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Science News for April 21, 2010


Bizarre matter could find use in quantum computers

Physicists at Rice University and Princeton University have found that ultracold mixes of electrons can have 'topological' properties making them immune to information degradation in quantum computers. The discovery could pave the way for the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 21, 2010

Caltech researchers create 'sound bullets'

Researchers at Caltech develop a nonlinear acoustic lens producing highly focused sound bullets for advanced medical imaging, nondestructive evaluation, and potentially even cancer treatment. The device exploits particle contacts to create compact acoustic pulses with high amplitude and low distortion.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2010

A smart way to charge up

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute have developed a smart charging station that enables electric vehicles to recharge during periods of low energy demand and high renewable energy production. This system aims to reduce peak loads and maximize the contribution of solar and wind power.

All-volunteer US military still offers a pathway for young men

Research published in Social Science Quarterly finds that young men from lower-income families and with poor grades are more likely to join the military, citing enhanced life chances. The study suggests that military service may help minimize social inequalities and provide a positive turning point for those at risk.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateApr 21, 2010

Color-blind racial ideology linked to racism, both online and offline

A study by University of Illinois professor Brendesha Tynes found that white students with color-blind racial attitudes were more likely not to be offended by racially themed party images, while African-Americans were more likely to be bothered. The research suggests that color-blind racial ideology is detrimental to race relations on ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Diversity in Higher Education·DateApr 21, 2010

Water, fair and foul

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an optimal UV wavelength to keep water clean of microorganisms, preventing health threats and reducing bio-fouling. This approach could be used in water treatment plants and desalination facilities to make them more efficient and reduce costs.

Framingham risk assessment doesn't accurately predict coronary artery disease, study suggests

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that the Framingham risk assessment tool has limited sensitivity in detecting coronary artery disease. In fact, simple observation of coronary calcium presence using CT scans was more effective in identifying patients with substantial atherosclerosis.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 21, 2010

Tough girl or sidechick?

A study of female characters in American action films reveals that over 58% are portrayed as submissive to male heroes, while 42% are romantically involved with them. Despite appearances of empowerment, these women often rely on masculine norms and re-articulate gender stereotypes

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateApr 21, 2010

NIH-led interagency group identifies research needs to study climate change and human health impacts

A recent NIH-led interagency group report highlights 11 key categories of diseases affected by climate change, including respiratory problems, mental health issues, and cardiovascular disease. The report provides a starting point for federal research to better understand the impact of climate change on human health.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 21, 2010

CCTA: Cost-effective, noninvasive alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of significant CAD

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization, reducing costs by $789 per patient and radiation exposure by minimal amounts. The study suggests that CCTA can effectively triage patients with low CAD risk, potentially eliminating the need for cardiac catheterization.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 21, 2010

Long-distance journeys are out of fashion

Research on blackcap birds found that strong directional selection for lower migratory activity leads to the evolution of partial migratory populations and finally, to non-migratory birds. This reduction in migration distance saves energy and time, allowing birds to occupy better breeding territories and produce multiple broods.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2010

Student research team sequences genome of bacterium discovered in Virginia Tech garden

A team of Virginia Tech students sequenced the genome of a previously unknown bacterium isolated from the university's garden. The nonpathogenic strain belongs to Pseudomonas syringae and has similarities to closely related pathogens, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential for controlling devastating diseases like snap...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateApr 21, 2010

Children who lose a parent to suicide more likely to die the same way

A study led by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children who lose a parent to suicide are three times more likely to commit suicide than those with living parents. The researchers also found that these children are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for depression and have an increased risk of committing violent crimes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 21, 2010

Cane toad accelerometry and more

This study uses accelerometry to measure the energy expenditure of cane toads, revealing a higher metabolic rate than previously thought. The research provides valuable data for predictive models to optimize control efficiency in invasive species management.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2010

Do pressures to publish increase scientists' bias?

A new study analyzes over 1300 papers and finds that researchers based in more productive US states are more likely to report positive results, suggesting a bias towards 'publishable' findings. The results raise concerns about the impact of academic competition on scientific quality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2010

University of Nevada School of Medicine physiology professor earns $1.2 million grant over four years to study motility of internal anal sphincter muscle

Professor Kathleen Keef is awarded a four-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Institute of Health to investigate the control of motility in the internal anal sphincter. This research has significant implications for fecal incontinence, affecting millions of Americans and leading to various quality-of-life issues.

New solar concentrator design

Researchers at University of California, San Diego developed a new solar concentrator design that minimizes materials, alignment, and assembly costs. The innovative system collects sunlight with thousands of small lenses imprinted on a common sheet, reducing the need for individual photovoltaic cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 21, 2010

Knowledge is power in Penn State blood pressure study

A study led by Penn State researchers found that an educational intervention, combined with home blood pressure monitoring, significantly improved patient knowledge and has the potential to lower blood pressure. The project aims to empower patients with high blood pressure to take control of their health.