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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 143


Page 143 of 333

Hot nuclear matter

Researchers at RHIC and LHC collaborate to recreate extreme conditions of early universe, studying quarks and gluons in a nearly frictionless liquid. Theoretical approaches using string theory reveal intriguing connections between QGP and conventional plasmas, superconductors, and atoms.

Firms with political ties may be bad investment

Research suggests that firms with political connections often hold excess cash, which may be used to support politicians' agendas rather than maximize profit. Poor corporate governance and lack of transparency are also common in these firms, leading to a deadlock between minority shareholders and large shareholders.

Inaugural cross-disciplinary Public Participation in Scientific Research conference

The first cross-disciplinary conference on Public Participation in Scientific Research will bring together experts from various fields to share ideas and form new communities. Citizen science projects have recruited non-specialists to contribute to real scientific questions, multiplying data collection by orders of magnitude. The confe...

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJul 20, 2012

In utero exposure to diesel exhaust a possible risk factor for obesity

Research published in the FASEB Journal found that pregnant mice exposed to diesel exhaust were more likely to have obese offspring with insulin resistance. The study suggests a link between air pollution exposure in utero and metabolic disorders in adulthood. Males were particularly affected, while females only showed increased weight...

Better management of traumatic brain injury

Researchers identified two enzymes, t-PA and MMP-3, that promote injury severity following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Inhibiting these enzymes may protect the brain from TBI by blocking the activation of MMP-3, which causes damage. The study provides a promising therapeutic target for treating human TBI.

SourceMonash University·JournalBrain·DateJul 19, 2012

Understanding flirtation in negotiation, 'shooter bias,' love during marriage, and more

New studies examine the role of flirtation in negotiations, finding it signals self-interest and competitiveness; individuals concerned with future consequences exercise more and adopt healthier habits; shooter biases may be driven by interpersonal threats rather than culture or race; husbands and wives express love differently in marr...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 19, 2012

Debate ends: Everyone was right

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have developed a novel approach to count fluorescent molecules in a cluster, resolving the long-standing debate on centromere structure. By applying this method to yeast cells, they found that centromeric nucleosomes change their structure during cell division.

Blood vessel forming potential of stem cells from human placenta and umbilical cord blood

Researchers found that human placenta-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are more proliferative and better at forming new blood vessels than those derived from umbilical cord blood. The study, published in Cell Medicine, suggests that the placenta could be an abundant source of ECFCs for therapeutic use.

Menu labeling requirements lead to healthier options at chain restaurants

A new study found that menu labeling in King County, Washington, resulted in improved nutritional profiles for some chain restaurant entrées, with decreases in energy, saturated fat, and sodium content. However, the majority of entrées continued to exceed recommended guidelines, highlighting the need for more moderate options.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 19, 2012

Research funding targets bone health

A team of scientists led by Robert Young is working on developing small molecule compounds and nano-medicines that stimulate bone regeneration, aiming to improve understanding of bone renewal biology and promote bone repair and regeneration. The grant is part of a $7 million funding package targeting bone health research.

Study questions safety and effectiveness of common kidney disease drugs

A recent study has questioned the safety and effectiveness of commonly prescribed kidney disease drugs, which may cause unexpected harm to blood vessels. The study found that these drugs did not substantially reduce serum phosphorus levels and may be associated with cardiovascular problems in patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 19, 2012