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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 15


Page 15 of 30

Plasmas torn apart

Researchers Auna Moser and Paul Bellan observed a surprising phenomenon in lab experiments that provides clues to the origin of solar flares. The discovery reveals a connection between kink instability and Rayleigh-Taylor instability, which are two distinct phenomena occurring at different scales.

Climate change threatens tropical birds

A recent review of 200 scientific studies warns that climate change and habitat loss will drive tropical bird extinctions, with 87% of bird species spending time in the tropics. The study predicts 600-900 land bird species may go extinct by 2100, highlighting birds as 'canaries in the coal mine' for ecosystem changes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateFeb 15, 2012

Autoinjectors offer way to treat prolonged seizures

A study sponsored by NIH found that intramuscular injection of anticonvulsant drugs, like midazolam, is as safe and effective as giving medicine directly into a vein. This method may be faster and more reliable, especially for patients having convulsions, reducing the risk of severe consequences if seizures are not stopped quickly.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2012

Identifying poverty levels requires accurate measurements

A University of Illinois study found that a simplified equation to calculate income loss fails to recognize household substitution effects, leading to overestimation of poverty rates. By accounting for these effects, the study provides a more accurate measure of income loss and its implications for policy responses.

Low-carbon technologies 'no quick-fix', say researchers

New research published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that low-carbon technologies will initially increase emissions due to their high energy requirements. The study indicates that substantial reductions in greenhouse gases won't be achieved until the latter part of this century.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 15, 2012

Only the lowest CO2 emitting technologies can avoid a hot end-of-century

Researchers found that replacing coal-fired electricity plants with lower-emitting technologies like solar, wind, or nuclear power requires a rapid transition and conservation efforts to achieve substantial benefits by the end of the century. However, it takes much longer for the climate system to respond to emissions reductions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 15, 2012

Autism affects motor skills, study indicates

A study published in Autism found that 83% of children with autism spectrum disorder were below average in motor skills, while their siblings scored in the normal range. The researchers suggest that genes play a role in these impairments, potentially explaining the association between motor coordination and social responsiveness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAutism·DateFeb 15, 2012

JCEDM special issue on innovations in CEDM now online

A two-part special issue of the Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making is available online, highlighting recent CEDM-related research and practice in various application domains. The issue features articles on psychological principles, human-technology interactions, and cognitive engineering methodological enhancements.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·JournalJournal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making·DateFeb 15, 2012

Toyota recalls made no dent on their brand

A study from North Carolina State University found that Toyota's safety-related recalls in 2009 made no significant dent in consumer perceptions of the brand. The average price of affected vehicles declined by approximately 2% relative to comparable models, a finding within the statistical margin-of-error.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Economics & Management Strategy·DateFeb 15, 2012

Time of year important in projections of climate change effects on ecosystems

A recent study published in PNAS found that droughts and heat waves affect grass growth differently across the months. Researchers analyzed over 25 years of data from Kansas prairie long-term ecological research site to identify variation in timing and magnitude of droughts and heat waves. The results highlight the importance of consid...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2012

Wayne State-licensed technology receives grant from the Foundation Fighting Blindness

A novel gene-therapy approach to restore vision in people with blindness caused by age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa has attracted additional funding. The technology, developed at Wayne State University, uses a virus to deliver a photoreceptor gene from green algae, restoring light sensitivity to retinas.

Goat kids can develop accents

Researchers found that goat kids modify their calls according to social surroundings, developing similar 'accents' as they grow older. The study reveals a possible early pathway in the evolution of vocal communication and highlights cognitive abilities in domestic animals.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateFeb 15, 2012

Complexities in caregiving at the end of life

A new study reveals that palliative care is more nuanced than expected, incorporating aspects like bodily care, contact, environment, and rituals. Researchers found three key areas often overlooked in palliative care: bodily care and contact, secure and aesthetic environments, and death-related rituals.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2012

Springer to publish open access journal with Korea Concrete Institute

The International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials will be published as a fully sponsored open access journal by Springer, providing state-of-the-art information on concrete-related subjects. The journal will cover various aspects of concrete research, including material science, construction, and analysis.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials·DateFeb 15, 2012