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Science News Archive May 2012 - Page 26


Page 26 of 31

Climatic effects of a solar minimum

Researchers found a direct solar-climate linkage on centennial timescales using sediment analysis from Lake Meerfelder Maar. The study suggests a mechanism explaining the relation between weak sun and climate change, with positive feedback effects.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 6, 2012

The energy efficient soldier

A five-year grant from the US Army will support research on multiscale modeling of electronic materials. The University of Utah-led consortium aims to design new materials that can reduce the weight and increase the energy efficiency of devices, enabling soldiers to carry more equipment without excessive battery weight.

Higher risk of birth defects from assisted reproduction

A University of Adelaide study found a significant association between assisted reproduction and major birth defects, with IVF and ICSI carrying higher risks. The study also identified cryopreservation as a protective factor, while clomiphene citrate use outside of supervised clinical settings tripled the risk of birth defects.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 5, 2012

Expensive hospital readmissions linked to health-care-associated infections

A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found a strong link between healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and patient readmission after an initial hospital stay. Patients with positive clinical cultures for MRSA, VRE or C. difficile were 40% more likely to be readmitted within a year.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMay 4, 2012

Spotlight on Sentinel-2

The upcoming Sentinel-2 mission will fill the gap in research and operations, providing frequent coverage and high-resolution imagery. This will enable the monitoring of land cover, forests, agriculture, and glaciers, leading to better management of the environment and understanding of climate change.

Different recipes for success in the world of plants

Researchers found that non-native plant species use different strategies, such as blooming later in the year and occupying specific habitats, to increase their frequency of occurrence. This differentiation is important for understanding modern ecosystems and recognizing potential dangers from introduced species.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 4, 2012

Sunlight and air powers access to sterile water

Researchers at the University of Hull are developing a system to produce constant supplies of sterile water, eliminating the need for chemicals or electricity in remote communities. The device uses porphyrin molecules that react to sunlight to kill bacteria and parasites, making the water safe for healing wounds.

Analyzing energy potential

Researchers develop data logger to analyze and harness energy from vibrations, enabling wearable devices, IoT systems, and industrial applications. The technology replaces traditional battery-powered devices with sustainable energy harvesting.

Scientists aim to kill lung tumors

Researchers have identified a molecule, PDE4, that plays a key role in regulating the division of tumor cells and blood vessel growth in lung cancer. By blocking PDE4, they were able to significantly reduce tumor growth in laboratory experiments and mouse models.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalOncogene·DateMay 4, 2012

Mitigating disasters by hunting down Dragon Kings

Researchers aim to predict Dragon Kings, statistical anomalies in natural disasters, using advanced statistical analysis. They have identified empirical evidence in abnormal rainfall, hurricanes, and sudden events.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateMay 3, 2012

Sloppy shipping of human retina leads IU researchers to discover new treatment path for eye disease

A serendipitous accident in shipping a donated human retina led to the discovery of a previously undetected mechanism causing choroidal neovascularization, a leading cause of vision loss. Researchers found that adhesion defects play a crucial role in maintaining the retina's structure and preventing blood vessel invasion.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 3, 2012