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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 18


Page 18 of 34

Marine litter undermines benefits of coastal environments

A recent study published in Environment and Behavior found that marine litter significantly undermines the psychological benefits of coastal environments. The research, conducted by Plymouth University, showed that participants rated clean beaches most positively, while scenes with seaweed or public litter were rated more negatively.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateJul 15, 2015

Uncovering a key relationship in ALS

A University of Toronto research team discovered a new link between the genetic cause of ALS and its pathology, suggesting that C9orf72's mislocalization leads to TDP-43 buildup. This breakthrough offers new avenues for research and potential treatment or cure.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 15, 2015

Age doesn't dull damselfly sex

Researchers observed azure damselflies mating for two years, finding that older females and males were equally successful at finding mates and reproducing. The study provides insights into aging and population dynamics in insects, with potential implications for understanding mosquito and tsetse fly populations.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 15, 2015

'White graphene' structures can take the heat

Researchers at Rice University have found that three-dimensional boron nitride structures can efficiently control heat flow in electronics by slowing down phonon transfer between layers. These structures, composed of hexagonal boron nitride sheets and boron nitride nanotubes, can be tuned to create thermal switches or rectifiers.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 15, 2015

Rates of drunk driving tied to state alcohol policies, BU study finds

A new study by Boston University researchers found that states with more restrictive alcohol policies and regulations have lower rates of self-reported drunk driving. The study also suggests that laws targeting binge drinking are equally effective in preventing drunk driving as those specifically targeting impaired driving.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research·DateJul 15, 2015

Boosting nutrients gives a leg up to invasive species

A global study by University of Minnesota researchers found that adding nutrients to grasslands gives invasive species a leg up on native species. The study, published in Nature Communications, used data from 64 sites across 13 countries to pinpoint the role of nutrient availability and herbivore density in plant invasion.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2015

For faster, larger graphene add a liquid layer

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a scalable technique to produce millimetre-sized graphene crystals in minutes, compared to hours using current methods. The new approach creates a liquid layer that smooths out nanoscale valleys, allowing for larger flakes of high-quality graphene.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2015

Does heart disease begin in childhood?

Researchers found a statistically significant association between higher vitamin D levels and lower non-HDL cholesterol in children aged one to five years. The study suggests that factors leading to cardiovascular disease may start in early childhood, providing an opportunity for early life interventions to reduce risk.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 15, 2015

Evolutionary trees reveal patterns of microbial diversification

Researchers have created a new microbial 'family tree' that displays sudden bursts of diversification, potentially helping understand how harmful microbes evolve. This breakthrough uses coarse-graining and Λ-coalescent models to condense short branches into larger nodes, revealing patterns of ecological processes.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2015