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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 14


Page 14 of 32

This week from AGU 12/14/2016

New research on Mars suggests that finger-like rock structures could be evidence of ancient microbes, potentially harboring past life. Thousands of geese have died due to toxic waters in Montana's Berkeley Pit, highlighting the spread of heavy metals and acid into groundwater.

Skin cells 'crawl' together to heal wounds treated with unique hydrogel layer

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a proprietary peptide-hydrogel biomaterial that promotes skin cells to 'crawl' together, closing chronic, non-healing wounds caused by diabetes. The treatment closed wounds 200% faster than no treatment and 60% faster than existing collagen-based products.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2016

The hidden side of sulfur

A research team at the University of Geneva has discovered that sulfur can act as an effective catalyst, transforming molecules with greater precision than hydrogen. This breakthrough enables chemists to exercise increased control over molecular transformations, paving the way for the creation of new materials and applications.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 14, 2016

Bring your own (security) disaster

A new study reveals that most IT security managers prefer employees not to bring their own devices to work due to security concerns. The study highlights the risks of BYOD, including viruses, phishing, hacking attacks, identity theft, and corporate espionage.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Teaching and Case Studies·DateDec 14, 2016

Scientists measure pulse of CO2 emissions during spring thaw in the Arctic

Researchers measured significant spring pulses of greenhouse gases in the Arctic during thaw, revealing that the region may not be as effective at absorbing CO2 as previously believed. The study's findings suggest that climate change could lead to more frequent and intense emissions, which could offset the Arctic's role as a carbon sink.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 14, 2016

Tectonic shift?

Researchers studied olivine, a key mineral in Earth's mantle, to understand plate tectonics and measure the Earth's surface thickness. They found that tectonic plates are approximately 100 kilometers thick, contradicting previous theories.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2016

International alliance receives grant to improve cassava harvest and nutrition for farmers in Africa

The VIRCA Plus consortium aims to improve agricultural productivity and enhance nutrition for smallholder households in East and West Africa by developing disease-resistant and nutritionally-enhanced cassava varieties. The project will address challenges such as plant viral diseases, which can destroy up to 100% of a cassava crop yield.

Study dispels myth that Santa only visits children who are nice

A recent BMJ study dispels the myth that Santa only visits well-behaved children. Instead, research suggests socioeconomic factors play a significant role in determining whether Santa will visit a child. The study found that pediatric wards in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation were less likely to receive Santa visits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 14, 2016