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Science & Technology

APL finds new way to detect radioactivity

By TONY WU | March 26, 2015

Radioactive decay happens naturally to all materials. However, some elements decay much faster than others, allowing scientists to detect and identify certain materials. The importance of radioactivity detection is not often understated. These detection methods have a variety of uses, including monitoring nuclear power plants and screening cargo for potential terrorist activities. Some methods use helium-3, a material that is traditionally hard to obtain, but a new idea from the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) may have solved the problem of its rarity.

Flavored alcohol linked to overconsumption

By TONY WU | March 12, 2015

In the past few years, a flood of flavored alcohols has entered the market with the intention of drawing in more consumers. For some who don’t like the taste of beer or vodka, products like hard lemonade offer an appetizing alternative at parties or just relaxing at home.

Pediatric, adult melanoma are not so different

By JOAN YEA | March 12, 2015

Both children and adults can develop cancer, but are pediatric cancers different than adult ones? A new study has found that, at least for melanoma, the two are fairly alike. It appears as though skin cancer in kids and skin cancer in adults have many similarities, which could help in treating this deadly condition.

The Brain Wave: Gut microbes can influence neuron growth

By DUY PHAN | March 12, 2015

Our stomachs contain millions of beneficial microorganisms that help us with digestion. Their importance in our health and well-being is highlighted by reports that show the role an abnormal gut microbiome plays in the development of obesity. Other studies also suggest a close interaction between our immune system and the microorganisms. This interaction is large enough that it may even have an impact on certain types of cancer therapy. Indeed, research into the role that the gut microbiome plays on our physiology is becoming one of the most exciting scientific fields.

Study shows paternal genetics dominate

By LIZZY LIU | March 12, 2015

While people may claim that they take after their mothers in appearance, temperament or character, genetically speaking, they are more like their fathers. A recent study shows that even though mammals inherit an equal amount of genetic mutations from each parent, they tend to display more of the mutations they inherited from their dads.

Scientists find liquid water covered Mars

By SARAH SUKARDI | March 12, 2015

The surface of the planet Mars is currently a barren desert, bereft of most traces of liquid water and life. But recently, more intriguing news about the state of water on Mars has been discovered: Scientists have found evidence not just of the presence of abundant liquid water, but of entire oceans on the surface of the planet four billion years ago.

Eating more peanuts can improve heart health

By REGINA PALATINI | March 12, 2015

Contrary to popular belief, elephants do not eat peanuts. According to the Ringling Brothers, they are too small for their trunks to grasp. That’s unfortunate for them because recent studies suggest that eating this legume may lower the risk for cardiovascular disease and death.

The mystery around tuberculosis unravels

By SUNNY CAI | March 12, 2015

The inner workings of tuberculosis — historically known as “consumption” and the “White Plague” — have remained shrouded in mystery since antiquity. However, tuberculosis’s estimated 5000-year reign of terror may soon be grinding to a halt. A recent study has discovered more about how our bodies react to bacteria that causes the disease.

Obamacare Supreme Court case continues

By ELLE PFEFFER | March 12, 2015

Last week the Supreme Court heard arguments for a case challenging the constitutionality of a key aspect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Popularly called Obamacare, the Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in 2010 and has since been the butt of many a political battle.

Buzz already surrounds Apple watch release

By JESS CARNEY | March 12, 2015

Apple will release its newest creation, the Apple Watch, on April 24. It will be Apple’s first wearable device, and many people are interested, but the debate rages as to whether it will be a technological revolution or a business failure.

White House proposes law to protect consumers

By Catie Paul | March 5, 2015

On Feb. 27, the White House announced that they will be proposing a new piece of legislation, the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights Act. The aim of the bill, according to the White House, is to provide greater privacy for consumers.

Is it blue and black, or is it white and gold?

By RITIKA ACHREKAR | March 5, 2015

One week ago, 21-year-old singer and guitarist Caitlin McNeill posted a picture of a dress on Tumblr when members of her wedding band couldn’t agree on its colors. She hoped that her followers would reach a consensus on whether the dress was black and blue or white and gold. The photo was picked up by several other news sources and ended up polarizing the Internet into two camps.

iPhone leads global smartphone market

By SAMHITA ILANGO | March 5, 2015

Coming in at the top, the iPhone is the world’s top-selling smartphone for the first time in three years. The smartphone market becomes increasingly competitive every year, and with that Apple, Lenovo, Samsung, Huawei and LG Electronics have shuffled in ranks for selling the most phones worldwide.

Few intervene when cyberbullying occurs

By Catie Paul | March 5, 2015

As different types of social media grow and communication over the Internet becomes increasingly common, the question arises: What to do about cyberbullying? A recent study from Ohio State University found that most people will not directly intervene if they see a case of cyberbullying.

Acclaimed author gives lecture on science writing

By SAMHITA ILANGO | March 5, 2015

“Where does one begin to tell a story?” Dava Sobel asked attendees in Hodson Hall this past Friday as the best-selling author gave a short talk and reading from her latest work. “They have something to say and don’t know where to start,” Sobel said.

Prisoner’s Dilemma teaches us about prediction

By JOAN YEA | March 5, 2015

The Prisoner’s Dilemma game tests not only the rationality of the players but also their social decision-making skills. These skills are based on the player’s ability to predict what the other person will do. In the game two criminals, both aware of the greater award if they both cooperate, are most likely to betray each other because of each one’s prediction that the other will behave in their own self-interest.

Peanut exposure level linked to allergy rate

By RITIKA ACHREKAR | March 5, 2015

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that feeding young children peanut products could help prevent peanut allergies. This challenges the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation which calls for children under the age of three who are at risk of developing allergies to avoid consuming peanut products.

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