15 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Jet Lag Could Increase Susceptibility to InfectionThe body is an amazing machine, with many processes that turn on and off naturally with unbelievable precision. The bodyâs circadian rhythms ensure that the various processes follow the cycles that keep the body operating efficiently. Scientists have now found that confusing the master clock that drives the bodyâs processes might impair a personâs immune system and prevent them from being able...... Read More
14 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Study Leads to Better Understanding of the Dog-PaddleIt has long been believed that dogs do not actually swim, but instead trot to propel them through water. A trot means that the front paw rises and falls in sync with the opposite hind paw. After looking at six breeds of dogs as they propelled through water, however, it looks more like they are running. This preliminary discovery was made by Frank Fish of West Chester University in Pennsylvania, before...... Read More
13 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Faster Aging may be Another Side Effect of RacismRacial disparities in health are well-documented, predicting a shorter life expectancy and an increased risk of age-related illnesses at younger ages for African Americans, in comparison to those in whites. Now, a new study shows that there may be a link between accelerated aging at the biological level to the impact that racism has on individuals at the cellular level. Findings from the study were...... Read More
10 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Temperature-Related Earthquake Mechanism Supported by ResearchersMost people associate earthquakes with damage on the Earth's surface, and are unaware of other rumblings deep within the Earth that don't propagate to the surface. However, seismometers (and seismologists) regularly take note of these deep tremors in order to study propagation mechanisms and improve earthquake prediction and warning capabilities. The journal Geophysical Research Letters recently published...... Read More
09 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
3D Space Camera Tech Proves Multiple UsesMost of us think of the technology used in space science as being primarily used for space exploration and monitoring. However, the growth in technology has allowed the capability of crossing over lines into other areas of science, and in consumer and commercial use. The 3D One camera is one example where a piece of equipment developed for one use has proven to be beneficial for use in multiple applications,...... Read More
08 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Human Brain Size Not Most Important Factor in Thinking CapabilitiesThe human brain stands out from that of all other species by facilitating cognitive tasks that other species are not able to achieve. The human brain weighs about three pounds -- a gigantic size relative to the body. Scientists have long believed that the large size of the human brain and our powerful minds are closely connected. Based on fossils found of ancient ancestors, there was a huge increase...... Read More
07 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Dirty Dogs Could Be a Child’s Best FriendParents of children with allergies are familiar with the routine cleanings and keeping potential allergens away, including the family pet. It turns out that the family dog that carries dust from outdoors into the home may actually benefit babies. New research suggests that the dust that comes in with the dog can impart immune protection to infants. A study performed on mice showed that microbes in...... Read More
06 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Why Men Drink More than WomenMost people are already aware that men drink more than women. The results of a new study indicate that differences in the way men and women respond to stress may be the reason for the discrepancy. The findings were published in Science News and a number of other science articles after the original report in the December 11 issue of Addiction. Researchers studied men and women in a situation where...... Read More
03 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Glassblowers Have Important Science JobsWhen most of us think about potential science jobs that may hold promise as a career choice, glass blower isnât typically one of the first areas that comes to mind. However, an article in New Scientist explains the important role that scientific glass-blowers play in the overall scheme of things. The story focuses on Stephen Ramsey, the scientific glass-blower at Imperial College London, who is...... Read More
02 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Fast Production of Hydrogen may Lead to Clean FuelScientists have made a discovery that could increase the amount of hydrogen available to use as clean fuel. By increasing the speed at which the natural process takes place to form hydrogen in rocks deep below the surface of the Earth, hydrogen may be more widely available to use as a clean fuel resource. Hydrogen is currently being used in rockets and in battery-like fuel cells while research is being...... Read More