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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 14


Page 14 of 38

New transitory form of silica observed

A team of scientists has discovered five new forms of silica under extreme pressures at room temperature, revealing a four-to-six configuration shift in the deep Earth. The findings provide valuable insights into the transition between different chemical phases under high-pressure conditions.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2015

Educated women choosing to be mothers without marrying their spouses

A study led by Benoît Laplante finds that consensual unions have become increasingly popular among higher-income groups in Latin America. University-educated women are no longer limited to having children out of wedlock, as fertility rates correlate with living in a conjugal relationship rather than its legal nature.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateMar 19, 2015

Healthy grain fiber helps barley resist pests

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that resistant barley varieties accumulate beta-glucan in their cell walls, which may influence nutrient flow and natural defense strategies against cereal cyst nematode. This finding could lead to new targets for resistance strategies in barley and other cereal crops.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 19, 2015

The taming of the shrew

Researchers from University of Cologne measured vibrational transitions in CH5+ ions with high accuracy, revealing the molecule's structure. The findings confirm a simple model of five hydrogen nuclei moving freely around the carbon nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

Milky Way's center unveils supernova 'dust factory'

Researchers made direct observations of cosmic dust resulting from an ancient supernova at the Milky Way's center, supporting the theory that supernovae produce dust in galaxies of the early universe. The study provides new insights into the origins of dust, a crucial component in star and planet formation.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

Hidden benefits of electric vehicles revealed

Researchers at Michigan State University reveal two hidden benefits of electric vehicles: reduced heat emission and potential cooling effect on city dwellers. The study finds that replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric ones could reduce urban heat intensity by nearly 1 degree Celsius, saving energy and carbon emissions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 2015

You can't play checkers with charge ordering

Researchers at CIFAR discover that charge ordering creates a stripy pattern, not a checkerboard, and competes with superconductivity along one direction. This discovery sheds light on the role of charge ordering in propelling electrons into tight pairs, allowing for free movement.

SourceCIFAR·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

New technologies for getting the most out of semen

Researchers are developing microfluidic solutions for easy-to-use, disposable, inexpensive, and high-throughput sperm selection. These methods offer promising results for single-sperm genomics, in-home male fertility testing, and wildlife conservation efforts.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateMar 19, 2015

Some mushrooms glow, and here's why

Researchers discovered that bioluminescent fungi produce light to attract insects that disperse their spores. The circadian control of bioluminescence makes the process more efficient and helps the mushrooms save energy. Studying these organisms is crucial for understanding forest ecosystems and the carbon cycle.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2015

Rutgers University chemistry research holds great promise for advancing sustainable energy

Rutgers University chemists have developed a patent-pending HER catalyst Ni5P4 that has the potential to replace platinum in electrolyzers and fuel cells, lowering material costs while maintaining efficiency. The researchers aim to test the compound's operating stability and efficiency over extended time periods in commercial devices.

SourceYankee Public Relations·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 19, 2015

Life-saving treatments learned from war being missed

Institutions like King's College London are reviewing military medical advancements to improve civilian healthcare, focusing on low-resource regions where life-saving treatments can be adapted and implemented. The review calls for research and policy changes to transfer these innovations.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateMar 19, 2015