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Science News for April 4, 2014


Scientists unmask the climate uncertainty monster

New research finds that increased scientific uncertainty in the climate system necessitates even greater action to mitigate climate change. The study shows that as uncertainty in temperature increase expected with a doubling of CO2 rises, so do economic damages and likelihood of exceeding safe temperature limits.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalClimatic Change·DateApr 4, 2014

New study on the crime risk on London Underground

A new study published in Crime Science found that below ground offences are concentrated at particular stations, with the highest risk during morning and late afternoon peak travel periods. The research developed an algorithm to calculate the probability of where theft is most likely, helping authorities target resources more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalCrime Science·DateApr 4, 2014

Flipping the switch on scleroderma

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified the core signaling pathway that activates scleroderma and found chemical compounds that can turn it off. This discovery offers a new approach to treating the disease, which currently lacks effective treatments.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateApr 4, 2014

Panel issues exercise recommendations for people with osteoporosis and spine fractures

The Too Fit to Fracture Initiative presented exercise recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis and spine fractures. The panel recommends a multicomponent exercise program with resistance and balance training, and daily balance training and endurance training are recommended for all individuals with osteoporosis.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 4, 2014

New risk factors for avalanche trigger revealed

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that the amount of snow needed to trigger an avalanche in the Himalayas can be up to four times smaller than in the Alps. This finding has significant implications for mitigating natural hazards and safeguarding people on mountain villages, roads, and ski resorts.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalInternational Journal of Fracture·DateApr 4, 2014

Some long non-coding RNAs are conventional after all

Researchers have identified hundreds of open reading frames in long non-coding RNAs that may give rise to functional proteins using ribosome profiling. The method allowed direct quantification of messenger RNA fragments protected by the ribosome, revealing translated small open reading frames.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 4, 2014

Toward a clearer diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome

Researchers used functional PET imaging to show that neuroinflammation is higher in CFS/ME patients compared to healthy people. The study found associations between inflammation in certain brain areas and symptoms such as impaired cognition.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 4, 2014

Higher social class linked to fewer bone fractures among non-white women

A UCLA-led study found that higher education levels are associated with lower rates of bone fractures among non-white women. The study followed over 2,000 pre-menopausal women for nine years and found that those with at least some postgraduate education had an 87% lower non-traumatic fracture rate than those with less education.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 4, 2014

'Like a giant elevator to the stratosphere'

A new study reveals a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon over the South Seas, which boosts ozone depletion in polar regions and could have a significant influence on future climate. The discovery of the 'OH shield' layer allows long-lived chemical compounds to enter the stratosphere, contributing to global impact.

Grandparents may worsen some moms' baby blues

A new study from Duke University suggests that living with grandparents can exacerbate the baby blues in some mothers. Married and single mothers who live in multi-generational households experience higher rates of depression, while cohabiting couples without marriage benefits from having one or more grandparents in the house. The find...

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateApr 4, 2014