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Clinical news alert: Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons highlights

The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) found surgical treatment significantly favored outcomes for IDH, DS, and LSS, while vitamin D deficiency is critical to musculoskeletal health. A new study urges orthopaedic surgeons to proactively diagnose and treat vitamin D deficiency, which can improve treatment results for various ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 13, 2012

The shape of things to come

Researchers at McGill University have developed a mathematical method to predict the movement of oil and ash following environmental disasters. The tool uses Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCSs) to forecast dramatic changes in pollution patterns, allowing for more informed decision-making about controlling spills.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2012

Next stop, Mount Everest

A UC Riverside Ph.D. candidate will attempt to summit Mount Everest for the second time, this time as part of his dissertation research on Himalayan mountaineering communities. His research focuses on the types of communities climbers create and the transformation of Sherpa society after decades of aiding international climbers.

Birds of a feather don't always stick together

A new study reveals that pigeons' visible traits don't necessarily coincide with their genetic makeup, defying expectations. The research analyzed over 350 breeds and found that birds from different breeds can share similar traits, even if they are not closely related genetically.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 19, 2012

Efforts to control the 'Mighty Mississippi' result in flooded farmland and permanent damage

The deliberate flooding of the Mississippi River resulted in extensive agricultural damage due to strong currents and sweeping waters. The US Army Corps of Engineers' plan to breach levees was put into action after a court decision, but the initial force of the floodwater caused more damage than predicted.

Some answers about orthotics

A recent study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that over-the-counter orthotics can significantly reduce plantar fascia strain, with an average reduction of 34% in 17 out of 20 subjects. This could lead to improved treatment options for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Foot and Ankle Research·DateOct 31, 2011

Rising oceans -- too late to turn the tide?

A University of Arizona-led team found that rising sea levels during the Last Interglacial Period were primarily driven by melting ice sheets, rather than thermal expansion. The study suggests that even small amounts of warming may have committed to more ice sheet melting, and sea levels will continue to rise for a long time.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 15, 2011

Wind-turbine placement produces tenfold power increase, Caltech researchers say

Researchers at California Institute of Technology have discovered that optimizing wind turbine placement on a given plot of land can increase power output by an order of magnitude. By positioning turbines in close proximity and using vertical-axis wind turbines, the team found that energy loss due to aerodynamic interference between ne...

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJul 13, 2011

Study compares 2 types of botulinum toxin for cosmetic use

A randomized, double-blind study compared the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (onabotulinumtoxinA) and B (abobotulinumtoxinA) in reducing crow's feet wrinkles. AbobotulinumtoxinA was found to produce a greater effect when participants contracted their muscles, but no significant difference was seen at rest. The study suggests that a...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJun 20, 2011

Tarantulas shoot silk from feet

Researchers Claire Rind and Luke Birkett discovered tarantulas shoot silk from their feet when they lose their footing. The silk is produced by microscopic spigots on the spiders' feet, which are distributed across the foot's surface.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 16, 2011

Study shows living at high altitude reduces risk of dying from heart disease

Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that people living at high altitudes have a lower chance of dying from ischemic heart disease and tend to live longer than others. Lower oxygen levels may spur genes to create blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart disease deaths.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 25, 2011

The physics of bank shots

A study by NC State University researchers found that bank shots are more effective than direct shots, especially from 12 feet away or in the 'wing' areas between the three-point line and free-throw lane. The optimal aim points create a 'V' shape near the top center of the backboard.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports·DateMar 10, 2011