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Science News Archive April 2014 - Page 7


Page 7 of 32

Cosmic illusion revealed

Researchers have discovered a galaxy that magnified a background supernova thirtyfold through gravitational lensing, confirming their previous explanation for the anomaly. This discovery may significantly impact our understanding of cosmic expansion and the mysterious components of the Universe, including dark energy and dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2014

Computer program could help solve arson cases

A University of Alberta team developed a computer program to analyze chemical data from arson scenes, reducing the need for human analysis and speeding up investigations. The program can classify debris in seconds, helping investigators pinpoint the cause of fires more quickly.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalForensic Science International·DateApr 24, 2014

Droplet lens

Researchers from Australian National University developed a simple and cheap way to make high-powered lenses that can transform smartphones into high-resolution microscopes. The lenses are made by using the natural shape of liquid droplets, promising revolution in science and medicine in developing countries and remote areas.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 24, 2014

Take the bat, leave the candy

Researchers found that high-calorie snacks and sugar-sweetened drinks dominate the youth baseball scene, contributing to weight problems among children. The study suggests that parents and sports leagues should plan ahead and advocate for policies addressing snack and drink options.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateApr 24, 2014

Treatment for deadly yeast disease reduced to 3 days

A new study by University of Liverpool scientists has reduced the treatment for a brain infection caused by fungus to just three days. The research found that the commonly used drug amphotericin B deoxycholate (dAmB) is effective in clearing the fungus within three days, making it a game-changer for people with weakened immune systems ...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalmBio·DateApr 24, 2014

Autism Genome Project delivers genetic discovery

The study found that copy number variant (CNV) genetic testing can help diagnose and treat autism more effectively. CNV testing uncovered dozens of cases where autism-linked gene changes were associated with additional health risks warranting medical attention.

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 24, 2014

Boring cells could hold the key to heart disease

Researchers found that cardiac fibroblasts are unique cells with organ-specific functions and can be used in replacement therapies for congenital heart disease and heart failure. They have specific genes that tell them to become heart cells, making them a promising alternative to heart transplants.

SourceMonash University·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 24, 2014

Two new US turtle species described

Researchers have discovered two new US turtle species, the Suwannee and Apalachicola alligator snapping turtles, which are found in the southeastern United States. These ancient reptiles were previously thought to be a single species, but genetic analysis reveals deep evolutionary divisions between them.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalZootaxa·DateApr 24, 2014

Researchers trace HIV adaptation to its human host

Researchers traced HIV's adaptation to its human host over time in North America, finding gradual changes that are unlikely to impact vaccine design. The study suggests that HIV's slow adaptation rate could have implications for host immunity and treatment efficacy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 24, 2014

Small business owners not always worried about being treated fairly, researcher finds

A study by University of Missouri researchers found that small retailers are less concerned about being treated fairly by suppliers than other factors like cash flow and company survival. The research team surveyed businesses in 10 culturally diverse countries, revealing a significant variation in the importance placed on fairness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of International Marketing·DateApr 24, 2014

Bake your own droplet lens

Researchers have developed a new process to create high-quality lenses at a low cost, making them suitable for various applications including disease detection, scientific research, and education. The lenses were created using a simple method involving the hanging and curing of droplets of transparent silicone polymer.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 24, 2014