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Science News for February 18, 2013


Caffeine linked to low birth weight babies

Research published in BMC Medicine found that caffeine from all sources reduces birth weight and increases pregnancy length by 5 hours per day. Caffeine intake from coffee was associated with an even longer gestational length, increasing risk of small for gestational age at birth by almost a third

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2013

Reduced sea ice disturbs balance of greenhouse gases

A new study by Lund University researchers reveals that reduced Arctic sea ice is causing a significant disturbance to the balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This change has far-reaching consequences for the global climate, as plants and oceans absorb half of the carbon dioxide released into the air through human activities.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 18, 2013

New projections of 'uneven' global sea-level rise

A new study projects that global sea-level rise will not be uniform, with certain regions experiencing higher rates of rise. The team used sophisticated computer modeling to show how ice loss from glaciers and ice sheets will impact regional sea levels, particularly in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 18, 2013

Solar sponge' soaks up CO₂ emissions

CSIRO researchers develop a 'solar sponge' that captures CO2 using natural sunlight, then releases it instantly when exposed to UV light. This breakthrough presents an energy-efficient method for recycling CO2 emissions, reducing the need for coal-based energy and conserving up to 30% of power plant production capacity.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 18, 2013

New insight into dogs fear responses to noise

A study by the University of Bristol has found that almost half of dog owners reported their pet showing fear signs when exposed to loud noises, but only a quarter considered their pet fearful. The research highlights the importance of early life experience and exposure to specific loud noises in developing fear responses.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·DateFeb 18, 2013

Pathway controlling cell growth revealed

A Melbourne-based research team has discovered a genetic defect that can halt cell growth and force cells into a death-evading survival state. The finding reveals an important mechanism controlling rapidly-dividing cells, which may lead to the development of new treatments for diseases including cancer.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 18, 2013

Shedding new light on infant brain development

A new study by Columbia University researchers found that the infant brain does not control its blood flow in the same way as the adult brain. With increasing age, the immature brain gradually developed its ability to increase local blood flow and generate a large blood-flow response.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2013

Not just cars, but living organisms need antifreeze to survive

Researchers have discovered that antifreeze proteins in plants and animals prevent frost damage by coating and protecting ice crystals. The study, published in PNAS, used microfluidic devices to observe the binding of AFPs to ice, revealing a strong and irreversible interaction that prevents ice growth even without protein presence.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2013

Blood is thicker than water -- and blood plasma is, too

Researchers at Saarland University and the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that blood plasma is a non-Newtonian fluid that forms threads and exhibits viscoelastic properties, influencing blood flow into narrow capillaries. This study may improve computer simulations of vascular pathological processes.

SourceSaarland University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 18, 2013

Lake-effect snow sometimes needs mountains

A new study reveals that mountains can play a crucial role in triggering lake-effect snowstorms over large bodies of water. The research found that three key mountain-related factors were necessary to produce the October 2010 storm that hit metropolitan Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Range.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateFeb 18, 2013

Sitting time associated with increased risk of chronic diseases

A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that sitting time was significantly associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases. The study, which included 63,048 middle-aged Australian males, showed a steady increase in risk as sitting time increased.

SourceKansas State University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateFeb 18, 2013

Subordinate animals as guinea pigs

Researchers observed wild meerkat groups in the Kalahari Desert, where dominant females yield to lower-ranked individuals to cross roads, revealing a complex adaptation mechanism. This phenomenon may be an innate response, allowing animals to cope with novel threats and minimizing group risk.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 18, 2013

Loyalty is trump

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that loyal customers play out their loyalty in price negotiations, gaining an extra 5% discount without issue. This study turned the perception of customer loyalty on its head, highlighting its negotiating power in stores across various sectors.

Hunt for distant planets intensifies

A team of UChicago astronomers, led by Jacob Bean, is utilizing new methods to analyze the atmospheres of exoplanets, with a focus on distinguishing between gas giants and water worlds. The search for exoplanets has revealed an estimated 17 billion Earth-sized planets in the Milky Way galaxy, potentially harboring life-sustaining worlds.

CWRU study examines family struggles with anger and forgiveness when relative is dying

A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers explores how family members cope with anger toward God during a loved one's death. The findings show that lower levels of religiosity and spiritual connection are associated with increased anger, while prayer and seeking forgiveness can be effective coping strategies.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2013

Bone marrow cells used in bladder regeneration

Researchers at Northwestern University are using bone marrow cells to recreate bladder muscle, vasculature, and nerve tissue, potentially replacing traditional surgery. This approach aims to address complications associated with bowel-based augmentation cystoplasty, a common surgical option for bladder dysfunction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2013