Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2014 - Page 20


Page 20 of 32

The ATM strikes back

Researchers developed a self-defending surface that releases hot foam to deter attackers, protecting cash boxes in ATMs. The film is made of plastic layers filled with chemicals that mix when damaged, producing a violent reaction.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateApr 11, 2014

New self-healing plastics developed

Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a chemical crosslinking reaction that ensures good short-term healing properties of the material under mild heating. The self-healing mechanism can be initiated by heat, light or chemical substance.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 11, 2014

Greenland ice cores show industrial record of acid rain, success of US Clean Air Act

Researchers found evidence of the U.S. Clean Air Act in Greenland ice cores, showing a link between air acidity and nitrogen preservation. The study suggests that the relationship between emissions and isotopes is less direct than thought, with sulfur and nitrogen emissions contributing to the final signal recorded in the ice cores.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2014

The taming of the shrew

Researchers have discovered that the bicolored shrew acts as a 'pathogen reservoir' for the Borna virus, transmitting it to horses. The virus is not directly contagious and requires an intermediate host to spread, highlighting the importance of keeping shrews away from stables to prevent transmission.

Neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are made on an emotional basis

A neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are influenced by emotions and previous experiences, leading to increased risk-taking behavior after losses. The study used operational magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain activity during risk-taking choices, revealing a link between emotional reactions and risk acceptance.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateApr 10, 2014

3-D printing cancer cells to mimic tumors

A team of researchers created a 3D model of cervical cancer cells using 3D printing, mimicking the complex environment of a tumor. The model showed higher proliferation rates and resistance to anti-cancer drugs compared to traditional 2D models.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateApr 10, 2014

Researchers find that influenza has an Achilles' heel

Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for influenza by targeting the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) molecule. This molecule is found to play a crucial role in antiviral immunity and is inhibited by a compound that increases survival rates in mice infected with the H1N1 flu virus.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateApr 10, 2014

How the brain pays attention

A new study reveals that the brain achieves focused attention on faces or other objects by synchronizing activity in the inferior frontal junction (IFJ) with specific brain regions. The IFJ coordinates with the fusiform face area (FFA) and parahippocampal place area (PPA), suggesting a parallel process involving different areas.

Penn study finds mechanism that regulates lung function in disease Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome

A recent study by researchers at Penn Medicine has discovered the essential role of tumor suppressor gene FLCN in regulating lung function in patients with Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome. The absence or mutation of FLCN leads to deteriorated lung integrity and impaired lung function, as reported in their findings in Cell Reports.

Antennae help flies 'cruise' in gusty winds

A recent study by Caltech researchers found that fruit flies use their antennae to quickly sense changes in wind speed, helping them maintain a steady groundspeed. The findings suggest the antennae are responsible for initial deceleration in headwinds and provide critical information to help the fly regain its original speed.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2014

Forging iron women

A systematic review found that iron supplementation boosts maximal capacity and exercise efficiency in women, even at submaximal exertion. Women who received iron had lower heart rates and higher efficiencies, especially those with initial iron deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateApr 10, 2014

Tamiflu & Relenza: How effective are they?

The Cochrane review found no evidence of reduced hospitalizations or serious influenza complications with Tamiflu. However, the medication increased the risk of nausea and vomiting in adults and children, as well as psychiatric events when used for prevention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 10, 2014

Wiring for smell sets up early, then persists

Brown University scientists found that the fundamental neural wiring map between the nose and brain becomes established in early development and remains unchanged throughout life. The study's findings provide insight into neurodevelopmental disorders and may have implications for regenerative medicine.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2014

Getting to the root of Parkinson's disease

A study published in Cell identifies a biological process that triggers a particular form of Parkinson's disease, leading to degeneration of dopamine-producing nerve cells. The research, led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, has shed light on the origins of Parkinson's disease and may lead to new treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 10, 2014

Camels emit less methane than cows or sheep

Researchers found that camels release less methane in absolute terms than cows and sheep of comparable body size. However, when adjusted for feed conversion, methane production is similar between the two groups. This suggests that camels' lower metabolism could explain their ability to thrive in food-scarce environments.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 10, 2014

Gutting of campaign finance laws enhances influence of corporations and wealthy Americans

A recent study by Princeton University and Northwestern University found that affluent individuals and business corporations have significantly more influence on federal government policy than average citizens. Organized interest groups also play a substantial role in shaping policy outcomes, while the preferences of ordinary citizens ...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPerspectives on Politics·DateApr 10, 2014