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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 4


Page 4 of 34

Underweight people at as high risk of dying as obese people, new study finds

A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health found that being underweight increases the risk of death for both adults and fetuses. Adults with a BMI under 18.5 are 1.8 times more likely to die than those with a normal BMI, while obesity is associated with a 1.2-1.3 times higher risk of mortality.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 28, 2014

Revolutionary solar cells double as lasers

Researchers have developed perovskite solar cells that excel at absorbing and emitting light, with a remarkable 70% efficiency rate. These 'wonder cells' can also produce cheap lasers, opening up new applications in telecommunications and light-emitting devices.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 28, 2014

New guidance system could improve minimally invasive surgery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a computerized process that enhances image-based guidance in minimally invasive surgery, potentially replacing conventional tracking systems. The new system achieves high accuracy, often exceeding 2 millimeters, while using low-dose radiation, making it suitable for various procedures.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateMar 27, 2014

A tale of 2 species

Researchers investigate why only 14 percent of woodrat hybrids have genetic signatures from both desert and Bryant's woodrats. Habitat differences and mating conflicts are found to be key factors limiting hybridization in closely-related species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEvolution·DateMar 27, 2014

Scientists watch nanoparticles grow

Researchers at Århus University used X-ray light to track the growth of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, which can be tailored for smart windows and solar cells. The study shows that nanoparticles form from octahedra units in solution and develop a predominantly ordered crystal structure as they grow.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 27, 2014

US clean-air efforts stay on target

A Rice University analysis of state implementation plans reveals that most urban areas have met the next benchmark for reducing airborne particulate matter. The study found that PM 2.5 concentrations declined by an average 2.6 micrograms per cubic meter in regions that filed SIPs to attain the standard by 2009.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateMar 27, 2014

Strictly yeast

Researchers have made a computer app to spot and decode the unique footprints in yeast DNA, revealing an intricately choreographed dance of ribosomal RNA genes. This discovery enables biologists to track evolutionary relationships between different species using these tiny changes.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalSystematic Biology·DateMar 27, 2014

New Parkinson's disease chemical messenger discovered

Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified a critical chemical messenger that protects brain cells against Parkinson's disease. The discovery of phospho-ubiquitin suggests it may be possible to develop drugs to switch on Parkin enzyme by mimicking this molecule, offering new avenues for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateMar 27, 2014

Computing with slime

Researchers created logical circuits using living slime molds, which can process information and carry out Boolean logic operations. The slime mold-based system could potentially be used to build low-cost, biological computing devices and sensors.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateMar 27, 2014

Natural history dying of neglect

A study by Simon Fraser University ecologist Anne Salomon warns of a declining natural history research and use in academia, government agencies and non-government organizations. Natural history collections have stopped expanding since 1990, but it remains vital for making wise management and conservation decisions.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBioScience·DateMar 27, 2014

People unwilling to swallow soda tax, size restrictions

A recent study found that US adults are unwilling to accept soda taxes and portion size restrictions, but support adding front-of-package nutrition labels in schools. The survey of 1,319 adults revealed a strong positive relationship between years of education and policy support for reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

SourceCornell University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 27, 2014

New way to filter light

Researchers at MIT have developed a new system that selectively filters light waves based on their direction of propagation. The technique, which uses a stack of ultrathin layers with precise thickness control, could improve efficiency in solar photovoltaics, detector systems for telescopes and microscopes, and display screens.

Study finds gaming augments players' social lives

A new study by North Carolina State University and other institutions found that online gaming supplements social behavior, rather than replacing it. Researchers observed thousands of gamers at public events and conducted in-depth surveys to conclude that gaming is a social activity that complements offline interactions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateMar 27, 2014