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2 studies recognized for improving health policymaking

Research studies evaluated the impact of Massachusetts health reform on insurance coverage, access to care, and affordability, providing insights into system-wide changes. Another study identified the benefits and risks of relationships between physicians/scientists and industry, influencing policies and practices nationwide.

A*STAR scientists first to identify stem cell key to lung regeneration

Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore and Institute of Molecular Biology identify distal airway stem cells as the key to forming new alveoli, paving the way for novel therapies for respiratory diseases. The discovery provides insight into genes and secreted factors that can be used to enhance lung regeneration.

Step closer to cure for autoimmune disease

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a key gene that regulates the immune system, providing vital clues to reversing autoimmune diseases. The discovery is part of a $2 million grant to investigate new therapies for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 23, 2011

From lab to marketplace

The Ontario Genomics Institute has launched a new education program to enhance genomics research commercialization. The 'Leaders in the Lab' program aims to equip scientists with business skills and knowledge necessary to respond to market opportunities for Genomics research.

CSI-style investigation of meteorite hits on Earth

Researchers have discovered that meteorite impacts can produce rapid ground-hugging currents of gas and debris similar to pyroclastic density currents from explosive volcanoes. The study found that ash and dust particles stick together in a way identical to volcanic eruptions, leading to the formation of accretionary lapilli.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Journal of Geology·DateOct 18, 2011

NSF-funded database tracks water

A new $750,000 NSF-funded project is developing a searchable database to track water quality impacts from Marcellus Shale activity. The database will consolidate and update water data collected by various stakeholders, facilitating knowledge generation and community engagement.

Researchers question key quality measure for asthma

A study published in JAMA found that hospitals' compliance with the Children's Asthma Care measures had no impact on patient outcomes, including return to the hospital for another asthma attack. The researchers concluded that these measures may not be suitable for public reporting, accreditation, or pay-for-performance policies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateOct 4, 2011

Ion armageddon: Measuring the impact energy of highly charged ions

Researchers at NIST and Clemson University measured the energy of highly charged ion impacts on thin film surfaces, revealing that 27% of the remaining energy goes into changing the material's shape. This study aims to improve predictive models for surface damage and erosion in various industries, including fusion reactors.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 31, 2011

Striking ecological impact on Canada's Arctic coastline linked to global climate change

A recent study by Queen's University researchers reveals that the Arctic coastline is experiencing ecologically unprecedented impacts from global climate change. The team found that saltwater surges caused by rising sea levels have led to widespread die-off of coastal shrubs and dramatic changes in aquatic life.

SourceQueen's University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2011

A research study reveals deterioration in Mediterranean farmland patrimony

A research study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid finds that traditionally irrigated Mediterranean landscape has suffered loss of cultural and ecological patrimony due to modernization. The study highlights the need for multifunctionality in hydraulic policy and conservation efforts to preserve these valuable landscapes.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalScripta Nova Revista Electrónica de Geografía y Ciencias Sociales·DateFeb 28, 2011

Doing good with operations research

Karen Smilowitz and her team are applying operations research techniques to promote welfare and equity through efficient delivery of goods and services. They have worked with organizations such as the Mobile C.A.R.E. Foundation to develop models for matching donors and recipients, as well as designing collection and delivery routes.

Close proximity leads to better science

Researchers found that papers with authors in the same building were cited 45% more than those in different buildings. The closer first and last authors are located, the more impactful the paper is, according to a new Harvard study.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 15, 2010

New evidence of the power of open access

New evidence supports the power of open access in increasing citation impact for higher-quality research. The study found that mandatory and self-selected open access articles have similar citation impacts, contradicting the self-selection bias hypothesis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 18, 2010