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Science News Archive April 2013 - Page 24


Page 24 of 32

Tin nanocrystals for the battery of the future

Researchers from ETH Zurich have created tin nanocrystals that can absorb and release lithium ions more effectively, leading to improved energy storage capacity. The smaller crystals are able to store more energy than larger ones, making them ideal for future lithium ion batteries.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 8, 2013

Environmental change triggers rapid evolution

A University of Leeds-led study found significant genetic changes in soil mites after just 15 generations, leading to doubling of age at adulthood and large population size changes. This research demonstrates the interconnectedness of ecology and evolution, with major implications for conservation and fisheries management.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 8, 2013

Arrhythmia drug may increase cancer risk

A new study found that long-term use of arrhythmia medication amiodarone may significantly increase the risk of developing certain cancers. Men and individuals taking high cumulative daily doses were more likely to develop cancer, with a 46% increased risk compared to those taking low doses.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 8, 2013

Surprising predictor of ecosystem chemistry

Carnegie scientists found that plant communities are stronger predictors of ecosystem chemistry than environmental conditions. The study used a new airborne instrument to map multiple ecosystem chemicals and found that plant composition explains up to 61% of variation in plant chemical traits.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2013

No map, no problems for monarchs

A team of scientists found that monarch butterflies use external cues like the sun and magnetic field as a built-in compass, but not an internal map. They funnelled towards their destination using major geographic landmarks.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2013

Reframing stress: Stage fright can be your friend

A new study found that encouraging people to reframe their natural bodily signals as helpful during stressful speaking tasks can improve performance. The study used the Trier Social Stress Test and found that participants who were prepped about the benefits of stress weathered the trial better, with increased blood flow and fewer physi...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateApr 8, 2013

Certain breast cancer patients may benefit from combined HER2 targeted therapy without chemotherapy

A subset of breast cancer patients with HER-2 positive tumors may benefit from a combination of targeted treatments that avoid chemotherapy. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, shows high efficacy in eradicating tumors and offers a groundbreaking approach to treatment without significant side effects.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 8, 2013

Ocean explorers want to get to the bottom of Galicia

A team of scientists and technicians led by Rice University is conducting a 45-day expedition in the North Atlantic to gather detailed information about the geology of the ocean basin. The $6 million project aims to study the Galicia rift, where sediment has not deeply buried formations that have existed at the bottom of the ocean for ...

Healthy doctors make healthy patients, study finds

Researchers at UBC and Israel discovered that compliant physicians lead to more patient adherence to screening and vaccination practices. The study found significant differences in patients of doctors who received flu shots and those who did not, highlighting the importance of healthcare professionals' health habits on their patients.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 2013

Cry me a river of possibility: Scientists design new adaptive material inspired by tears

Researchers at Harvard University developed a tunable material system that can adapt to different environments, functions like self-adjusting contact lenses, pipelines, and textile materials. The bioinspired material is a continuous liquid film that changes shape in response to deformation, offering fine control over various properties.

Tortuous paths hamper ion transport

Scientists have created a three-dimensional map of electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries, revealing their unique structures and impact on charging speeds. The study's findings suggest that using round particles instead of plate-like ones can significantly improve the battery's performance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 8, 2013

Children with autism leave 'silly' out

Research shows children with autism have difficulty imitating social behaviors and instead focus on efficient actions. Typically developing children, however, are more likely to copy unnecessary actions, a behavior known as overimitation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 8, 2013

'Spooky action at a distance' aboard the ISS

Scientists aim to develop first global quantum communication network by testing the limits of quantum entanglement using the International Space Station. The proposed experiment uses Bell's theorem and quantum key distribution to enable secure communication over long distances.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 8, 2013

Increased rates of hospitalization linked to elder abuse, Rush researchers find

A recent study by Rush researchers found that older adults subjected to elder abuse face a greater risk of hospitalization than their non-abused peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 6,600 community-dwelling older adults, showed that reported elder abuse was independently associated with increased rates of hospitalization.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 8, 2013

Personal preventive health practices of physicians can benefit patients

A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that physicians who followed recommended screening and vaccination practices had more likely patients to also follow these practices. The research involved 1488 physicians and their adult patients in Israel's largest health maintenance organization, Clalit Health Services.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 2013

How stepdads can avoid missteps

A Brigham Young University study identified three key factors for closeness in stepfamilies: keeping arguments to a minimum, motherly involvement, and parental agreement. This approach allows stepfathers to build strong bonds with their children despite financial or educational challenges.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocial Work·DateApr 8, 2013

Carbon's role in planetary atmosphere formation

Researchers discovered that iron carbonyl is the main form of carbon trapped in magmas on Mars, releasing carbon monoxide and methane gases. This finding suggests that early Mars' volcanism could have released enough greenhouse gases to warm the planet significantly.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2013