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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 25


Page 25 of 28

Separate and unequal in suburbia

A new study reveals that suburban blacks and Hispanics live in poverty-stricken neighborhoods with lower test scores compared to their white and Asian counterparts. The research, part of the US2010 Project, highlights the persistent disparities in suburban segregation and unequal access to resources.

Laser sniffs out toxic gases from afar

Scientists have developed a system that can identify chemicals in the atmosphere from up to one kilometer away. The technique uses terahertz radiation and an infrared laser to detect toxic gases, including nerve gas, chemical spills, and industrial pollutants.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateDec 3, 2014

Glass houses: Your personality helps predict your real estate choices

A new study by Dr. Danny Ben-Shahar and Roni Golan found a correlation between personality traits and individual real estate choices, with neurotic individuals opting for homeownership over renting. The research also showed that local 'personality types' in America are associated with statewide real estate trends.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateDec 3, 2014

Birds conform to local 'traditions'

Researchers found that great tits learn new foraging techniques by observing others in their social network, adopting the dominant behavior and creating a stable tradition. Even when birds discover multiple methods, they tend to conform to the majority behavior, passing it down to the next generation.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2014

University of Illinois researchers develop inexpensive hydrolysable polymer

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a cheap, hydrolysable polymer called poly(hindered urea)s (PHUs), which can be designed to degrade over time. This material has potential applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and packaging, offering advantages over traditional hydrolyzable polymers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 2, 2014

Another case against the midnight snack

Researchers at Salk Institute discover that confining caloric consumption to an 8- to 12-hour period can significantly reduce weight gain, improve body composition, and even reverse obesity and diabetes in mice. The study's findings add to mounting evidence highlighting the importance of time-restricted eating for overall health.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 2, 2014

Heavier newborns show academic edge in school

Research from Northwestern University found that heavier newborns have higher test scores from third through eighth grade. Even among twins, heavier-born twins have higher average test scores. However, other factors such as maternal education can be a larger predictor of academic achievement.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateDec 2, 2014

Losing air

Researchers found that tens of thousands of small impacts could efficiently jettison Earth's entire primordial atmosphere, while giant impacts would be less effective. The team's calculations suggest that the early Earth was likely devoid of its original atmosphere, with Venus and Mars also experiencing significant atmospheric loss.

Alcohol abuse linked to newly identified gene network

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified a network of genes associated with alcohol dependence. The researchers found that certain sets of genes were co-expressed together in individuals who consumed the most alcohol, but not in non-alcoholics. This discovery could lead to better screenings and treatments for alcoholism.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 2, 2014

Health boost for fitness centers

Millions die each year from obesity-related issues, with Australia projected to be third fattest nation by 2020. Fitness facilities can mitigate risks by implementing pre-activity screening, automated defibrillators, regular inspections, and staff training.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management·DateDec 2, 2014

Growing cooperation: First the carrot, then the stick

Researchers developed game-theoretical model to examine different incentive schemes, finding rewarding cooperative agents first leads to higher cooperation levels. The optimal strategy shifts to punishing wrongdoers after a sufficiently large proportion of agents cooperate, promoting highest level of cooperation at lowest cost.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 2, 2014

Fighting air pollution in China with social media

Researchers found that online activism did force the Chinese government to take some actions on air pollution, but corporate and government interests largely shaped the online discussion. The study shows both the power and limits of online activism in China, highlighting the need for more nuanced approaches to addressing complex social...

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Professional Geographer·DateDec 2, 2014

Perceptions, referrals by medical providers affect mental-health treatment disparities

A large study by UC Davis researchers found that patients of different racial and ethnic backgrounds reported experiencing differing treatment approaches from medical providers, including referrals to mental-health care and medications. Asian-Americans were the least likely to be assessed or counseled for mental-health problems, while ...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalHealth Services Research·DateDec 2, 2014