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1 in 5 residents overuses electricity at neighbors' expense

A new study by Uppsala University reveals that household electricity use can be reduced substantially when residents are forced to pay for their own consumption. The study found that 20% of tenants accounted for up to two-thirds of the reduction in electricity consumption, highlighting the need for fairer distribution of costs.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

NUS study: Safer to ride in yellow taxis

A recent study by National University of Singapore researchers found that yellow taxis have significantly fewer accidents than blue taxis due to their higher visibility. This could lead to substantial cost savings for taxi operators, with an estimated annual savings of S$2 million.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Gambling adverts on TV can 'mislead' football fans

A University of Stirling study found that televised gambling adverts during English Premier League matches often promoted complex and highly specific bets, misleading football fans. The research suggests that these types of bets are difficult to accurately predict, leading to significant average losses.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateFeb 23, 2017

CIFAR receives $4M to strengthen health research in B.C.

The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) has received a $4 million funding boost from the British Columbia Ministry of Health to enhance health research in the province. This support enables CIFAR to facilitate collaborations among top researchers, tackling pressing health questions such as cancer and asthma.

SourceCIFAR·DateFeb 6, 2017

Boron atoms stretch out, gain new powers

Researchers at Rice University simulated one-dimensional boron materials, which exhibited mechanical stiffness comparable to the highest-performing nanomaterials. The new findings also revealed that these materials can act as constant-force springs and display unique electronic properties.

What holds the heart together

Muscle stability relies on two proteins: titin and α-actinin. The TUM researchers used optical tweezers to measure the forces between these proteins, finding a bonding force of five piconewtons that stabilizes muscles and enables heart function.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2017

I can see clearly now

Researchers create adaptive lenses made of glycerin and rubber-like membranes to change the focal length, eliminating the need for bifocals or reading glasses. The lenses are controlled by electronics and a battery, allowing users to switch between near and far vision in just 14 milliseconds.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 24, 2017

Trees supplement income for rural farmers in Africa

A University of Illinois study found that about one-third of rural farmers across five African countries have trees on their farms, contributing 17% to their annual household income. Trees can act as biodiversity corridors, linking forests and providing wildlife habitat, while also offering income potential to poor farmers.

Number of women who take maternity leave has stalled

A new study by Ohio State University found that the number of US women taking maternity leave has remained unchanged over the past 22 years, with fewer than half receiving paid time off. The research showed a significant increase in fathers' paternity leave, but at much lower rates than women's

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 19, 2017