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Science News Archive April 2014 - Page 28


Page 28 of 32

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

Walking may help protect kidney patients against heart disease and infections

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that moderate exercise, such as walking, can improve immune function and reduce inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease. Six months of regular walking was shown to decrease immune cell activation and markers of systemic inflammation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 3, 2014

Researchers probe the next generation of 2-D materials

Scientists have successfully fabricated a photosensor using single layers of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), which converts light into electricity at an extremely efficient rate. The material's large energy gap enables it to achieve high on/off ratios, making it suitable for future electronic devices.

SourceIOP Publishing·Journal2D Materials·DateApr 3, 2014

Tiny power generator runs on spit

Researchers have developed a saliva-powered, micro-sized microbial fuel cell that produces nearly 1 microwatt of power. The device uses graphene and bacteria from the natural environment to create energy, paving the way for portable biomedical devices with built-in power sources.

SourcePenn State·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateApr 3, 2014

Moving the fence posts

Fencing can disrupt predator-prey dynamics and limit access for migratory herbivores. The Zoological Society of London argues that fencing should be reconsidered as a conservation tool, prioritizing connected environments over physical barriers.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2014

16 new Priority Programmes

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has established 16 new Priority Programmes, investigating fundamental scientific questions in emerging areas of research. The programmes cover various disciplines and have a total budget of €89 million for the first three-year period.

Hot mantle drives elevation, volcanism along mid-ocean ridges

Scientists have found that temperature variations deep within the Earth's mantle influence mid-ocean ridge elevation and volcanic hotspots, resolving a long-standing controversy. The study analyzed seismic wave data and rock chemistry to determine that higher mantle temperatures are associated with thicker crust and volcanic activity.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2014

Dress and behavior of mass shooters as factors to predict and prevent future attacks

The article explores the connection between mass shooters' dress and behavior, highlighting potential risk factors for law enforcement and behavioral investigation teams. Researchers argue that identifying these characteristics could help prevent future acts of violence by allowing authorities to intervene earlier.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViolence and Gender·DateApr 3, 2014

Knowledge, use of IUDs increases when women are offered counseling and 'same-day' service

Researchers found that providing patient education along with same-day placement service increases both knowledge and use of IUDs three months and a year after women seek emergency contraception. This change in clinic policy dropped the number of women using no form of contraception from 17 percent to 3 percent.

Bacteria get new badge as planet's detoxifier

Researchers at DRI found that certain bacteria can consume and convert left-handed amino acids into right-handed forms, which would otherwise be toxic to plants and animals. This discovery suggests that these bacteria play a crucial role in detoxifying the environment by consuming D-amino acids produced through geochemical transformation.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2014

Brand new old journal

The oldest European zoological journal, Zoosystematics and Evolution, has combined tradition with innovation by joining Pensoft Publishers. The new platform offers a novel, semantically enriched format while maintaining traditional PDF and print versions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZoosystematics and Evolution·DateApr 3, 2014

Transplant drugs may help wipe out persistent HIV infections

A new strategy in the fight against HIV and AIDS emerges from a study that found immunosuppressant therapy can reduce inflammation and control viral persistence. Researchers discovered that patients taking certain immunosuppressive drugs, such as sirolimus, had fewer infected cells over time.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateApr 3, 2014

How electrodes charge and discharge

A team at MIT has figured out a way to measure the fundamental charge transfer rate in porous battery electrodes, revealing significant surprises. The study found that the Butler-Volmer equation is inaccurate, especially at higher voltage levels, and that electron transfer between two solids determines the rate.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2014

Drawing conclusions

Dr. Carmit Katz's study found that drawing during questioning significantly improves the accuracy and detail of child abuse testimonies. Children empowered to draw reported regaining control and feeling hopeful, with richer descriptions provided compared to those not offered this opportunity.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateApr 3, 2014

New study casts doubt on heart regeneration in mammals

A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports has found no evidence of complete heart regeneration in newborn mice after apex resection. The researchers, led by Ditte Andersen, were unable to replicate the findings of a previous 2011 study that suggested complete regeneration was possible.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 3, 2014

DFG to establish 5 new research units

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is establishing five new Research Units to explore innovative research directions in various fields. The new groups will focus on composite structures, personnel decisions, and metastatic cancer progression, with the goal of improving our understanding of these complex topics.

Poor quality of life may contribute to kidney disease patients' health problems

A study found that poor quality of life in African Americans with chronic kidney disease is associated with increased risks of disease progression and heart problems. The research suggests that improving quality of life may help protect patients' health, highlighting the need for better management of kidney disease-related health issues.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 3, 2014