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Science News Archive March 2013 - Page 15


Page 15 of 30

Swarm intelligence

Researchers found that globally ordered motion breaks down in overcrowded swarms, and a power law describes the average alignment in the direction of motion. Computer simulations revealed new features of individual animal behavior when confronted with high densities and close neighbors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 15, 2013

Hot careers in corrosion

The University of Akron's corrosion engineering program aims to tackle the nation's 70,000 structurally deficient bridges and a $400 billion corrosion problem. The institution is now partnering with the Department of Defense to inspire the next generation of corrosion engineers through an interactive exhibit.

Sorting out fertility after childhood cancer

Researchers have developed a multi-parameter sorting approach to separate healthy spermatogonial stem cells from cancerous cells, enabling the removal of malignant material during transplantation. This method shows promise for preserving fertility in male childhood cancer survivors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2013

College kids who don't drink milk could face serious consequences

A new University of Illinois study reveals that college-age kids who don't consume at least three servings of dairy daily are three times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. The researchers found that only one in four young persons met the recommended amount of dairy, leaving three-fourths at risk.

Night shifts may be linked to increased ovarian cancer risk

Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that night shift workers have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women who identified as 'owls' had a lower risk compared to those who were 'larks'. The study, based on data from over 1,100 women, suggests that melatonin may play a role in the increased risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 14, 2013

Polar bears' family secrets revealed with DNA sequencing

A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that brown bears on Alaskan archipelago descended from polar bears through hybridization, not the other way around. The research used DNA sequencing to analyze the X chromosomes of the brown bears and found that 6.5% of them had recently come from polar bears.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 14, 2013

Series of studies first to examine acupuncture's mechanisms of action

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have demonstrated how acupuncture can significantly reduce the stress hormone response in an animal model of chronic stress. The study used rats and found that electronic acupuncture blocks the chronic, stress-induced elevations of the HPA axis hormones and the sympathetic NPY pathway.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateMar 14, 2013

Guiding responsible research in geoengineering

Geoengineering experts Edward Parson and David Keith propose a new structure for regulating geoengineering research to manage climate change risks. They advocate for scientific self-regulation, government authority, and international coordination to ensure low-risk research advances while addressing public concerns.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2013

Teen sexting, the gender gap

A survey of 236 US adolescents found that teens believe sexting causes more harm to others than themselves, but also consider consensual sexting between two people as less harmful. The study reveals a significant gender gap in perceptions, with girls perceived as more harmed by sexting.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Mobile Communications·DateMar 14, 2013

High-fat dairy products linked to poorer breast cancer survival

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that consuming high-fat dairy products following breast cancer diagnosis increases the risk of dying from the disease. The study tracked over 1,800 women and found an association between high-fat dairy intake and poorer breast cancer survival.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 14, 2013

HPV vaccine trends point to failures in patient education, vaccine programs

New research from the University of Texas Medical Branch reveals staggering low HPV vaccine uptake rates among females and males across various age groups and socio-economic spectrums. The studies suggest inadequate knowledge, lack of physician recommendation, and negative beliefs about vaccines as major hindrances.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalHuman Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics·DateMar 14, 2013