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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 30


Page 30 of 35

Observing the Birkeland currents

The study reveals two distinct stages in Earth's response to solar wind forcing, with most energy deposited in the polar atmosphere during the second stage. Researchers are working to understand a potential delay between stages, which could provide near-term warnings for space weather disruptions.

SourceWiley·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 6, 2014

Code stroke on the ward

A new study found that patients who experience a stroke in the hospital wait longer for treatment and are less likely to receive clot-busting drugs compared to those who have a stroke outside of the hospital. This delay can lead to longer hospital stays, disability, and worse outcomes.

New vaccines targeting adults and teens are best chance to eliminate TB by 2050

A new study suggests that vaccines developed for adolescents and adults could have a significant impact on tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. The researchers found that these vaccines could provide dramatic levels of control needed to eliminate TB by 2050. However, the current BCG vaccine given to infants is not enough to achieve this goal.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2014

Improving biology education: A numbers game

The University of Pittsburgh has received a $2.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish QUBES, a project aiming to refine quantitative biology pedagogy nationwide. The initiative plans to leverage existing technologies to provide cost-effective solutions for faculty development and undergraduate education.

The skin cancer selfie

Researchers have developed a gigapixel camera that can capture high-resolution images of the entire human body, allowing for earlier detection and potentially saving lives. The camera's resolution is significantly better than normal photography, making it suitable for telemedicine and expanding skin cancer screening to remote locations.

SourceOptica·DateOct 6, 2014

Is Internet-based diabetes self-management education beneficial?

A new review article published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics found that internet-based diabetes self-management education can lead to better glycemic control and enhanced diabetes knowledge. The study compared the effectiveness of various methods of delivering diabetes education via the internet and concluded that this method i...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateOct 6, 2014

A novel roadmap through bacterial genomes leads the way to new drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a database that analyzes microbial genomic data to speed up the discovery of new therapeutic drugs. The database allows scientists to identify promising gene clusters and predict the production of natural products, enabling them to target specific bacterial strains for study.

Atmospheric chemistry hinges on better physics model

A new theoretical physics model reveals improved calculations of nitrous oxide photoabsorption, shedding light on its role in stratospheric ozone destruction. This breakthrough improves the accuracy of absorption cross sections and predicts major dissociation pathways.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 6, 2014

New theorem determines the age distribution of populations from fruit flies to humans

A new theorem provides a fundamental approach to estimate the age structure of any population, from fruit flies to humans. This discovery can be applied to predict rates of infectious diseases and anticipate healthcare needs. By understanding age distribution, researchers can better comprehend risks and make informed decisions.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Biology·DateOct 6, 2014

The sex difference in distance running has disappeared for participation but not for competitiveness

Despite a decrease in participation differences between men and women, research shows that the sex difference in competitiveness remains intact, with men more likely to be competitive in track meets. Women are now equally represented at road races, but their competitive orientation still lags behind that of men.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateOct 6, 2014

Think and act alobally: Health Affairs' September issue

The September issue of Health Affairs explores accountable care systems worldwide, suggesting five international framework components. The article also examines the effectiveness of social networking in reducing body mass index and highlights the potential for hospital transition interventions to reduce readmissions.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 6, 2014

A new way to extract bone-making cells from fat tissue

Researchers create a fluorescent tag that identifies bone-producing cells in human fat, yielding more than twice the yield of potential bone-makers compared to another method. The extracted cells produce significant amounts of bone matrix and show promise for regenerative therapies.

SourceBrown University·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateOct 6, 2014

Why is educational achievement heritable?

Research led by King's College London finds that the high heritability of exam grades reflects many genetically influenced traits such as personality and self-efficacy. The study, which analyzed 13,306 twins, found that individual traits were between 35% and 58% heritable, with intelligence being the most highly heritable.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2014

Through the combining glass

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a system that combines semi-transparent mirrors with display technologies, enabling unique interactive experiences. By using reflections and projections, visitors can engage with exhibits in new ways, such as trying on clothes or exploring dark objects, in museums and shop windows.

High-sugar diet no problem for genetic mutants

Researchers at USC Davis School of Gerontology discovered a genetic pathway that enables certain worms and humans to resist the negative effects of high-sugar diets. The study suggests that activating this pathway could lead to new treatments for obesity, while cautioning against potential risks associated with increased Nrf2 function.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2014

Liquid DNA behind virus attacks

Researchers at Lund University have discovered that viruses can convert their solid DNA to a liquid form, making it easier to infect cells. This temperature-dependent phase transition could lead to the development of new medicines targeting virus DNA, potentially reducing infection capability and spreading.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2014

What 20 years of research on cannabis use has taught us

A major new review of cannabis research reveals adverse effects on mental and physical health, including increased risk of addiction, psychosis, and respiratory problems. Chronic cannabis use is linked to lower educational attainment and intellectual impairment, while adolescent use is associated with a doubling of schizophrenia risk.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateOct 6, 2014