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Science News Archive January 2014 - Page 4


Page 4 of 28

NYU researchers take magnetic waves for a spin

Researchers at New York University have created a method to generate short-wavelength spin waves, which can efficiently transfer energy and information in magnetic materials. This breakthrough has the potential to improve communication and electronic devices by offering faster and more energy-efficient alternatives to traditional elect...

SourceNew York University·JournalNanotechnology·DateJan 29, 2014

Lighting up in uniform

A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that smoking behavior in soldiers is linked to war zone stress and unit support. The study, which examined data from over 1,000 US Army soldiers, found that soldiers who started smoking while in war zones were more likely to consume alcohol and hold junior ranks.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 29, 2014

Neanderthals' genetic legacy

Researchers found that Neanderthal DNA is associated with genes affecting type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and lupus. Additionally, they discovered that certain areas of the modern non-African human genome are rich in Neanderthal DNA, suggesting potential benefits for human survival.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2014

First weather map of brown dwarf

A team of astronomers has successfully mapped the surface features of Luhman 16B, a brown dwarf located six light-years from Earth. The new results reveal dark and light patches on the surface, which can be used to study weather patterns in other solar systems.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2014

Jamming in tumors

Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research find that interferon-beta inhibits neutrophil migration into tumors, reducing new blood vessel formation and tumor growth. This discovery could improve treatment options for certain cancers.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJan 29, 2014

When populations collide

Researchers found that humans in east Asia have more of their genome originating from Neanderthals than Europeans, while Africans have little or none. The genetic changes most often inherited from Neanderthals were disproportionately in genes related to keratin, a component of skin and hair.

Imaging autoimmune diabetes

Lund University researchers have created a method to visualize inflammatory processes in the pancreas during type 1 diabetes. This allows them to study the body's response to new treatment strategies and potentially develop a model for human immune system diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·DateJan 29, 2014

Don't forget the customers after mergers

A recent study found that companies that successfully achieve a dual emphasis of improving efficiency and customer satisfaction experience the highest increase in long-term financial performance. The research suggests that ignoring customers during mergers can lead to missed opportunities and decreased value for firms.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateJan 29, 2014

UFO cross-section gives snakes a lift

Researchers used a 3D printer to recreate the snake's UFO-like cross-section and found that it generates sufficient lift at most angles. However, they also discovered a massive spike in lift when tilting the model at 35 degrees and an unexpected vortex sucking the rod down.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 29, 2014

£3m drug safety center investment

The Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science at the University of Liverpool has received £3m in new funding to continue reducing the impact of adverse reactions to medicinal drugs. Adverse drug reactions result in significant healthcare costs and pose a major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry.

Real glass that bends but doesn't break

Researchers at McGill University have developed a technique to increase the toughness of glass by creating patterns of micro-cracks, mimicking the structure of nacre. This process increases glass's resistance to shattering and can be easily scaled up for larger glass sheets.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2014

Infection control practices not adequately implemented at many hospital ICUs: study

A nationwide survey of 1,534 hospital ICUs found uneven compliance with infection prevention policies, with only 27-68% reporting policies for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). The use of checklists and ventilator bundles was reported by most hospitals, but clinician adherence rates were low, ranging from 6-71%.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJan 29, 2014

Decibels and democracy

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that a single loud voice can skew the result of voice votes, a common decision-making feature in American public life. The study suggests adjusting voting locations or controlling sound levels to minimize bias.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJan 29, 2014

New theory may lead to more efficient solar cells

Researchers at the University of Houston and Universite de Montréal have developed a new theoretical model that may improve the efficiency of solar cells. The model explores quantum-mechanical effects in polymeric semiconductors, which could lead to more efficient materials with blends of semiconducting polymers and fullerenes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2014

Parenting plays key role when African-American boys move from preschool to kindergarten

A new study from UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute found that African American boys' academic and social performance in kindergarten is influenced by their parents' engagement in literacy activities and teaching. Effective parenting practices can help African American boys achieve academic success and positive socia...

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJan 28, 2014

Study examines repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps referred for surgery without biopsy-proven cancer

A new study reports that most colon polyps referred for surgery can be successfully resected endoscopically. The procedure had low adverse event rates and high recurrence rates, but recurrences were treatable. The findings suggest a shift towards outpatient repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps without cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJan 28, 2014

Malaria screening unsuccessful in some schools

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a school-based intermittent screening and treatment program for malaria had no health or education benefits in rural coastal Kenya. Despite high participation rates, the program did not reduce anemia or improve class attendance scores among children. However, the authors suggest that school...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 28, 2014

Berkeley Lab research finds running may be better than walking for breast cancer survival

New research from Berkeley Lab and the National Runners' and Walkers' Health Study found that runners had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer mortality compared to walkers. Exceeding current exercise recommendations may provide greater protection, with runners experiencing a 40% reduction in risk per MET hour.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJan 28, 2014