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Science News Archive November 2012 - Page 16


Page 16 of 23

Timing of first menstrual cycle may be predictor of cardiovascular disease risk in women

A study of 1,638 women found that early menarche is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, as well as overall obesity in adulthood. The researchers suggest that targeting lifestyle interventions for high-risk women may help prevent metabolic consequences of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 14, 2012

Bored mink snack between meals, lie awake in bed

Researchers at PLOS ONE found that caged mink consume fewer food treats when exposed to stimulating environments, such as water for wading. The study also showed that these animals sleep more soundly, contradicting the common notion of boredom leading to increased wakefulness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2012

Melting glaciers raise sea level

A University of Innsbruck team assessed glacier contribution to sea level rise from 1902 to 2009, finding that melting glaciers caused about 11 cm of sea level increase. Glaciers' melt rates were surprisingly constant over time, with brief warm episodes leading to Arctic glacier retreat.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateNov 14, 2012

Remixed brain waves reveal soundtrack of the human brain

Researchers combine EEG and fMRI data to transform brain wave patterns into free-form music, providing a platform for scientists and artists to better understand the links between music and the human brain. The study reveals an improved method to reflect the physiological processes of the scale-free brain in music.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2012

Hebrew University researchers show how we can do math problems unconsciously

Researchers at Hebrew University have found that people can read and solve complex mathematical problems without being consciously aware of them. Using a technique called Continuous Flash Suppression (CFS), the team showed that participants could complete arithmetic tasks more quickly when they were unconsciously presented with equations.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2012

Enhancing breast cancer detection

Researchers have developed a new computer algorithm that analyzes thermal images of breasts to enhance breast cancer detection. The approach improved accuracy from 90% to 96% in tests on 28 patients, paving the way for future studies with larger patient groups.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Innovative Computing and Applications·DateNov 14, 2012

Transporting hypothermia victims to advanced heart and lung care facilities 'worth the trip'

A new study by a University of British Columbia medical resident found that hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest have a 50% chance of surviving if transported to a hospital with advanced heart and lung support equipment. Non-invasive rewarming techniques, such as hot air blankets, are recommended for mild cases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 14, 2012

Brain waves make waves

Researchers found that brain activity oscillates in sync with sounds we hear, influencing our ability to detect fleeting gaps in music. The study's findings suggest that the brain uses rhythmic fluctuations to prepare for important incoming information, potentially aiding individuals with hearing loss or stuttering.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2012

USC scientists 'clone' carbon nanotubes to unlock their potential for use in electronics

A team of USC researchers has successfully grown carbon nanotube semiconductors with predefined structures, paving the way for their potential use in future electronics. The breakthrough, known as 'nanotube cloning,' involves using pre-selected and separated carbon nanotubes as seeds to control the growth of longer nanotubes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 14, 2012

Study: Job autonomy, trust in leadership keys to improvement initiatives

Researchers from the University of Illinois found that frontline employees are more likely to commit to continuous improvement initiatives if they perceive high job autonomy and trust their leaders. Employees need a sense of control over their work environment to be motivated to improve, and leadership must provide support for this mot...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOperations Management Research·DateNov 14, 2012

PCBs, other pollutants may play role in pregnancy delay

A preliminary study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that couples with high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and similar environmental pollutants take longer to achieve pregnancy. The study suggests a possible link between exposure to these pollutants and pregnancy delay.

Study investigates headshaking in horses

A recent study led by academics from the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences found that caudal compression of the infraorbital nerve can be a viable option for headshaking in horses. The procedure showed a nearly 50% long-term success rate, offering a promising alternative to euthanasia.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEquine Veterinary Journal·DateNov 14, 2012

Why yawning is contagious in bonobos

Research published in PLOS ONE found that bonobos yawn more contagiously when closely related or relaxed, while senior group members trigger yawns regardless of context. This social component suggests empathy plays a role in shaping yawning behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2012

Smoking affects allergy-relevant stem cells

A recent study published in the British medical journal 'Clinical & Experimental Allergy' found that children with skin manifestations have increased levels of eosinophil progenitors in their blood. Exposure to environmental contaminants, such as cigarette smoke, was also linked to higher levels of allergy-relevant stem cells.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateNov 14, 2012