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Science News Archive August 2014 - Page 10


Page 10 of 31

USC Eye Institute study shows Native American ancestry a risk factor for eye disease

A new study from USC Eye Institute reveals that Native American ancestry is a significant risk factor for vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy among Latinos with Type 2 diabetes. The research found individuals with more than 50% Native American ancestry had an 87% higher chance of developing severe diabetic retinopathy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateAug 21, 2014

Of bees, mites, and viruses

Researchers found that Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) is the most affected virus species by Varroa infestation, while Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV) peaks two years after initial infestation and disappears. The study highlights the importance of beekeeper awareness, mite monitoring, and efficient Varroa control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 21, 2014

Liberal democracy is possible in Muslim-majority countries

A new study by University of Toronto researchers explores the relationship between Islam and liberal democracy in Muslim-majority countries. They found that while people in these countries are less tolerant on average than those in Western nations, socio-economic conditions and political regimes play a significant role.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie·DateAug 21, 2014

In our digital world, are young people losing the ability to read emotions?

A UCLA study suggests that excessive digital media use is linked to declining social skills in children, as they spend less time engaging in face-to-face interactions. The research found that sixth-graders who went device-free for five days showed significant improvements in recognizing human emotions compared to their peers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 21, 2014

Yale's cool molecules

Yale physicists have successfully cooled strontium monofluoride to near absolute zero using magneto-optical trapping, enabling new research in quantum chemistry and particle physics. The discovery opens doors for experimentation in precision measurement, quantum simulation, ultracold chemistry, and tests of the standard model.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2014

Despite a significant reduction in smog-producing toxins, the Greater Toronto Area still violates Canada's standards for ozone air pollution

A new study shows that the Greater Toronto Area has reduced some smog precursors by at least 20% since 2004, but still exceeds Canada's ozone standards due to high sunshine and calm winds. The research found that lower ozone levels between 2008 and 2011 were offset by a record-high summer ozone concentration in 2012.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 21, 2014

Delivery by drone

MIT researchers have created an algorithm that enables a drone to monitor its health in real-time, allowing it to take proactive measures during delivery missions. The approach simplifies planning by separating vehicle-level and mission-level tasks, resulting in more efficient and reliable deliveries.

Polio: Mutated virus breaches vaccine protection

Scientists have isolated a mutated polio virus that can evade the immune system and render vaccinations ineffective. This discovery is alarming as it threatens to undermine progress made in eradicating polio, which has been nearly eradicated thanks to effective vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2014

Measuring calcium buildup to predict heart disease in those with chronic kidney disease

A new study finds that calcium buildup in coronary arteries is a strong indicator of heart disease risk in individuals with chronic kidney disease. This measure outperforms other commonly used tests in predicting cardiovascular disease among CKD patients, who are at high risk for heart disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 21, 2014

Toothpaste fluorine formed in stars

Researchers at Lund University found that toothpaste fluorine is formed in stars similar to our sun, supporting a theory about its origins. By analyzing light emitted by stars, they calculated the amount of fluorine present and compared it with predictions.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 21, 2014

Coronary calcium predicts heart disease risk in patients with chronic kidney disease

Researchers found that calcium build-up in coronary artery walls is a more useful indicator of heart disease risk in patients with CKD than traditional measures of atherosclerosis. The study suggests that this finding could help safeguard the heart health of millions of people globally who have chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 21, 2014