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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 126


Page 126 of 333

Plenty of dark matter near the Sun

A new technique has revealed a significant amount of dark matter near the Sun, contradicting previous studies that found less. The researchers used a simulation of the Milky Way to test their method and obtained a high measure of local dark matter density.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 9, 2012

Banks' cash stash: No shield against bankruptcy

A recent study published in European Physical Journal B found that imposing minimum capital levels for banks may trigger a widespread banking system collapse. The researchers' model showed that the effect of a single insolvency can trigger an avalanche in the banking system, leading to larger crises.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 9, 2012

Freezing magnetic monopoles

Researchers have created a framework for stabilizing magnetic monopoles, which could lead to breakthroughs in data storage. The discovery was made possible by studying spin ice materials at low temperatures, where frustration among magnetic atoms leads to the formation of unpaired poles.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 9, 2012

Looking to lose weight?

A new study published in Nutrition Journal found that reducing calorie intake, regardless of whether it comes from table sugar or high fructose corn syrup, leads to similar weight loss outcomes. The research debunks the notion that one type of added sugar is more detrimental to weight loss than others.

SourceFleishman-Hillard, Inc.·JournalNutrition Journal·DateAug 9, 2012

Blood test for Alzheimer's gaining ground

Scientists have identified a group of blood markers that show consistent findings in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The study found four proteins that correlated with beta-amyloid levels in cerebrospinal fluid, providing potential clues for an early diagnosis.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNeurology·DateAug 9, 2012

He/she, him/her – a sign of women's place in society?

A study by Jean Twenge and colleagues found that the use of female pronouns in books increased as women's status rose, particularly after 1968. The analysis revealed a correlation between the frequency of female pronouns and women's educational attainment, labor force participation, and delayed marriage.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateAug 9, 2012

Urban poor plagued by 'burdens of place'

A study by Michigan State University scholars reveals that poor urban residents travel long distances for healthy food due to inadequate access to amenities. The research highlights the disproportionate impact of urban planning on low-income communities, leading to higher rates of obesity and related health problems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Urban Design·DateAug 9, 2012

Why living in the moment is impossible

A study at the University of Pittsburgh has identified a brain area responsible for using past decisions and outcomes to guide future behavior, suggesting that living in the moment is impossible due to the need for continuity of thought. The frontal eye field and supplementary eye field were found to play key roles in metacognition.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNeuron·DateAug 9, 2012

You snooze, you lose

Researchers found that the most active males interacted with females and sired the most offspring, challenging the common view that reduced performance is an evolutionarily inescapable outcome of sleep loss. Despite this deficit, successful males returned to the breeding area more often and were more likely to sire offspring in their s...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2012

Wireless power for the price of a penny

Researchers have developed a wireless power device called rectenna that can harness energy from smartphones and transmit it to nearby objects. The device is priced at just one penny per unit and has the potential to revolutionize daily interactions with everyday objects.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateAug 9, 2012

Carnegie Mellon study shows skin-aging radicals age naturally formed particles in the air

A study by Carnegie Mellon University reveals that biogenic particles formed from pine tree emissions are chemically transformed by free radicals, altering their properties and concentrations. This finding can help improve climate and air quality prediction models and enable regulatory agencies to make more effective decisions.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2012

Source of conflict: Study finds factors that can shape divorced mothers' co-parenting experiences

A Kansas State University expert's study reveals that relationship dynamics with ex-partners significantly impact co-parenting relationships. Mothers with contentious relationships often struggle with parenting styles, financial concerns, and control issues, while those with amicable relationships prioritize communication and shared re...

SourceKansas State University·JournalFamily Relations·DateAug 9, 2012

Doctors can now detect hard-to-diagnose prostate cancer

Researchers developed a new prostate cancer screening method that combines drug therapy with changes in PSA levels to identify men with high-risk prostate cancer. The study showed that using PSA with these drugs can help differentiate between prostate cancer and benign disease, even in patients with difficult diagnoses.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateAug 9, 2012