of developing the disease. Only 47.1% of eligible Asian Americans received screening tests between 2012 and 2014.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 15, 2016

Physicists reveal cocktails with Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde features

Researchers discovered that two-liquid cocktails exhibit long-range correlations at equilibrium and when disturbed, resulting in coexistence of different characteristics within the same fluid. Understanding these effects is crucial for studying diffusion mechanisms in various physical and biological processes.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 3, 2016

WHO Trauma Care Checklist improves care for injured patients

A new study shows that implementing the WHO Trauma Care Checklist Programme at hospitals worldwide led to substantial improvements in injury care, with increased consistency of care and reduced mortality among severely injured patients. The checklist is a simple tool emphasizing key life-saving elements of initial injury care.

SourceSpringer·JournalWorld Journal of Surgery·DateNov 2, 2016

Reading the right sexual cues

A study found that male and female college students focus on nonverbal emotional cues when making quick judgments about a woman's sexual interest. However, those with rape-supportive attitudes relied more on attire and attractiveness. Cognitive training can improve perceptions of women's momentary sexual interest.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateOct 26, 2016