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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 8


Page 8 of 28

Wanted: A life outside the workplace

A new study at Michigan State University finds that single workers face challenges maintaining friendships, taking care of their health, and finding leisure time beyond work demands. This negative impact on work-life balance is similar for both single and family-based workers.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateFeb 21, 2013

City layout key to predicting riots

Researchers at University College London have developed a computer model that highlights the importance of city layout in predicting and suppressing riots. The study uses data from the 2011 London riots to simulate patterns and identify susceptible areas, enabling police to deploy resources more effectively.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 21, 2013

Titanium dioxide nanoreactor

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre Berlin have developed a method for producing titanium dioxide nanoparticles at room temperature in a polymer network. The analysis showed that the nanoparticles are homogeneously distributed over the polymeric nanoreactors and have a crystalline structure, enabling their use as catalysts.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 21, 2013

The age from when children can hop on one leg

Researchers at University of Zurich have developed normative data for gross and fine motor exercises in pre-school children. Children typically develop hopping and standing on one leg skills between three to five years old, with most able to perform these tasks by age five.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·DateFeb 21, 2013

UCLA study finds endocrine disorder is most common cause of elevated calcium levels

A new UCLA study reveals that primary hyperparathyroidism is the leading cause of high blood-calcium levels, affecting mainly women and the elderly, particularly African American women over 50. The condition can lead to bone loss, depression, fatigue, and increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 21, 2013

Geoengineering by coalition

A geoengineering coalition aims to reduce climate change by deflecting sun radiation, but new research suggests excluding non-participating countries may be counterproductive. Maintaining openness and inclusiveness in decision-making processes could be crucial for successful geoengineering efforts.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 21, 2013

Schizophrenia genes increase chance of IQ loss

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that individuals with a higher genetic risk of schizophrenia are more likely to experience a decline in IQ as they age. The research, conducted by the University of Edinburgh, used advanced genetic analysis techniques to investigate how thinking skills change over time.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 21, 2013

When water speaks

Computer simulations reveal that water stabilizes specific charge states on the catalyst surface, increasing efficiency and outperforming a gas phase. Researchers also found that thermodynamic conditions can control catalytic efficiency by varying pressure and temperature.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 21, 2013

Conserving corals by understanding their genes

A study published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Genetics found that coral DNA variations correlate with water temperature and clarity, which can inform reef conservation efforts. The research team identified specific genes involved in immune response and stress-induced cell-death, suggesting that corals with certain genet...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genetics·DateFeb 21, 2013

The ethics of access: Comparing 2 federal health care reform efforts

A team of University of Michigan doctors analyze the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act and Reagan-era emergency access law, emphasizing the need for preventive care and coordinated care. The authors conclude that modern healthcare reform must address these gaps to bring the nation closer to a goal of comprehensive care for all.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateFeb 20, 2013

New imaging device that is flexible, flat, and transparent

The new device uses a polymer sheet with fluorescent particles to capture incoming light and channel it to an array of sensors. This allows for the creation of high-resolution images without any internal components or electronics. The technology has potential applications in user interface devices that can respond to gestures alone.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 20, 2013