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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 35


Page 35 of 39

New laser to shine light on remote sensing

A revolutionary new laser developed by the University of Adelaide can operate over a large range in the infrared light spectrum, allowing for sensitive detection of greenhouse gases. The laser's tunability and affordability make it a promising tool for scanning gases with high sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 4, 2016

ECS publishes First Editors' Choice article

The Electrochemical Society (ECS) has published its first Editors' Choice article, detailing transformative findings in the dosage and spatial distribution of lithiation. The article uses a focused Li-ion beam to probe lithiation mechanism at the nanoscale, enabling precise dosage and control.

SourceThe Electrochemical Society·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateApr 4, 2016

Shifting sands on Mars

Researchers aim to learn about changes in Martian-like sand dunes' grain size, chemical composition, and shape. They seek evidence of microbial organisms in similar environments as Earth, which could provide clues about Mars' past habitability.

Surgery residency program directors believe flexible duty hours improve continuity of care

A survey of program directors found that flexible work hour schedules improve the continuity of patient care without compromising patient safety. Directors also believed that flexible duty hours would positively affect patient safety, continuity of care, quality of resident education, and resident well-being.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 4, 2016

Man's best friend is getting smaller

The study found that registration of small and medium breeds increased by 4.2% and 5.3% relative to large breeds over a 28-year period. Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, are increasingly popular due to their short, wide heads, which may be linked to changes in human lifestyle and living space.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCanine Genetics and Epidemiology·DateApr 4, 2016

Vitamin D improves heart function, study finds

A daily dose of vitamin D3 improves heart function in people with chronic heart failure, improving ejection fraction from 26% to 34%. The study, known as VINDICATE, involved over 160 patients and found that taking vitamin D3 regularly may lessen the need for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics April theme: Intimate partner violence

The International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics identifies key factors associated with intimate partner violence, including infertility/subfertility as a risk factor in low- and middle-income countries. The research contributes to efforts to establish ways to identify individuals at risk and develop successful interventions.

SourceElsevier·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateApr 4, 2016

Western lifestyle spells the end of biodiversity

A recent study reveals that societies follow common development patterns, leading to overexploitation of natural resources and ecosystems. The Living Planet Index and Human Development Index show a stark contrast between Western countries' environmental degradation and developing countries' accelerating resource depletion. To avoid cat...

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Studies·DateApr 4, 2016

CU Denver study shows disaster plans often neglect historic preservation

A CU Denver study reveals that many communities fail to incorporate historic preservation into their disaster management plans, putting cultural resources at risk. The study identified numerous historic sites in hazardous areas, including those in Florida's National Register of Historic Places in a 100-year floodplain.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateApr 4, 2016

New tool enables scientists to interpret 'dark matter' DNA

Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have invented a new way to read and interpret the human genome, using machine learning technology to predict gene-enhancer interactions. The TargetFinder tool accurately predicts complex three-dimensional interactions up to 85% of the time, opening the door to treating genetic diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 4, 2016

Reasons reported by children, youth for being on the streets

A global review of 13,559 participants found that poverty was the most common reason reported by children and youth for being on the streets, followed by family conflict and abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for international collaborations to prevent street involvement and assist those already involved.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 4, 2016

Engaging patients and the public with health care evidence

The article recommends ways to manage value conflicts and promote patient engagement in clinical care, health care organizations, public health, regulation, and among payers. It proposes strategies such as advance community-based participatory research, facilitating patient and community involvement in learning health systems, and gath...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 4, 2016