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Science News Archive September 2013 - Page 18


Page 18 of 32

Catalysts team up with textiles

Researchers have developed a process for immobilising organic catalysts on textiles using ultraviolet light, enabling simple textiles to be used in complex chemical reactions. The method results in excellent yields, little wear and tear, and provides several advantages over other forms of catalyst immobilisation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateSep 13, 2013

New research shows link between rates of gun ownership and homicides

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers finds a robust correlation between estimated levels of gun ownership and actual gun homicides at the state level. The study, covering 30 years, found that each 1 percentage point increase in gun ownership is associated with a 0.9% increase in firearm homicide rate.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 12, 2013

Autophagy and neurodegenerative disorders

A review article by Kesidou et al. explores the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and its role in chronic and acute neurodegenerative disorders. The study highlights the complex interplay between autophagy's protective and damaging effects, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand its implications.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 12, 2013

Americans living longer, more healthy lives

Researchers found that the average American can expect to live 2.4 more years with a healthy life, while a 65-year-old person gains 1.7 quality years. The study also identified troubling trends, including an increase in anxiety and problems with walking among younger Americans.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 12, 2013

More than just type 1 or type 2: DiMelli study points to different forms of diabetes

Researchers found that autoimmune type 1 diabetes is distinct from type 2, but phenotypic features can't be clearly assigned to specific disease types. The DiMelli study suggests a continuum of forms and mixed diabetes phenotypes, requiring refined criteria for diagnosis and treatment.

Hurricane research

Researchers at the University of Delaware are creating a fundamentally new approach to modeling hurricanes, integrating storm surge, wind speed, and flooding maps to inform evacuation decisions. The team hopes to reduce deaths and injuries by improving management of evacuation and shelter for hurricanes.

The efficient choice among combustion engines

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an internal combustion engine that achieves fuel efficiency of less than 2.4l per 100km while emitting less than half the CO2 compared to traditional engines. The natural gas-diesel hybrid engine uses sophisticated control engineering and innovative electronic combustion control.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergies·DateSep 12, 2013

Pulsating dust cloud dynamics modeled

Researchers propose a new spatio-temporal model to investigate molecular cloud fluctuations and their pulsational dynamics. The model takes into account nonlinear gravito-electrostatic coupling, helping elucidate basic features of cloud collapse, star formation, and galactic structures.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateSep 12, 2013

Study suggests antioxidant treatment may help NF1-linked behavioral issues

Researchers found that defects in the NF1/Ras molecular pathway trigger production of harmful oxidative nitric oxide molecules in glial brain cells, leading to behavioral issues. Antioxidant treatment reversed symptoms in mouse models of NF1 and Costello syndrome, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for related human conditions.

Researchers hit virtual heads to make safer games

A study by Washington State University researchers found that two softballs with different properties can result in significantly different injury risks when hit at high speeds. The team developed a virtual head model using Thums, a computerized skeletal system, to simulate collisions and quantify the effects of ball-impact.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProcedia Engineering·DateSep 12, 2013

A microbe's trick for staying young

Researchers have discovered a microbe called S. pombe that can escape aging when treated well and reproduce by splitting into two halves with new fully-functional material. The team found that under favourable growth conditions, the yeast is immune to aging and produces offspring that are younger than the parent.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 12, 2013

A century of human impact on Arctic climate indicated by new models, historic aerosol data

Researchers attribute Arctic surface temperature variation from 1900 to present to a combination of greenhouse gas emissions, anthropogenic sulfate aerosols, and volcanic eruptions. The study demonstrates the importance of aerosols in climate forcing and sheds light on the environmental and economic impacts of Arctic climate change.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 12, 2013