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Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 10


Page 10 of 30

Researching Facebook business

A recent study found that online and offline reasons contribute to unfriending on Facebook. Businesses can avoid being unfriended by avoiding frequent posts, committing to individual-level relationships, and refraining from controversial topics.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Environment·DateFeb 20, 2014

Sustainable use of energy wood resources shows potential in North-West Russia

The study analyzed the potential of energy wood resources in the Leningrad region of Russia, finding significant potential for intensification. Maximization of sustainable energy wood supply could create new jobs and business opportunities, but challenges like low productivity and technical accessibility need to be solved.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Forest Engineering·DateFeb 20, 2014

Surprising culprit found in cell recycling defect

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a rare genetic disease caused by the misplacement of a normal protein, phosphotransferase. The protein ends up in the lysosomes, causing a shortage of enzymes and leading to skeletal and heart abnormalities.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2014

Two new butterfly species discovered in eastern USA

Scientists have discovered two new butterfly species in the eastern United States, one of which is a close relative of the well-known Carolina Satyr. The study reveals distinct differences in genitalia and DNA sequences between the two species, highlighting the complex genetic diversity of these butterflies.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 19, 2014

Infants with leukemia inherit susceptibility

A new study reveals that babies who develop leukemia during the first year of life inherit a strong genetic predisposition to the disease. The research found that infants with leukemia have an excess of damaging changes in genes linked to leukemia, which can be passed from both parents.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalLeukemia·DateFeb 19, 2014

Gecko-inspired adhesion: Self-cleaning and reliable

Researchers have developed a gecko-inspired adhesive tape that not only adheres reliably to surfaces like geckos but also features self-cleaning properties. This breakthrough enables the opening and closing of food packagings or bandages multiple times without significant adhesion loss.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 19, 2014

Could metabolism play a role in epilepsy?

Researchers have identified metformin as a potential treatment for epilepsy by reducing the intensity of seizures. The study used fruit fly movement to analyze the effects of dietary modifications on seizure susceptibility. Dr. Kuebler's lab developed a low-cost, video-based method to investigate metabolic causes of seizures.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 19, 2014

A forgotten model of the universe

A 1931 paper by Albert Einstein featuring a dynamic model of the universe has been re-examined, highlighting numerical errors and questionable calculations. The model, which includes a contraction phase, contrasts with the widely known expanding Einstein-de Sitter model.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateFeb 19, 2014