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Science News for June 27, 2014


Study: To address climate change, nothing substitutes for reducing CO2 emissions

A comprehensive study by University of Chicago climatologist Raymond Pierrehumbert finds that reducing CO2 emissions is essential for mitigating climate change. The study shows that efforts to reduce other, shorter-lived greenhouse gases are insufficient and may even distract from the urgent need to address CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAnnual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences·DateJun 27, 2014

Climate change and the ecology of fear

A recent study examines how climate change alters species interactions in marine ecosystems, particularly predator-prey relationships. The research found that warming temperatures can lead to decreased energy reserves in prey species, highlighting the need for considering multiple species and their interactions when understanding ecolo...

SourceNortheastern University College of Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 27, 2014

Extinct undersea volcanoes squashed under Earth's crust cause tsunami earthquakes, according to new research

Researchers from Imperial College London and GNS Science have discovered that tsunami earthquakes may be caused by extinct undersea volcanoes causing a 'sticking point' between tectonic plates. This release of energy led to the formation of large tsunamis, as seen in rare events off New Zealand's north island in 1947.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 27, 2014

AJMC publishes results showing big data analytics can predict risk of metabolic syndrome

Researchers used large-scale patient data analytics to predict future risk of metabolic syndrome, identifying individual variable impact on risk associated with adherence to prescribed medications and routine doctor visits. The study also found that improving waist circumference and blood glucose yielded the largest benefits.

SourceMacDougall Biomedical Communications, Inc.·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 27, 2014

Prevention incentives

A private South African health plan increased patient use of preventive care services like mammograms and influenza vaccines through a novel retail incentive program. The program offered discounts on retail goods and travel for participants who used preventive services, resulting in a 5% increase in uptake.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 27, 2014

Youth regularly receive pro-marijuana tweets

Researchers analyzed tweets from a popular marijuana account and found that 82% of recipients were under 19 years old, with 54% aged 17-19. The study highlights the need for discussion about pro-drug messages on social media platforms and their potential impact on vulnerable youth.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 27, 2014