Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 21


Page 21 of 30

Hydrogen from acidic water

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to create molecular analogs of the active part of molybdenite, a widely used industrial catalyst. This method holds promise for creating catalytic materials that can generate hydrogen gas from acidic water at lower costs and with greater efficiency.

Study shows fainting factor in cardiac arrests

A newly published study found that over a quarter of unexplained cardiac arrests occurred after patients experienced fainting, known as syncope. Patients also exhibited frequent chest pain and palpitations. The research suggests that fainting may be an opportunity to diagnose genetic disorders and prevent future sudden death.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Skin deep

Researchers from Harvard University found that shark skin's denticles create a low-pressure zone that enhances propulsion, reducing drag. Swimsuits with similar surface properties have no effect on swim speed.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Training in muscle power improves the functional capacity and quality of life of elderly people

Researchers found that 12-weeks of high-speed power training improves muscular power in older people. The study showed significant gains in neuromuscular and cardiovascular function, as well as improved functional capacity and quality of life. Power training is a promising measure for preventing or reducing loss of functional capacity ...

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalExperimental Gerontology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Fighting crimes against biodiversity

A team led by Dr Steven Le Comber used computer simulations and historical data to compare geographic profiling with existing methods for monitoring invasive species. The technique outperformed others, particularly when multiple sources were involved, suggesting its potential for controlling the spread of invasive species.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEcography·DateFeb 9, 2012

University of East Anglia research reveals why fishermen keep fishing despite dwindling catches

Researchers found that fishermen in wealthier countries are less likely to give up their trade due to subsidies and job satisfaction. In contrast, those in poorer countries with diversified livelihoods are more willing to leave the fishery. The study highlights the complexity of decision making and factors influencing willingness to ad...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2012

Digital photos could put kids at risk

A study found that geotagged photos of children on Flickr could be used to locate their homes, posing a significant risk to their safety and privacy. The researchers warn that parents should be cautious when posting personal photos online.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics·DateFeb 9, 2012

Tell me how you are -- and I know how long you will live

A 30-year study by University of Zurich researchers reveals a strong correlation between self-rated health and mortality risk, even after controlling for various factors. The study suggests that people with excellent health ratings have better chances of survival, indicating the importance of holistic approaches to healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2012

Kids show cultural gender bias

Children as young as preschool age tend to categorize objects as masculine, reflecting cultural and linguistic biases. The study found that bilingual children showed a different perspective on objects when speaking French, likely due to the language's structure and not necessarily their factual knowledge of biology.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateFeb 9, 2012

'Dark plasmons' transmit energy

Researchers at Rice University have created a way to print fine lines of gold nanoparticles on glass, allowing them to transmit signals over long distances using dark plasmons. This breakthrough enables efficient energy transfer on the micrometer scale, potentially improving optoelectronic devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 9, 2012

Study suggests that children of women exposed to chemotherapy for cancer treatment in pregnancy develop as well as children in the general population

A study found that children born to mothers who received chemotherapy during pregnancy have normal cognitive development and no significant differences in behavior, health, or hearing compared to the general population. However, premature birth was associated with lower cognitive scores.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Focus on self-improvement, rather than winning, benefits young athletes

A study by Michigan State University's Institute for the Study of Youth Sports found that coaches who prioritize player self-improvement over competition create a sense of teamwork, social skills, and identity among young athletes. The research suggests that focusing on player development can lead to positive outcomes in life skills an...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateFeb 9, 2012

Largest-ever gene study of Type 2 diabetes finds variants across many ethnic groups

A large-scale genetic screening of over 17,000 individuals with Type 2 diabetes and 70,000 control subjects identified nearly 40 gene variants associated with the disease. The study found that many gene variants overlap across multiple ethnic groups, providing new insights into the biological targets for developing more effective drugs.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2012

Integrated weed management best response to herbicide resistance

Increased use of glyphosate-type herbicides has led to a dramatic increase in genetically-resistant weeds, according to Penn State researchers. Integrated weed management programs, including planting cover crops and using mechanical control methods, can lower herbicide use by up to 94% while maintaining profit margins.

SourcePenn State·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 9, 2012

Financial burden of prescription drugs is dropping

The financial burden of prescription drugs is decreasing, with generic medications playing a key role. In 2008, over 8 million nonelderly Americans faced high drug-cost burdens, with nearly 1/4 living in families where out-of-pocket costs accounted for more than half of all healthcare expenses.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 8, 2012

Pitt study: Drug costs, not volume, cause regional differences in Medicare drug spending

A Pittsburgh study found that regional differences in Medicare drug spending are primarily due to the use of more expensive brand-name drugs, rather than volume. The study suggests that promoting the use of generic medications could lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and save Medicare money.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2012

Fasting weakens cancer in mice

A new study found that short fasting cycles can work as well as chemotherapy to treat cancer in mice, and combining both greatly improves survival rates. Fasting alone also effectively treated a majority of cancers tested in animals, including those from human cells.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2012