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Science News Archive November 2015 - Page 23


Page 23 of 35

The long and short of plasma turbulence

Researchers have used a supercomputer to simulate plasma turbulence, finding that long and short wavelength turbulence coexist and interact strongly, increasing heat losses tenfold above standard models. This discovery may inform fusion reactor design and bring us closer to practical fusion energy.

Largest ensemble simulation of global weather using real-world data

Researchers at RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science in Japan ran an enormous global weather simulation with 10,240 simulations of a model of the global atmosphere. They found that faraway observations can impact the eventual state of the weather forecast, which could lead to more accurate forecasts.

SourceRIKEN·JournalComputer·DateNov 10, 2015

First, do no harm: Hospital patients given anti-heartburn drugs have higher risk of dying

A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that hospital patients taking acid-reducing drugs have a higher risk of dying from infections such as pneumonia and C. diff. The simulation model used by researchers found that around 90% of hospital inpatients who were first prescribed these drugs had a higher ris...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 10, 2015

Pinpointing poverty with cellphone data

University at Buffalo researchers analyze mobile phone records to drill down to specific communities, providing insights into food, healthcare, education, and other human necessities. The approach aims to improve poverty maps by 14 geographical regions, offering a quick and cost-efficient tool for aid organizations and government agenc...

Northern lakes act as CO2 chimneys in a warming world

A new study reveals that many lakes worldwide release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, with northern hemisphere lakes expected to increase emissions due to climate change. The study found that most lake CO2 originates from surrounding land, highlighting the impact of land use changes on greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 10, 2015

Microwave field imaging using diamond and vapor cells

Scientists have created two innovative techniques to visualize microwave fields, utilizing spin states induced by microwaves. The first method uses rubidium atoms in a glass cell to image the field in high resolution, while the second method employs individual electrons in diamond to produce nanoscale images.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 10, 2015

New vaccine could prevent high cholesterol

A new vaccine has shown promise in reducing 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels in mice and macaques, suggesting potential as an alternative to statins. The vaccine targets the PCSK9 protein, which regulates cholesterol levels in the blood, offering a more powerful treatment with fewer side effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalVaccine·DateNov 10, 2015

Rice U. paper: End 'stem cell tourism'

A new paper by Rice University experts warns that unproven stem cell-based interventions are causing harm to patients and hindering scientific progress. The authors argue that public policy is needed to reduce 'stem cell tourism' and promote responsible research.

SourceRice University·JournalBMC Medical Ethics·DateNov 9, 2015

Don't delay: Having to wait doesn't help young kids exercise self-control

Researchers found that reminders helped young children control impulsive behavior, while waiting didn't make a difference. The study suggests that training individuals to look for tangible cues can help improve inhibitory control. Effective reminder-based interventions could involve setting up situations where cues are always present.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 9, 2015

New technology colors in the infrared rainbow

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technology that brings true color to infrared imaging systems, capturing specific wavelengths from the visible to the infrared spectrum. This allows advanced thermal imaging systems to be produced faster and cheaper, with higher sensitivity.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 9, 2015

Self-weighing may be a hazardous behavior among young women

A study of over 1,900 young adults found that increases in self-weighing were associated with increased weight concern, depression, decreased body satisfaction, and lower self-esteem among females. This behavior may be a predictor of eating disorders, highlighting the need for obesity prevention programs to consider its impact.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 9, 2015

Time to reassess blood-pressure goals

Recent SPRINT trial results suggest lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 may be associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and reduced mortality by 25%. The study's findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, may lead to a reevaluation of blood pressure goals for non-diabetic individuals over 50

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

A warmer world will be a hazier one

A new study using state-of-the-art computer models finds that most aerosol species will increase under climate change associated with greenhouse-gas-induced warming. This could lead to reduced air quality and increased atmospheric aerosols, outweighing the decrease in precipitation in certain regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 9, 2015

Tissue engineers recruit cells to make their own strong matrix

Scientists at Brown University have successfully cultured cells to produce extracellular matrix with strength comparable to natural tissues. By using specialized molds to guide cell growth and alignment, the researchers created ECMs with specific mechanical properties, such as collagen fibers aligned along a tendon-like structure.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 9, 2015