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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 3


Page 3 of 36

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