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Science News Archive April 2014 - Page 2


Page 2 of 32

Seeing the bedrock through the trees

Researchers propose a method to determine underground details without drilling, improving climate models and predicting water runoff, landslides, and plant response to climate change. The technique uses groundwater drainage to predict weathered bedrock thickness across landscapes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2014

Predators predict longevity of birds

Researchers found a negative relationship between predation pressure and bird longevity, supporting the classical theory of ageing. The study analyzed data from nearly 1400 bird species, revealing that larger species with faster reproductive rates tend to live shorter lives.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEcography·DateApr 30, 2014

European seafloor survey reveals depth of marine litter

A large-scale seafloor survey found widespread presence of bottles, plastic bags, fishing nets, and other types of human litter across European seas. Litter was found at all depths, from shallow waters to 4500-meter waters, with the highest density in submarine canyons.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2014

Your stress is my stress

Researchers found that even brief observations of stressed individuals can increase cortisol levels in observers, particularly when social closeness is involved. This phenomenon, known as empathic stress, has significant implications for the healthcare system and our understanding of stress transmission.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateApr 30, 2014

Throwing injuries no longer just for the pros

A recent study found a 10-fold increase in UCL reconstruction among youth athletes, with year-round play contributing to the rise. Experts recommend preventing overuse injuries by following recommended guidelines, including pitch count limits and adequate rest. Early recognition of symptoms is also crucial to prevent unnecessary surgery.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateApr 30, 2014

New UT Arlington research could improve pharmaceuticals testing

Researchers at UT Arlington have developed a new method for measuring water content in pharmaceuticals that is up to 100 times more sensitive than current methods. The new technique uses headspace gas chromatography and an ionic liquid column, offering improvements in sensitivity, accuracy, and sample size requirements.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis·DateApr 30, 2014

Playing pool with carbon atoms

Scientists at the University of Arizona have developed a way to control graphene's crystal structure using an electric field. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of faster and more versatile transistors, which would enable faster computing and new applications for graphene in microelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 30, 2014

Robots may need to include parental controls

Penn State researchers found that older adults fear companion robots will negatively affect young people, leading to design challenges for developers. To address this concern, robot designers may need to include parental controls to monitor children's use of robots and prevent dependency.

Infertile women want more support

A study at the University of Iowa found that infertile women want more than just practical aid but also emotional reassurance and empathy. The researchers suggest spouses, friends, and family can help by being more supportive and emotionally invested in the process.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCommunication Monographs·DateApr 30, 2014

Molecular networks provide insights for computer security, Carnegie Mellon finds

The Carnegie Mellon team developed an algorithm that generates robust architectures for computer networks by analyzing the evolution of molecular connections in yeast cells. This approach can help understand how networks respond to cascading failures and external threats, offering insights into designing secure systems.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 29, 2014

How a fish can fry: Scientists uncover evolutionary clues behind electric fish

Electric fish have evolved sophisticated communication systems using modified muscle cells, allowing them to bypass predators in the dark. A gene duplication event led to the specialized Scn4aa sodium channel gene, which may have driven quicker evolution and adaptation in electric fish.

Graphene not all good

Researchers found graphene oxide nanoparticles more stable in groundwater and unstable in surface waters. The material's mobility in water has significant implications for its potential environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further research on the stability and transport of these engineered nanomaterials.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateApr 29, 2014

Urban river pollutants suppress wild bird development

Research reveals that urban river pollutants are suppressing the health and development of wild birds, with chicks from contaminated rivers showing signs of underweight and hormonal imbalance. The study highlights the importance of monitoring bird populations as indicators of environmental well-being and food-web contamination.

SourceCardiff University·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateApr 29, 2014

When harm done can never be balanced: Vicarious revenge and the death of Osama bin Laden

A new study from social psychology researchers found that while Osama bin Laden's assassination may have satisfied some Americans' sense of justice, it did not fully quench their desire for revenge. Respondents who felt justice was achieved also showed a stronger desire for further revenge against those responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 29, 2014

Proving uncertainty: New insight into old problem

Researchers provide first rigorous formulation supporting Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, enabling precise characterization of information accessible in quantum experiments. The work highlights the fundamental limits of measurements in quantum physics and may corroborate the security of quantum cryptographic protocols.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Mathematical Physics·DateApr 29, 2014