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Spike in postoperative cardiac surgery deaths may be linked to 30-day survival measurement

A study analyzing national hospital data found a significant increase in postoperative cardiac surgery deaths at the 30-day mark, suggesting an unintended consequence of prioritizing this measurement. The researchers suggest that emphasizing 30-day survival as a key metric may lead to delayed end-of-life decisions and unnecessary treat...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalHealth Services Research·DateApr 9, 2014

Dinosaur chase reconstructed 70 years after excavation

Researchers digitally reconstructed a model of a dinosaur chase using theropod and sauropod footprints excavated in Texas 1940. The reconstruction allowed scientists to view the entire 45m long tracksite in 3D for the first time since excavation, corroborating maps drawn by original excavator.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 2, 2014

Crows complete basic 'Aesop's fable' task

New Caledonian crows demonstrate an understanding of water displacement similar to that of 5-7 year-old children, completing 4 out of 6 water displacement tasks. They were able to displace water to receive a reward and showed preferences for certain objects over others.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 26, 2014

Cuvier's beaked whales set new breath-hold diving records

Researchers monitored Cuvier's beaked whales' record-breaking dives to depths of nearly two miles below the ocean surface and some dives lasted for over two hours. The dives captured by this study exceed previous records, including the mammalian dive record previously set by southern elephant seals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 26, 2014

Doctors raise blood pressure in patients

A systematic review found that doctors' recorded blood pressure levels are 7/4mmHg higher than those taken by nurses. This phenomenon, known as the 'white coat effect,' can lead to unnecessary medication and anxiety for patients. The study suggests that using other healthcare professionals to take blood pressure readings could help red...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateMar 25, 2014

The rush to rain

A new analysis reveals that dust in the air absorbs sunlight west of India, warming the air and strengthening winds carrying moisture eastward. The study also shows that natural airborne particles can influence rainfall in unexpected ways, with changes in one location rapidly affecting weather thousands of miles away.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 16, 2014

To teach scientific reproducibility, start young

Researchers propose using software like R Markdown to teach students the concept of reproducibility, which can lead to more transparent science. The study found that introductory statistics students who used R Markdown for homework assignments showed gradual gains in preference and no negative impact on grades.

Household wealth still down 14 percent since recession

A recent study by Ohio State University economists found that household wealth in the US has not recovered from the recession, with middle-aged people taking the biggest hit. The study contradicts the Federal Reserve's optimistic report from last summer, which suggested that net worth had recovered since the recession.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomics Letters·DateFeb 27, 2014

Two strategies for accurate dart throwing

Researchers investigated expert and novice dart players' techniques for accurate throwing. The study revealed two strategies used by experts: (1) compensating with hand movement for variable release times, and (2) reducing timing variability by releasing the dart at a fixed time. Both strategies achieved consistent throwing.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 2014

Mass extinction may not cause all organisms to 'shrink'

Scientists analyzed bryozoan species before and after a mass extinction event, finding no significant change in body length. Maximum colony size declined in three out of four surviving types, suggesting the Lilliput effect may not be universal across organisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

2-way street

Scientists at King's College London argue that biobank donors should have unrestricted access to data derived from their own material. This move aims to increase reciprocity and partnership between donors and researchers, recognizing the donor's agency in decision-making processes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2014

Increase in hemlock forest offsetting effect of invasive hemlock woolly adelgid for now

Despite devastating effects of the invasive insect in southern Appalachians, increasing tree density associated with reforestation and succession may have offset negative impacts at a regional scale. Hemlock trees do not have natural defenses against hemlock woolly adelgid, resulting in high levels of tree mortality.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalBiological Invasions·DateJan 22, 2014

Green spaces deliver lasting mental health benefits

A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that moving to a greener area improves mental health and the effect continues long after the move. The research team analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found significant and sustained improvements in mental health for those who relocated to greener areas.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 6, 2014

South African trauma center launches portable electronic trauma health record application

A new iPad application has been developed to collect and analyze trauma patient data at a South African hospital, improving injury surveillance and patient outcomes. The eTHR system has been successfully implemented at Groote Schuur Hospital, capturing key information on past medical history, demographics, and injury severity scores.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 2, 2014

Healthier Happy Meals

Researchers analyzed transaction data from 30 McDonald's restaurants to find that reducing the size of French fries decreased the calorie count in children's meals by 104 calories. Children mostly stuck with their original entrée choice, but opted for lower-calorie beverages like milk instead of soda.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalObesity·DateDec 19, 2013

Majority of Americans avoid addressing end-of-life issues, according to new study

A new study found that only 26.3% of adults have completed an advance directive, with women, whites, and those with higher education or income being more likely to have one. The study highlights racial and educational disparities in advance directive completion, emphasizing the need for education on facilitating end-of-life decisions.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 10, 2013

Screeners miss the really rare stuff

Duke University researchers analyzed data from 20 million virtual suitcase searches and found that players correctly identified ultra-rare items only 27% of the time. The study reveals a strong relationship between item frequency and detection rates, highlighting how rare objects can slip past us despite intense searching.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 3, 2013

Economic development can only buy happiness up to a 'sweet spot' of $36,000 GDP per person, study finds

A new analysis suggests that economic development can only buy happiness up to a certain level of wealth. Once income reaches around $36,000 GDP per capita, life satisfaction levels peak before dipping slightly in the very rich countries. This finding contradicts previous studies that showed a flat relationship between GDP and happiness.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 27, 2013