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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 4


Page 4 of 36

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

New study links drinking behaviors with mortality

A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that social and psychological problems caused by drinking generally trump physically hazardous drinking behaviors when it comes to overall mortality rates. Light drinkers reported surprisingly high percentages of problems, with 48% experiencing some issue with alcohol in t...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 28, 2015

Childhood obesity -- 1 epidemic or 2?

A new study found that childhood obesity has distinct causes depending on the age of the child. In toddlers, weight gain is largely influenced by parental factors, while adolescents experience weight gain across the entire age group, regardless of parentage. The study suggests that public health strategies may need to be tailored accor...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateApr 28, 2015

Monkey droppings complement field observations, researchers report

Researchers used high-throughput sequencing to analyze fecal DNA of saddleback tamarins, identifying 20 families and genera of invertebrates consumed. This study complements behavioral observations and ecological sampling, providing insight into the monkeys' foraging strategies.

Joslin research finds gastric band and weight management therapies offer similar benefits

A clinical trial by Joslin Diabetes Center found that adjustable gastric band surgery and intensive group-based medical diabetes and weight management program achieved similar improvements in controlling blood sugar levels after one year. Participants experienced significant weight loss and better quality of life with both approaches.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 28, 2015

Small high school reform boosts districtwide outcomes

A study by New York University researchers found that small high school reform leads to improved graduation rates and test scores in both new and existing larger schools. The reform resulted in a 13 percentage point increase in graduation rates among students in small high schools compared to those in continuously operating schools.

SourceNew York University·JournalEducational Researcher·DateApr 28, 2015

Age at surgery and valve type in PVR key determinants of re-intervention in congenital heart disease

A retrospective review of 633 patients found that younger age, small body weight, and certain valve types significantly increased the risk of re-intervention. Patients under 18 years old had a five times greater risk than adults, with younger children being more likely to require surgical or cardiac catheterization re-interventions.

Electron chirp: Cyclotron radiation from single electrons measured directly for first time

Researchers have successfully detected cyclotron radiation from single electrons, a phenomenon predicted in 1904, and developed a new method to measure the energy of electrons. This technique has the potential to determine the mass of neutrinos, which are essential for understanding the universe's large-scale structure.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 28, 2015

A glitch in the recycling

A recent study by Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease. The researchers discovered that disruption of a developmental mechanism, Lmx1b, leads to the death of dopamine-producing neurons, resulting in the symptoms of PD.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 28, 2015

Windows that act like an LCD Screen

A novel liquid crystal technology allows displays to flip between transparent and opaque states, increasing visibility while reducing the need for power. The new design remedies previous problems with scattering and absorption, providing a faster response time and improved energy efficiency.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateApr 28, 2015