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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 2


Page 2 of 36

Higher levels of inattention at age 7 linked with lower GCSE grades

Research suggests that children displaying increasing levels of inattention at age 7 are at risk of worse academic outcomes in their GCSE examinations. The study found a linear relationship between inattention symptoms and reduced GCSE scores, with every one-point increase in symptoms leading to a two-to-three point decrease in scores.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 30, 2015

Big Data reveals classical music creation secrets

A study analyzing classical music networks reveals the evolution of cultural styles and predictions for the recording market. The research, published in EPJ Data Science, uses modern data techniques to understand how composers collaborate and influence each other.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateApr 30, 2015

A new cellular response to radiation exposure: Must we reconsider the risks of low doses?

Scientists at Helmholtz Munich discovered a novel lncRNA called PARTICLE that regulates cells' response to ionizing radiation by limiting DNA methylation. This finding contradicts the established LNT model and raises questions about the risk of low-dose radiation exposure.

ACP releases advice for the proper time, test, and interval for cervical cancer screening

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends starting cervical cancer screening at age 21 every three years with cytology tests, and using a combination of cytology and HPV testing every five years for women aged 30 and older. ACP advises stopping screening for women over 65 with negative test results within the past 10 years.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 30, 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