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Science News Archive June 2014 - Page 3


Page 3 of 33

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

A versatile joystick for animation artists

A Swiss research team created an innovative joystick for animation artists, consisting of modular building blocks that can be assembled into any virtual character shape. The device features integrated sensors that track joint movements, enabling smooth character articulation.

Do people with autism struggle with driving?

A new study published by Drexel University found significant differences in self-reported driving behaviors and perceptions of driving ability among autistic adults compared to non-autistic adults. Adults with autism reported driving less frequently, restricting their behaviors, and experiencing more traffic violations.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJun 26, 2014

Deeper insights into protein folding

Scientists develop a new statistical mechanics model to explain protein folding and unfolding in an aqueous environment. The study confirms the validity of their calculations using experimental measurements for two proteins, providing insights into high-energy ions therapy on biological cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 26, 2014

A breakthrough for organic reactions in water

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a catalytic system that enables direct metal-mediated reactions between aryl halides and carbonyl compounds in water. This breakthrough could streamline synthetic sequences and make chemical products safer and more efficient.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2014