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Many patients are discharged without a diagnosis

New research reveals that one out of four acutely admitted medical patients leave the hospital without a diagnosis. The study found that many patients were not adequately examined during their hospitalization, increasing the risk of deterioration and re-hospitalization.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEuropean Journal of Internal Medicine·DateAug 22, 2014

Nurse staffing and mortality in stroke centers

A study of 56,666 patients with stroke found that weekend nurse staffing was strongly associated with mortality outcomes, regardless of the day of admission. Patients admitted to hospitals with lower nurse-to-patient bed ratios had a higher risk of death, highlighting the importance of adequate staffing levels on weekends.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 19, 2014

Bones from nearly 50 ancient flying reptiles discovered

A team of scientists discovered the bones of 49 ancient flying reptiles from a new species of pterosaur, Caiuajara dobruskii, in southern Brazil. The bones revealed features such as a bony expansion and rounded depressions on the skull, suggesting this species may have been gregarious and able to fly at a young age.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2014

Embalming study 'rewrites' chapter in Egyptian history

A study published in PLOS ONE found evidence of ancient Egyptian mummification practices dating back to the Late Neolithic period, around 4500-3350 BC. The discovery suggests that early Egyptians may have used natural products to preserve bodies, laying the groundwork for later Pharaonic mummification techniques.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2014

Little penguins forage together

Researchers found that 70% of little penguins' foraging tracks were associated with other penguins and 40% exhibited synchronized diving. These behaviors suggest group foraging and synchronization of underwater movements in little penguins.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2014

Training schemes help jobless men feel better about themselves

UK government's active labor market programs increase life satisfaction, happiness, and feelings of life worth among the unemployed, particularly men. These work-oriented programs replicate the paid work environment through features like time structure, social activity, and routine, leading to greater psychosocial resilience.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateAug 5, 2014

Deep-sea octopus has longest-known egg-brooding period

A deep-sea octopus has been found to protect and nourish its eggs for an astonishing 53 months, with 160 eggs hatching almost 4.5 years later. This record-breaking brooding period highlights the importance of parental care in producing well-developed offspring in challenging environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 30, 2014

Finding elusive emperor penguins

A team of scientists found two emperor penguin colonies near the Mertz Glacier in East Antarctica, with a total of 7,400 breeding pairs. The study used both satellite imaging and ground surveys to monitor population trends and habitat changes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2014

New anti-homosexuality laws threaten health as well as liberties

The article highlights the dangers of new anti-homosexuality laws that restrict freedoms, healthcare access, and create a climate of fear. These laws can lead to increased rates of HIV transmission, torture, and murder of LGBTQ+ activists, underscoring the need for continued research and support.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 24, 2014

Study finds minimum payment warnings nudge credit card payments up AND down

A study by Boston College Marketing Professor Linda Salisbury found that minimum payment warnings had little impact on repayment decisions, but showing a three-year payoff time frame with accompanying lower interest costs led to both positive and negative effects. Some consumers were encouraged to pay more, while others were nudged tow...

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJun 23, 2014

A new methodology developed to monitor traffic flow

A new methodology has been developed to monitor traffic flow by applying curve statistics to analyze traffic data, enabling the detection of changes in traffic patterns. The results reveal that holiday periods and shopping hours have a significant impact on traffic flow.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalTransportation Research Part B Methodological·DateJun 9, 2014

Feeding increases coral transplant survival

A study published in PLOS ONE found that feeding juvenile corals prior to transplantation significantly improved their survival rates. Coral recruits fed with a higher amount of food grew faster and larger than unfed corals, leading to higher post-transplantation survivorship.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 4, 2014

Modeling and simulation in the big data era

The big data era presents both challenges and opportunities for modeling and simulation, as it requires adapting to novel research thinking and methods. The paper highlights the need for exploratory research combining simulation-based engineering and science to develop a new simulation paradigm.

E-cigarette awareness goes up, as (apparently) so does skepticism

A national survey found that 77% of adults are aware of e-cigarettes, up from 16% five years ago. However, the perception that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes decreased slightly, from 84 to 65 percent. The study also found no correlation between awareness and intention to quit smoking.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 15, 2014

First diplodocid sauropod from South America found

A new sauropod dinosaur species, Leinkupal laticauda, has been discovered in Argentina, shedding light on the survival of Diplodocidae in South America. The fossil findings suggest that the extinction event at the end of the Jurassic or beginning of the Cretaceous period may not have been global.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 14, 2014

Kessler Foundation expert authors article on social enterprise business models

The article highlights the potential of social enterprise businesses in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The author, Elaine E. Katz, details two successful examples, Hudson Community Enterprises and Destination Desserts, which have generated revenue and provided market-driven pay rates for employees.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateMay 12, 2014