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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 152


Page 152 of 333

The magnetic sense

LMU researchers have identified magnetosensory cells in trout that detect the Earth's magnetic field and convert it into nerve impulses. The cells sense the field through micrometer-sized inclusions of magnetic crystals, which are coupled to the cell membrane.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2012

Hubble unmasks ghost galaxies

Astronomers discover that small dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way contain only a few stars and share the same birth date, indicating they were shut down by reionization. The relic galaxies provide evidence for a transitional phase in the early universe.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 10, 2012

Ferroelectricity on the nanoscale

Researchers mapped ferroelectric structural distortions in individual nanocrystals using the world's most powerful transmission electron microscope. The study indicates that a monodomain ferroelectric state remains stable down to dimensions of less than 10 nanometers, and room-temperature polarization flipping was demonstrated down to ...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 10, 2012

White LEDs directly on paper

Scientists successfully grow nanorods of zinc oxide on a thin layer of polydiethylflourene, creating white LEDs that can be printed on paper or wallpaper for display purposes. This breakthrough method uses chemical methods and has the potential to enable mass production of flexible electronics.

SourceLinköping University·Journalphysica status solidi (RRL) - Rapid Research Letters·DateJul 10, 2012

Not all brand-consumer relationships are created equal, says University of Toronto study

A University of Toronto study found that the type of relationship consumers form with brands influences their assessment of fairness. In exchange relationships, respectful treatment is more crucial in fair outcomes, while in communal relationships, it has less effect. Marketers must understand these dynamics to correct unfair outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 10, 2012

Grassroots approach to conservation developed

A University of Illinois researcher is testing a new model for conservation that involves raising awareness among private landowners about invasive species and providing strategies for moderate livestock grazing and controlled burns. The goal is to promote the growth of native wildlife habitats in the Grand River Grasslands, which has ...

Subtle goal reminders, known as primes, can offset hedonic effects of food and facilitate health behavior

Research suggests that adding words related to health and weight on posters, menus, or recipe cards can stimulate healthy food choices among dieters and overweight individuals. This technique has great potential as an intervention to help weight control, as it is unobtrusive, easy to implement, and low in cost.

Do people want to know if they are at risk for Alzheimer's disease?

Research finds that people at risk for early-onset Alzheimer's disease want to know their genetic profile, but struggle with the results. The study also reveals that the general population and those with a family history of late-onset AD tend to be motivated by fear and anxiety when considering genetic testing.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateJul 10, 2012

Tobacco use more prevalent among African-American adolescents living in public housing communities

A recent study found that African-American youths living in public housing communities are 2.3 times more likely to use tobacco than their peers. Early interventions, such as smoking cessation programs and addressing depressive symptoms, can help reverse positive attitudes towards tobacco use and reduce the risk of delinquent behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateJul 10, 2012

Why do low-income couples marry less and divorce more?

A new study suggests that government initiatives to strengthen low-income marriages should focus on addressing specific problems rather than promoting the institution of marriage. Low-income respondents reported similar romantic standards and experiences as high-income couples, despite facing unique economic and social issues.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 10, 2012

Mental health concerns should be integrated with development in LMICs

A case study on implementing the BasicNeeds model of mental health and development in Nepal found that user empowerment and community development are key to success. The model works in partnership with governments to provide essential services where mental health has not been a priority, leading to improved outcomes for users.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 10, 2012

UI researchers develop technique to help pollution forecasters see past clouds

University of Iowa scientists have created a technique to estimate cloud properties using remote sensing observations from satellites, correcting predictions of particle concentrations. This new method is expected to find immediate application in various activities, including air quality forecasting and climate projections.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2012

23andMe acquires CureTogether, Inc.

23andMe's acquisition of CureTogether expands its capacity for people-powered research and community-driven projects. The combined platforms will facilitate the sharing of genetic and phenotypic data to accelerate research discoveries.