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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 27


Page 27 of 37

Analysis uncovers racial bias in fatal shootings by police

A recent analysis found that Black civilians were over twice as likely to be unarmed when fatally shot by US police in 2015 compared to their white counterparts. The study also revealed that civilians from other minority groups were more likely not to pose a threat to officers or others.

SourceWiley·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateFeb 8, 2017

'Who needs a flu shot? -- not me'

A study by Hyunmin Lee found that individuals tend to think the media's coverage of flu epidemics influences others more than themselves. This perception counteracts the message's intended behavior, leading to decreased vaccination intentions.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateFeb 8, 2017

Carnivores more seriously threatened by roads than previously acknowledged

A global study found that carnivores are more seriously threatened by roads than previously acknowledged. The research highlights the need to update the protection status of species such as the puma, American black bear, and brown bear, which are severely affected by road habitats cut through their habitat.

Snow leopard and Himalayan wolf diets are about one-quarter livestock

A study published in PLOS ONE found that around a quarter of snow leopard and Himalayan wolf diets consist of livestock, highlighting the challenges for conserving these endangered species. The research analyzed DNA and hairs in scats from 182 snow leopards and 57 wolves, revealing prey preferences and diet composition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2017

Deep groundwater aquifers respond rapidly to climate variability

Researchers found that responses to climate variations can be detected in deep groundwater aquifers within a year, suggesting an intermediate connection between precipitation and groundwater levels. Pumping of aquifers may drive this rapid response, controlled by crop water demand and agricultural industry activities.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 8, 2017

How can marijuana policy protect the adolescent brain?

Experts recommend that laws legalizing marijuana outline restrictions on age, frequency of use, potency, and advertising to prevent abuse. They also emphasize the need for additional research to guide informed policy decisions.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2017

Is it time for a dedicated tax to fund the NHS?

The BMJ publishes a debate article on whether a dedicated tax is needed to fund the NHS, with proponents arguing it would reflect public wishes and provide welcome certainty. Critics, however, believe a hypothecated tax would not protect funding from economic uncertainty and that simpler solutions exist.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 8, 2017

Pure iron grains are rare in the universe

New research suggests that pure iron grains are extremely rare in the universe, contrary to previously thought, and may be forming invisible metal particles. A study published in Science Advances used a rocket-based experiment to simulate the formation of pure iron grains in space, revealing grain formation is highly unlikely.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 2017

Measuring time without a clock

Researchers at EPFL have determined a delay of one billionth of one billionth of a second in photoemission by measuring the spin of photoemitted electrons. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the properties of electrons in solids and advancing spectroscopy techniques.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 2017

Record-breaking material that contracts when heated

Nagoya University researchers have developed a new class of composite materials with negative thermal expansion, offering potential solutions for industrial applications. The reduced ruthenate ceramic material shrinks by up to 6.7% when heated, making it more than double the current record-holding material.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2017

Genetic profiling can guide stem cell transplantation for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome

Researchers discovered genetic mutations in TP53, RAS pathway genes, and JAK2 gene associated with shorter survival and increased relapse risk after stem cell transplant. The findings provide a guide for identifying patients most likely to benefit from a transplant, enabling personalized treatment strategies.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2017

Study finds naps may help preschoolers learn

A new study found that preschoolers who napped after learning new verbs had a better understanding of the words when tested 24 hours later. The study suggests that parents may want to consider maintaining regular naptimes for preschoolers, who are at an age where naps have a tendency to dwindle.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 8, 2017

CU Anschutz research investigates role of protein in obesity among Latin American women

A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that limited access to dietary protein is a potential driver of obesity among women of low socioeconomic status in Latin America. The researchers used the protein leverage hypothesis to understand differences in obesity among socioeconomic groups and discovered an ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateFeb 8, 2017