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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 5


Page 5 of 36

Diverse sea creatures evolved to reach same swimming solution

A new study reveals that diverse sea creatures have evolved to swim with elongated fins using the same mechanical motion, maximizing speed and ensuring survival. The researchers found a consistent ratio of 20, known as the optimal specific wavelength (OSW), which is a key finding in understanding convergent evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 28, 2015

Elderly crickets are set in their ways, study finds

A new study published in Behavioural Ecology found that elderly crickets' behavior becomes more entrenched with age, making them less responsive to changing environmental conditions. This suggests that older individuals may struggle to adapt to changes in climate, habitat, or diet, potentially affecting their survival prospects.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateApr 28, 2015

Megacity metabolism: Is your city consuming a balanced diet?

A comprehensive survey of resources used and removed in the world's largest metropolitan areas reveals that megacities consume significantly more energy and produce more solid waste than other regions. Despite having a relatively small percentage of the global population, megacities generate a substantial proportion of global GDP.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2015

Embracing the 5G era

Recent research on 5G has systematically overviewed latest progress on network architecture and promising techniques, including NOMA, MIMO, and cognitive radio. The study highlights potential key areas of research to overcome the spectrum crisis in global wireless communications.

Human hunting weapons may not have caused the demise of the Neanderthals

A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution suggests that technological innovations in hunting weapons may not have been a driving force behind the colonization of Europe by anatomically modern humans. The researchers found that stone tools used by humans around 40,000 years ago appeared in Europe earlier than previously th...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateApr 28, 2015

Two-week international diet swap shows potential effects of food on colon cancer risk

A two-week international diet swap study found that changing from a Westernized to an African high-fiber, low-fat diet reduced biomarkers of cancer risk in both African-American and rural South African volunteers. Increasing fiber intake and reducing animal fat and proteins may help lower colon cancer risk.

Studies in cell transplantation show beneficial effects for variety of serious conditions

Researchers have made significant progress in cell transplantation therapy, demonstrating improved outcomes for patients with complete spinal cord injury and potential treatments for Parkinson's disease. Studies also show that human pluripotent stem cells hold promise for treating the disease.

Rubber from dandelions

Researchers at TUM and IME identified a protein complex on rubber particles responsible for the formation of polyisoprene, the main component of rubber. The study found two key proteins necessary for natural rubber biosynthesis in dandelion plants. This discovery brings biotechnological manufacturing of rubber closer.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 28, 2015

Loyola study provides evidence that premature girls thrive more than premature boys

A new study from Loyola University Medical Center found that female infants tend to do better than males when born prematurely, achieving independent oral feeding at 36 weeks and four days on average. Researchers also discovered that being born before 29 weeks of pregnancy negatively influences the ability to eat independently.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine·DateApr 28, 2015

Childhood bullying causes worse long-term mental health problems than maltreatment

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that children who experienced bullying had worse long-term mental health problems than those who were maltreated by adults. The research, led by Professor Dieter Wolke, analyzed data from over 5,000 participants and found that being both bullied and maltreated increased the risk of o...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateApr 28, 2015

Heroin use spikes among whites who abuse prescription painkillers

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that past-year heroin use rose significantly among individuals taking opioids like oxycontin, particularly among Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The rate of heroin use for non-Hispanic whites increased by 75% in 2008-2011 compared to earlier years.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 27, 2015