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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 10


Page 10 of 36

Proximity to bike-sharing stations augments property values

A study by McGill University researchers found that homes near BIXI bike-sharing stations in central Montreal saw an average increase of 2.7% in sales price, with each station valued at $700 more in property value. The study suggests that other cities with similar systems may also experience similar effects on housing prices.

SourceMcGill University·JournalTransport Policy·DateJun 23, 2015

Dual internal clocks keep plant defenses on schedule

A Duke University study shows that two biological clocks work together to help plants deal with fungal infections, while maintaining an already-packed daily schedule of activities. The researchers identified a gene called NPR1 that links the two clocks, allowing them to work together and optimize plant defenses.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2015

More women are reaching 100 but centenarian men are healthier

Research conducted by King's College London found a 50% increase in females reaching age 100 between 1990 and 2013, with women four times more likely to reach this milestone than men. Centenarian men, on the other hand, tend to be healthier, experiencing fewer chronic illnesses and disabilities compared to their female counterparts.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 22, 2015

Study shows importance of cause of kidney failure when planning future treatment

Researchers found that mortality rates vary significantly according to kidney disease subtype, suggesting that treatment plans should be tailored towards disease-specific risks. The study analyzed data from 84,301 patients and showed significant differences in survival rates among those with different subtypes of glomerulonephritis.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 22, 2015

New formula expected to spur advances in clean energy generation

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new formula to calculate the maximum efficiency of thermoelectric materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in clean energy generation. The formula takes into account temperature-dependent properties and can determine whether devices are efficient enough to be worth pursuing.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2015

In social networks, group boundaries promote the spread of ideas, Penn study finds

A new Penn study shows that preserving social network boundaries can facilitate the spread of complex ideas, contradicting previous theories. By analyzing computational models and correlations between individual characteristics, researchers found that stronger group ties allow for more effective knowledge sharing across organizations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJun 22, 2015

Stress in pet cats -- how it manifests and how to manage it

A recent review highlights the impact of stress on cat behavior and welfare, including changes in exploratory behavior, social grooming, and urine marking. Strategies to prevent or reduce stress include a three-phase reintroduction protocol, environmental enrichment, and breeding strategies that promote well-balanced temperament.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateJun 22, 2015