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Reducing avoidable rehospitalizations among seniors

A three-pronged intervention combining standardized admission templates, palliative care consultations, and root-cause-analysis conferences improves discharge disposition among senior patients. The rate of patient rehospitalization falls from 16.5% to 13.3%, while discharges to home increase from 68.6% to 73.0%.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 13, 2011

New software to support interest in extreme science

The University of Chicago's Flash Center has released a new version of supercomputer code, FLASH 4-alpha, with enhanced capabilities for simulating high-energy density physics experiments. This will enable researchers at universities and national facilities to investigate fundamental properties of matter under extreme conditions.

Expanding the degrees of surface freezing

Scientists have found that molecules in thin films remain frozen at a temperature where the bulk material is molten. This phenomenon, known as surface freezing, occurs at the buried interface between bulk liquids and solid surfaces, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius above the melting point of the bulk material.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 31, 2011

Bats worth billions to agriculture

A recent study reveals that bats save the US agricultural industry at least $3 billion a year by controlling insect pests. The analysis also warns of potential losses due to white-nose syndrome and wind-energy facility fatalities, emphasizing the need for bat conservation.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2011

Study shows that counselling-led by a lay person works well for depression and anxiety in public health facilities in Goa, India (MANAS trial)

A cluster randomised trial found that a collaborative stepped-care intervention led by lay health counsellors significantly improved recovery rates from common mental disorders among patients attending public primary care facilities. The intervention showed a greater effect in public facilities compared to private ones.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 13, 2010

More talk, less agreement: Risk discussion can hurt consensus-building on science/technology

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that discussing risks associated with scientific endeavors can make people more entrenched in their viewpoints and less open to others' perspectives. The research found that individuals who oppose a facility are more likely to become even more opposed after discussion, while thos...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateNov 4, 2010

Jargon-busting software bridges the knowledge gap

Researchers have developed a tool that uses artificial intelligence to provide additional information on complex terms, bridging the semantic gap and improving communication. The approach has been successfully tested in an English composition class, where students could access explanations of teacher-used terminology.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Information and Database Systems·DateJul 14, 2010

Preventable bloodstream infections still a problem in hospitals, infection prevention group finds

A survey of infection preventionists found that half agree catheter-related bloodstream infections are a problem in their facilities due to lack of time, resources, and leadership commitment. Many hospitals have seen dramatic declines in rates but still report difficulty implementing best practices to avoid these infections.

Tracing Listeria monocytogenes in a commercial chicken cooking plant

A 21-month study found that incoming raw poultry is the primary source of Listeria monocytogenes contamination in commercial chicken cooking plants. The research team tracked sources of contamination, including employees, fresh air, and the surrounding environment, and found that floor drains were consistently positive for the bacteria.