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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 28


Page 28 of 32

Laser scanning shows rates, patterns of surface deformation from the South Napa earthquake and other recently released Geosphere articles

Researchers used 3D laser scanning to measure surface deformation after the 2014 South Napa earthquake, revealing complex deformation patterns that challenge traditional notions of topography formation. The study also found evidence of 'afterslip' effects that can occur hours to years after an earthquake.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 3, 2015

Penn Medicine study is first to map of paths of hundreds of urban males on violence risk

A new Penn Medicine study outlines how an individual's location and activities influence their risk of being assaulted, with areas of neighborhood connectedness showing lower rates of gun and non-gun related assaults. The research highlights the importance of changing urban environments to make them safer and reduce violence.

VLA yields new insights on solar flares

Astronomers have confirmed a proposed explanation for how solar flares accelerate charged particles to nearly the speed of light using the upgraded VLA radio telescope. The new observations support the idea that a termination shock is responsible for accelerating electrons, with results closely matching computer simulations.

Protecting ocean species

A new study finds that 97.4 percent of marine species have less than 10 percent of their range represented in MPAs, with the US ranking near the bottom in terms of supporting formal protected areas. The research provides strategic guidance on where MPAs could be placed to better protect marine biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 3, 2015

Where did Australian cats come from?

Researchers found that feral cats in Australia originated from European settlers' pets, introducing a damaging invasive species. The study's findings have implications for managing invasive species, as they determined a specific time frame for cat introduction linked to native species decline.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 3, 2015

The fadeout effect

A meta-analysis of experimental methods found that early interactions designed to raise intelligence lose their effects over time. This challenges theories on cognitive development and environmental influences, suggesting that increased intelligence may adapt to new environments rather than leading to permanent gains.

Teaching parents about the importance of breakfast has benefits for both parent and child

A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that both online and in-person group education are effective in helping parents reduce breakfast-skipping and improve other breakfast-related nutritional knowledge and behaviors. The study involved 590 WIC participants, with both groups showing improve...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateDec 3, 2015

Global toll of injuries down by almost a third since 1990

Injuries have fallen by almost a third since 1990, with car crashes, self-harm, and falls making up the top causes, while fracture injuries require hospital admission. The global injury toll remains high but decreased in most regions, prompting researchers to conclude that the world is becoming safer.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateDec 3, 2015

Sperm carries information about dad's weight

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that a man's weight affects the heritable information contained in sperm. The study compared lean and obese men and found differences in epigenetic marks associated with appetite control. Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings on offspring.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 3, 2015

Research team discovers novel pestivirus affecting swine

A team of researchers at Kansas State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has identified a novel pestivirus affecting swine, causing uncontrollable shaking that led to the death of nearly 700 pigs. The virus, named APPV, was found to be widely distributed in the US swine herd and is associated with neurological disease.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateDec 2, 2015

New plastic solar cell minimizes loss of photon energy

Researchers at RIKEN and Kyoto University have developed a new polymer that minimizes photon energy loss in solar cells, leading to higher efficiency and robust conversion of solar energy into electricity. The achievement marks a significant step towards commercializing cheaper and more efficient polymer-based solar cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2015

Involvement in traditional dating abuse increases chances of cyberdating abuse in teens

A new study reveals that teenagers who experience traditional dating abuse are at a higher risk of becoming cyberdating abuse victims, and vice versa. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 high school students and found that involvement in one form of abuse increases the likelihood of involvement in the other.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateDec 2, 2015

New insights into the creation of heavy elements

A new method using supercomputers simulates the scattering of helium nuclei inside stars, shedding light on the formation of heavier elements. By reducing computational effort, scientists can now model complex processes involving more particles, bringing them closer to understanding the 'Holy Grail of astrophysics': oxygen creation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateDec 2, 2015

A quantum spin on molecular computers

Researchers created cleverly designed molecular complexes that can store information in a quantum state, overcoming one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing. These new molecules could potentially lead to the development of functional devices and more efficient computer designs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateDec 2, 2015

Carbon capture analyst: 'Coal should stay in the ground'

A new study from the University of Michigan found that most economic analyses of carbon capture and storage technology for coal-fired power plants severely underestimates its costs and overestimates its energy efficiency. The researchers conclude that renewable energy sources are likely to be cheaper than reducing carbon emissions from...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 2, 2015