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Science News Archive August 2012 - Page 3


Page 3 of 29

Researchers identify potential treatment for cognitive effects of stress-related disorders

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a potential medical treatment for the cognitive effects of stress-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The experimental drug S107 prevented learning and memory deficits associated with stress-related disorders in a PTSD mouse model.

Heatwaves to move toward coasts, study finds

A new study by Scripps researchers suggests that California heatwaves are changing due to global warming, with more humid and intense heatwaves emerging in coastal areas. The increasing trend has significant implications for the state's population living near the ocean, who may not be prepared for extreme heat despite being accustomed ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 29, 2012

Mount Sinai researchers solve mystery surrounding the death of two sisters nearly 50 years ago

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified the genetic cause of Winchester syndrome, a rare and fatal bone disease, by studying frozen skin cells taken from a child in 1969. The MT1-MMP gene mutation leads to severe arthritis and osteoporosis, rendering patients incapable of movement without assistance.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 29, 2012

Sweet result from ALMA

Astronomers using ALMA detected glycolaldehyde, a simple form of sugar, in the gas surrounding a young binary star. This discovery suggests that the building blocks of life existed in this system at the time of planet formation.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 29, 2012

Sweet building blocks of life found around young star

Researchers have observed glycolaldehyde molecules, a simple form of sugar, in the gas surrounding a young star. This discovery suggests that the building blocks of life were already present during planet formation. The finding was made using the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) telescope and provides insights into the possibility...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 29, 2012

Soaking up the Sun

Researchers from Drexel University and The University of Pennsylvania are exploring ways to improve the efficiency, durability, and affordability of dye-sensitized solar panels. They aim to streamline electron transfer processes using carbon nanotubes and replace liquid electrolytes with more effective polymers.

Tracing the Paralympic movement's 'freak show' roots

Historical analysis reveals the Paralympic movement's problematic roots in 19th-century freak shows, where disability was objectified and exploited. Researcher Danielle Peers argues that the movement prioritizes able-bodied leaders over athletes' contributions, perpetuating paternalism and erasure.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues·DateAug 29, 2012

Twitter data crunching: The new crystal ball

Researchers from Northeastern University used Twitter data to analyze voting patterns in American Idol, predicting the outcome of votes with high accuracy. The study also identified geographical influences on voting patterns, suggesting that a different outcome might have occurred if voting had been open to international fans.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateAug 29, 2012

NIH media availability: Protein linked to increased risk of heart failure and death in older adults

Galectin-3 protein has been linked to an increased risk of heart failure and death in older adults, according to a new study. The study found that individuals with high levels of galectin-3 were more likely to experience heart failure, highlighting the potential for measuring blood levels as an early warning sign.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2012

Breakthrough in nanotechnology

UCF researchers have made a breakthrough in nanotechnology by developing nanoclusters that can diffuse high-energy laser beams. These tiny clusters of gold particles have the potential to protect pilots and sensitive equipment from destructive lasers, providing a new level of safety for these applications.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 29, 2012

Internet addiction -- Causes at the molecular level

A study by the University of Bonn found that a genetic variation on the CHRNA4 gene is associated with internet addiction. This variation occurs more frequently in women and may be related to social media use. The researchers hope their findings will lead to better therapies for online addiction.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateAug 29, 2012

When to worry about kids' temper tantrums

Researchers developed a new questionnaire to assess preschoolers' behavior, enabling early identification and treatment of emerging mental health problems. The study found that temper tantrums are not frequent among young children, occurring less than 10% of the time.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 2012

Potential methane reservoirs beneath Antarctica

A new study suggests that beneath Antarctica's ice sheet lies a massive potential methane reservoir, with estimates suggesting up to 400 billion tonnes of carbon. Microorganisms in sub-ice environments have been found to metabolize organic carbon into methane gas, which could be released during future ice-sheet collapse.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2012

Young children share rewards based on merit

Research published in PLOS ONE found that young children consider merit when sharing resources, taking into account the amount of work they contribute and their partner's contribution level. However, a self-serving bias was also observed, with few children giving away more than half of the reward even when their partner had worked more.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2012

Southern elephant seals likely detect prey bioluminescence for foraging

Research in southern Indian Ocean found increased bioluminescence correlates with higher foraging intensity in deep-sea predators, indicating that bioluminescence likely provides seals with valuable indications of prey occurrence. The study monitored diving behavior and light detector data from four female southern elephant seals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2012

Dinosaur abdominal contents reveal hunting prowess

The analysis of Sinocalliopteryx gigas' abdominal contents suggests that these dinosaurs were adept stealth hunters capable of tackling prey over a third their size. The study also found evidence of eating bird-like dinosaurs and primitive birds, providing new insights into their hunting behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2012