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The scientific legacy of colonialism in Africa

A study by researchers at the University of Lomé suggests that African nations with a British colonial legacy have superior enrolment levels in higher education, leading to increased scientific productivity. The analysis also highlights the impact of language on scientific achievements, with English being a key factor.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Education Economics and Development·DateMar 19, 2014

Community action not enough to reduce problem drinking and related harms

A cluster randomized controlled trial in 20 communities found no significant difference in alcohol-related harms between intervention and control groups, despite reported reductions in self-reported average weekly consumption of alcohol. The study suggests that community action alone may not be sufficient to reduce problem drinking and...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 11, 2014

Tree branch filters water

Researchers found that pine tree sapwood can filter out more than 99% of E. coli bacteria from contaminated water, but has a particle size limit. The small-branch filtration system produced clean drinking water suitable for one person per day.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2014

Plastic shopping bags make a fine diesel fuel, researchers report

A new study by University of Illinois researchers finds that plastic shopping bags can be converted into diesel fuel, producing significantly more energy than required. The conversion process produces usable petroleum products, including natural gas and gasoline, making it a potential sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFuel Processing Technology·DateFeb 12, 2014

New study shows core factors and strategies to turn primary care practices into PCMHs

A new study by Joslin Diabetes Center identified three core factors and thirteen strategies to increase buy-in from practice teams in transitioning to Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs). The findings emphasize the importance of effective communication, resource utilization, team environment, defined work roles, and targeted resources.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2014

NSA pursues quantum technology

The NSA is developing quantum computers to factorize large numbers and decipher encryption keys, posing a threat to modern internet security. The $79.7m project aims to break banking transactions, private messages, and government files.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJan 30, 2014

Do doctors spend too much time looking at computer screen?

A study by Northwestern University found that doctors who use electronic health records in the exam room spend about a third of their visits looking at computers, leading to missed nonverbal cues. The study suggests that interactive screen sharing could improve doctor-patient interaction and contribute to better-designed technology.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateJan 24, 2014

Joslin finds metabolic clues to diabetic kidney failure

A recent study by Joslin Diabetes Center researchers has identified key metabolic factors that may contribute to diabetic kidney failure. The study found increased levels of uremic solutes and myo-inositol in patients who developed end-stage renal disease, suggesting a potential link between tubular injury and kidney failure.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalKidney International·DateJan 15, 2014

Researchers find substantial drop in use of affirmative action in college admissions

Researchers found a substantial drop in the use of affirmative action in college admissions from 1992 to 2004. Selective public colleges in states affected by statewide bans or judicial rulings significantly reduced their affirmative action policies, whereas others continued to prioritize minority applicants.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateJan 13, 2014

Free public education that pays for itself?

A new study by Dr. Mark Reiff suggests a radical approach to funding public higher education: students pay a fixed percentage of their income after graduation, while investors receive a share of the cohort's average income. This system, called 'education securities,' could provide affordable education for all and relieve governments of...

SourceSAGE·JournalTheory and Research in Education·DateJan 9, 2014

Living at home with dementia

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that most people with dementia living at home have multiple unmet health and welfare needs. Routine assessments and interventions in safety, medical care, and supportive services can help keep patients at home longer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 19, 2013