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Science News for December 6, 2013


Decreased diversity of bacteria microbiome in the gut is associated with risk of colorectal cancer

A new study found that decreased bacterial diversity in the gut is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The research, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that a reduced variety of gut microbiota may contribute to the development of CRC.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 6, 2013

1 percent of the population is responsible for 63 percent of violent crime convictions

A recent study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that 1 percent of the Swedish population is responsible for 63 percent of violent crime convictions. The study analyzed data from 2.5 million individuals and found that those with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are more li...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateDec 6, 2013

Coal yields plenty of graphene quantum dots

Rice University scientists have discovered a simple method for producing graphene quantum dots in bulk from coal, opening up new opportunities for medical imaging, sensing, and electronic applications. The process allows for control over the size of the dots, which can be tuned to produce different fluorescent wavelengths.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2013

NIST calibration tools to encourage use of novel medical imaging technique

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed prototype calibration tools for ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF-MRI), a technique that provides new contrast mechanisms and practical advantages. The ULF-MRI phantoms are designed to allow direct comparison of performance between ULF-MRI and clinica...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMagnetic Resonance in Medicine·DateDec 6, 2013

The heat is on...or off

Researchers use existing IT infrastructure to monitor office occupancy and adjust temperature controls, reducing energy waste. The approach involves analyzing network addresses and device activity to estimate user locations, enabling more efficient heating and cooling systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems·DateDec 6, 2013

Quality of biodiversity, not just quantity, is key

A new study by Duke University and University of Massachusetts at Boston found that preserving the right mix of species is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. The research showed that removing key species can have profound impacts on ecosystem health, highlighting the importance of biodiversity quality over quantity.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2013

Who's patenting whose genome?

A new public resource, The Lens, brings transparency to gene patenting by analyzing over 120 million DNA sequences and 10 million protein sequences from global patent documents. Researchers can explore who has sought patents on genes and proteins in any organism, promoting a transparent and fair society.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 6, 2013