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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 7


Page 7 of 32

The brains behind skaters

A new study reveals that short-track speed skaters' brains undergo significant structural adaptations in response to training, particularly in the right hemisphere of the cerebellum. This results in enhanced balance and coordination abilities, essential for high-speed cornering and passing on ice.

A 24-karat gold key to unlock the immune system

Researchers at Tel Aviv University create gold nanoparticles that trigger an immune response when coated with specific chemical residues, revealing a key link between hydrophobicity and immune system activation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve drug delivery systems and lead to more effective medications and vaccinations.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 26, 2012

Size matters: Large Marine Protected Areas work for dolphins

A study by ecologists in New Zealand found that a 1170 km2 marine sanctuary significantly improved survival of Hector's dolphins, one of the rarest dolphin species. The research revealed a 5.4% increase in survival rates since the Marine Protected Area was designated in 1988.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 26, 2012

Novel drug in pill form safer than standard approach to treat blocked lung blood vessels

A new study found that the novel oral anti-coagulant rivaroxaban is as effective as traditional treatment for blocked lung blood vessels, with lower rates of major bleeding. The EINSTEIN-PE trial compared rivaroxaban to standard therapy and demonstrated its non-inferiority in treating pulmonary embolism.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 26, 2012

Not your average heat shield

Researchers have developed a 'thermal' approach to invisibility cloaking that isolates or cloaks objects from sources of heat. The method uses transformation optics to control thermal diffusion, allowing for the shielding of areas from heat and the concentration of heat in small volumes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 26, 2012

Stand up: Your life could depend on it

A study of over 200,000 people found that adults who sat for 11 hours or more per day had a 40% increased risk of dying in the next three years. Regular physical activity can still reduce this risk, but avoiding prolonged sitting is also crucial.

SourceSax Institute·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Wind energy enhancement: UC research establishes real-world wind turbine performance metrics

University of Cincinnati researchers have developed predictive software to analyze two years' worth of operating data from a commercial wind turbine, identifying key components with high failure rates and average downtime. The study aims to establish real-world performance metrics for turbines, enabling optimal scheduling of maintenanc...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Renewable Energy·DateMar 26, 2012

State of the planet

Key indicators of the planet's state include higher carbon dioxide levels, rising air and ocean temperatures, melting sea ice and permafrost, and biodiversity loss. Scientists warn that if trends are not reversed, critical thresholds will be pushed beyond, leading to catastrophic consequences.

When ions get closer

Researchers discovered a previously unknown phenomenon in quantum plasmas, enabling positively charged particles to form atom-like structures. This discovery accelerates current conduction, potentially revolutionizing nanotechnology and applications such as micro-chips and semiconductors.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 26, 2012

More frequently eating chocolate appears related to lower BMI

A study of 1018 adults found that those who consumed chocolate more frequently had a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to those who ate it less often. The researchers also found a positive association between chocolate consumption and improved metabolic health, including lower blood pressure and insulin sensitivity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Simple, cheap way to mass-produce graphene nanosheets

A new method for mass-producing high-quality graphene nanosheets has been developed by researchers, enabling the production of sheets at a lower cost than current methods. The technique uses dry ice and an industrial process to create flakes of graphite with opened-up edges, making them soluble in solvents and allowing for easy separat...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2012

Penn study reveals safety of CT scans for rapid rule out of heart attacks in ER chest pain patients

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that highly detailed CT scans can safely and quickly rule out heart attacks among many patients with chest pain. The study found that patients with negative CT scans can be discharged from the hospital within hours, reducing costs and emergency room crowding.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Early-life exposure to secondhand smoke affects girls more than boys, new study suggests

A new study from the University of Cincinnati found that children exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke who also had allergic sensitizations during early childhood are at greater risk for decreased lung function. Lung function among girls was six times worse than in boys who were exposed to similar levels of both secondhand smoke ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateMar 26, 2012

Lowering LDL, the earlier the better

New research shows that lowering LDL cholesterol beginning early in life can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. The study found that a consistent 50-60% reduction in CHD risk was associated with each 1 mmol/L lower lifetime exposure to LDL cholesterol.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 26, 2012

Top priorities in biodiversity science agreed

International experts agree on the need to better understand biodiversity loss and its impact on ecosystem services, which are crucial for human well-being. The new framework sets out a strategy to address biodiversity-related research efforts and inform policy decisions.