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Science News for April 29, 2015


Lack of oxygen in the groundwater

A new study by Jena University researchers finds that airport de-icing chemicals can decrease oxygen content in soils and groundwater, leading to dramatic pollution and ecosystem damage. The team suggests using natural self-cleaning capacities of the soil, controlling oxygen levels, or alternative substances for pollutant degradation.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateApr 29, 2015

The trillion-frame-per-second camera

Scientists have developed a new high-speed camera, STAMP, that can record events at over 1-trillion-frames-per-second, capturing complex physical and biological processes. The camera operates by splitting a single light pulse into multiple colors, allowing for the creation of moving pictures of ultrafast phenomena.

SourceOptica·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 29, 2015

Multifractals suggest the existence of an unknown physical mechanism on the sun

Scientists at the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Poland used multifractal analysis to study sunspots and found asymmetrical patterns that may indicate an unknown physical process. The researchers believe these findings could provide new insights into solar activity and potentially discard current trends.

Three secrets to healthier eating

A new Cornell study reveals that most healthy eaters make nutritious choices due to visible and easy access, enticing displays, and normalization of healthy options. The CAN approach offers practical strategies for schools, restaurants, and individuals to promote healthier eating behaviors.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateApr 29, 2015

Consumption rises with automated bill payment

A study by Duke University found that residential and commercial customers using automatic bill payments consumed 4-6% and 8% more power, respectively. This increase in demand may offset savings from energy demand-reduction programs. To combat this issue, utilities are exploring strategies to boost price salience.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateApr 29, 2015

Illuminating the dark zone

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discover that WDR5 plays a crucial role in the final step of cell division, promoting the disassembly of midbody microtubules and contributing to abscission. The study reveals that WDR5 localizes to the dark zone of the midbody, a previously considered 'junk' structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 29, 2015

Bone marrow cell transplants used to treat fractures, lung injury, and renal obstruction

Researchers used bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat fractures, lung injury, and renal obstruction. The cells promoted fracture healing in rats and attenuated acute lung injury in mice. They also showed therapeutic effects in treating pulmonary and extrapulmonary acute lung injury.

Extinct species skull shape, ancestors help predict prehistoric diet

Researchers used modern carnivore models to infer prehistoric diets, finding a strong signal driven by ancestry and skull size. They successfully distinguished between hypercarnivores and generalists using biomechanical attributes, shedding light on extinct species like Thinocyon velox and Oodectes herpestoides.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2015

Making robots more human

Researchers create ultra-sensitive wearable sensors that can detect subtle eye movements and facial expressions, allowing robots to understand human emotions. These advancements could lead to more intuitive interactions between humans and robots, improving their usability and user experience.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 29, 2015

Soldier beetle went a-courtin'

A study by Denson McLain found that larger male soldier beetles exhibit a size-related preference for large females, resulting in stronger assortative mating. This preference increases their likelihood of encountering and mating with more fecund females.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 29, 2015

Rare sperm whale fossils discovered in Panama

The discovery of rare pygmy sperm whale fossils in Panama has provided new insights into the evolution of these whales. The fossils indicate that the spermaceti organ, which plays a key role in sound generation and echolocation, was reduced in size throughout their evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2015

Quenching the thirst for clean, safe water

A new foam water filter has been developed by Michigan State University researchers, which significantly reduces dangerous pathogens in drinking water. The filter combines existing treatment principles and features a unique biological layer that enables it to become more efficient over time.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateApr 29, 2015

Pharmaceutical industry regulation undermines NICE drugs appraisal work

The pharmaceutical industry's regulatory system is criticized for lacking accountability and being evidence-based, resulting in high NHS costs and inefficient use of technology appraisal work. The Cancer Drugs Fund is also singled out for criticism due to its inequitable allocation of funds and discrimination against other diseases.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateApr 29, 2015

A phone with the ultimate macro feature

Researchers developed a smartphone attachment that can image and size single DNA molecules 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. The device is intended for use in remote laboratory settings to diagnose various types of cancers and nervous system disorders.

SourceOptica·DateApr 29, 2015

Chromosome-folding theory shows promise

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new theory on chromosome folding, which is crucial for understanding gene regulation and other biological processes. The theory predicts the folding mechanisms and resulting structures of chromosomes using statistical tools and energy landscapes.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2015

Toxic combination of air pollution and poverty lowers child IQ

A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that children born to mothers experiencing economic hardship and exposed to high levels of PAH during pregnancy scored significantly lower on IQ tests at age 5. The researchers followed 276 mother-child pairs from pregnancy through early childhood, observing ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateApr 29, 2015

Researchers closer to being able to change blood types

Scientists at the University of British Columbia have created an enzyme that can alter the sugar structures in Type A and B blood, making it more compatible with Type O blood. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for blood transfusion shortages, as the universal donor Type O blood can be given to patients of all blood types.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 29, 2015

Giving to charity: Feeling love means doing more for distant strangers

A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research reveals that love alone can inspire people to give to those with whom they have no connection. The study found that only emotional love, not closely related emotions like compassion, increased the desire to donate to distant charities. This finding has serious implications for marketers ...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateApr 29, 2015

No quick fixes for developing world's solid waste management crisis

A study published in Waste Management highlights the need for a multi-dimensional approach to managing solid waste in developing countries. The research emphasizes the importance of considering environmental, socio-cultural, legal, institutional, and economic linkages in implementing effective waste management systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalWaste Management·DateApr 29, 2015