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Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 21


Page 21 of 31

Climate negotiation as a bargaining game

Researchers found that smaller groups of countries are more likely to reach consensus, while side agreements among smaller numbers of participants can actually promote the UN process. The study also highlights the importance of perceived individual threat in maintaining successful negotiations.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 12, 2014

Bullying may have long-term health consequences

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that bullied children experience chronic, systemic inflammation that persists into adulthood. In contrast, bullies may benefit from increased social status through bullying, which can protect against increases in inflammatory markers.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

All in the rotation

Berkeley lab researchers have discovered that the viral packaging motor rotates DNA in response to changing conditions, a crucial process for viral replication. This finding could lead to new strategies for combating viral infections and designing more effective drugs.

Endocrine disruptors impair human sperm function

A German-Danish team of researchers found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with human sperm function, changing swimming behavior and triggering digestive enzyme release. The study suggests these chemicals may contribute to widespread fertility problems in the Western world.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMay 12, 2014

Against the current with lava flows

Researchers found that lava flows, not water, carved the massive Noctis Labyrinthus and Valles Marineris canyons on Mars. The study suggests that there was less water on Mars than previously thought, making life on the planet less likely.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateMay 12, 2014

'Shocking' Stanford video reveals the surprising truth about cell wall growth

Researchers used microfluidic devices to trap bacterial cells and bathe them in different solutions, revealing that cell walls grow regardless of external pressures. The study's findings challenge the prevailing wisdom on osmotic shock, which may lead to new strategies for fighting bacterial diseases.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Pregnancy significantly increases risk of serious traffic crashes

A study published in CMAJ found that pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious traffic crashes during the second trimester, with a 42% increase in crashes compared to baseline. The researchers emphasize the importance of safe driving practices, such as avoiding excessive speed and minimizing distractions, to prevent accidents.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 12, 2014

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Intensive insulin provides survival

A landmark study shows that intensive insulin treatment significantly improves survival in patients with type 2 diabetes who have had a heart attack. The trial, which followed patients for up to 20 years, found that those who received intensified insulin treatment survived an average of 2.3 years longer than those on standard treatment.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMay 12, 2014

Respect for human rights is improving

A new measurement model reveals that human rights are actually improving, contrary to common claims. The model takes into account changes in data collection and categorization, showing more countries with better human rights records.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateMay 12, 2014

Hydrologists find Mississippi River network's buffering system for nitrates is overwhelmed

A new method reveals that nearly every drop of water in the Mississippi River network passes through a chemical filter, but this process is operating at max capacity due to high nitrate levels. The river's natural ability to filter out nitrates is being overwhelmed, resulting in an increased risk of dead zones and aquatic life decline.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 11, 2014

Patient stem cells used to make 'heart disease-on-a-chip'

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new model of heart tissue carrying an inherited cardiovascular disease, a major step forward for personalized medicine. The study used patient-derived cardiac cells and 'organs-on-chips' technology to create a functional human heart tissue that can be replicated in the laboratory.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 11, 2014

Ice-loss moves the Earth 250 miles down

Researchers have discovered that the upward motion of Antarctica's crust is occurring at a rate of 15mm per year, much faster than previously thought. The land is rising due to the melting of glaciers and the subsequent reduction in weight on the Earth's crust.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 11, 2014