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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 23


Page 23 of 28

Quiet as a mouse, but so much to hear

A University at Buffalo researcher has found that mice can distinguish between partial sound waves, similar to how humans recognize word onsets. This discovery could help better understand human hearing loss and strengthen the use of mice as models for human communication.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 4, 2014

Smoking and higher mortality in men

Researchers found an association between smoking and loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells, which may explain why men have a shorter life expectancy. Heavy smokers showed more frequent loss of the Y chromosome than moderate smokers.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Don't worry, be happy: Just go to bed earlier

A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. This association suggests that prioritizing regular sleep schedules may help mitigate anxiety symptoms.

SourceSpringer·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateDec 4, 2014

Are the benefits of breast milk stimulant worth the risk?

A new review article suggests that domperidone can increase breast milk production, but also poses a risk of irregular heartbeat and sudden cardiac death in women. The study found that moderate improvements in milk production were observed with lower doses, but higher doses increased the odds of cardiac complications.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Human Lactation·DateDec 4, 2014

Ebola rapid response

The National Science Foundation has awarded rapid response grants to support researchers in understanding the fundamental nature of Ebola and its impact on public safety. The grants will fund projects that explore new methods for virus detection, disinfection, and medical response, as well as research into risk assessment and behavior.

Greenhouse gases linked to African rainfall

A recent study has linked African rainfall increases to greenhouse gas concentrations thousands of years ago. The research team used computer simulations and geologic records to recreate past moisture conditions, finding that changes in carbon dioxide and methane led to the African Humid Period.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Green meets nano

Researchers at TU Darmstadt develop a green method to produce gold nanotubes, suitable for building sensors to measure hydrogen peroxide, with potential applications in medical research and diagnosis. The production process is energy-efficient and uses non-toxic chemicals.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalRSC Advances·DateDec 3, 2014

Buckyballs enhance carbon capture

Researchers at Rice University have created an environmentally friendly compound that effectively captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial flue gases and natural gas wells. The new material, combined with buckminsterfullerene molecules, achieves high selectivity and efficiency in capturing carbon dioxide while rejecting methane.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 3, 2014

NJ brain injury researchers find retrieval practice improves memory in youth with TBI

A study by researchers from Kessler Foundation and Children's Specialized Hospital found that retrieval practice can improve memory in children and adolescents with TBI. This method was found to be the best learning strategy for each of the participants, improving learning and memory among this age group with TBI.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateDec 3, 2014

People conceived during the Dutch famine have altered regulation of growth genes

Researchers found that individuals conceived during the Dutch Famine had altered regulation of growth genes, which may help them withstand adverse conditions but also increase risk for metabolic disease. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into epigenetics and its impact on human development.

Ever tried a 'laser delicious' apple?

A team of researchers from Lebanon and France has developed a laser biospeckle technique capable of detecting the climacteric peak in fruits like apples, bananas, and pears. This non-invasive method uses coherent light to analyze speckle patterns, which change with time depending on the medium's scattering properties.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateDec 3, 2014