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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 12


Page 12 of 29

$3.5 million grant helps teachers help students

A new study will test a professional development program called CARE for Teachers, which aims to enhance teachers' social and emotional competence. The program provides emotion skills instruction, mindfulness practices, and caring techniques to promote empathy and compassion in the classroom.

Study: Insomnia takes toll on tinnitus patients

A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found a significant association between insomnia and the severity of perceived tinnitus symptoms. Patients with insomnia reported greater emotional distress from tinnitus, highlighting the need for evaluation and treatment of insomnia patients to reduce tinnitus symptom severity.

Exploring Earth: From surface to sea

Researchers used gravity and seismic geophysical methods to study the San Juan volcanic field in Colorado, revealing new constraints on its development. In Alaska, subducting plate geology was studied during three great earthquake ruptures, providing insights into tsunamis and future earthquake hazards.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateApr 19, 2012

Study finds cancer-fighting goodness in cholesterol

Researchers at Simon Fraser University found that cholesterol-binding proteins called ORPs can control cell growth, potentially slowing down cancer cells. Genetic changes blocked the ability of these proteins to bind cholesterol, but altered ORPs actually stimulated cell growth by activating regulator proteins.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 19, 2012

Most detailed maps yet of Africa's groundwater

The study estimates the total volume of groundwater in Africa to be around 0.66 million km3, sufficient for hand pumps to supply drinking water in many populated areas. However, high-yielding boreholes are limited to specific regions, and a careful approach is needed to ensure successful development.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 19, 2012

Female prisoners more obese than general female population except in UK, whereas male prisoners are on average slimmer than the general male population

A systematic analysis of prison populations worldwide shows that female prisoners are more obese than the general female population apart from in the UK, while male prisoners are slimmer. The study highlights the importance of addressing public health risk factors in vulnerable populations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 19, 2012

Kidney care reports don't line up with care billed by physicians

A study found that information on a mandatory Medicare form regarding kidney disease patients' care doesn't accurately reflect the actual care billed by physicians. The report's accuracy varies by patient characteristics and declines over time, emphasizing the need for improved reporting to ensure public health surveillance and planning.

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

New stem cell found in the brain

Researchers at Lund University have identified a new stem cell in the adult brain that can proliferate and form several different cell types, including new brain cells. The discovery has great potential for developing methods to heal and repair brain injury and disease.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 19, 2012

Inequality and investment bubbles

Research by physics professor Victor Yakovenko links income inequality with bursting financial bubbles. He models income distribution using statistical physics, finding a long tail in the upper 3% of incomes that correlates with investment downturns.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateApr 19, 2012