Articles by Dianne Depra
Heart Calcification: Here’s Why The Heart Turns Into Bone And What Researchers Are Doing About It
Heart disease claims a lot of lives but many still live through heart injury. However, researchers have discovered that certain survivors experience calcium formation in their hearts during recovery.
Starting At The Beginning: Archaeologists Use Chicxulub Crater Rocks, Prehistoric Teeth In Tracking Ancient Humans
Tracking ancient humans is no easy feat but researchers are getting a little bit of help from the Chicxulub impact crater and prehistoric Mayan teeth.
Chicxulub Crater Study Suggests Asteroid Impacts Could Be Home To Early Life
The Chicxulub impact may have wiped out 75 percent of life on Earth, but researchers have found that the resulting crater harbors niches that can support early life.
Women Mentally Sharper After Menopause If They Had Their Last Baby After Age 35: Study
Women typically feel pressured to have babies as early as they can but researchers have found that there is actually benefit in having a last pregnancy after the age of 35. Late last-pregnancy may be associated with better cognition.
Scientists Uncover 'Great Valley' On Mercury: First Evidence Of Planetary Contraction?
Scientists have discovered a great valley on Mercury extending to the planet’s Rembrandt basin. The discovery was made with the help of images from NASA's Messenger spacecraft.
Project Blue Kickstarter Launched: Campaign To Photograph Earth-Like Planets Around Alpha Centauri Star System Begins
Project Blue is taking a major step toward achieving its goals by launching a Kickstarter campaign. The group is turning to crowdfunding to turn its aim of spotting an Earth-like planet around Alpha Centauri into reality.
'Back To The Future' Inspires Solar Nanotech-Powered Clothing
Taking cues from 'Back to the Future,' a scientist from the University of Central Florida has developed solar nanotech-powered clothing that both harvests and stores energy from the sun for various applications.
Teenage Binge Drinking Can Affect Brain Function In Future Children
Binge drinking affects teen health today, but researchers have discovered that consuming alcohol in excess during adolescence may also have possible effects on the teens' future children.
Lasting Drought On Mars Revealed By Meteorites On The Red Planet
After examining a cluster of meteorites in Mars' Victoria crater, researchers have determined that the lasting drought on the red planet has persisted for millions of years.
Treating Lazy Eye In Children: iPad Game Found Effective As Treatment For Common Eye Condition
The general consensus is that screen time should be limited for children. For kids with a lazy eye, however, spending time with a specialized iPad game could help in improving their vision.
Women Remember More Than Men But Memories Fade As Menopause Sets In
Women naturally have a knack for remembering things but researchers have discovered that the memories they’ve accumulated over the years start to fade once menopause kicks in.
HIV Test On The Go? Scientists Develop USB Tool For Convenient HIV Testing
An HIV test on a USB stick? Researchers have made the technology possible, making HIV tests more accessible without compromising the quality of test results.
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Growth Rate Paused: Thanks, Plants!
Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have stopped growing in recent years and researchers are attributing the pause to vegetation across terrestrial ecosystems. Thanks, plants!
NASA To Launch 6 CubeSats Starting November To Better Study Earth
The RAVAN satellite will be the first of six CubeSats NASA will be launching as part of the space agency’s effort to better understand the Earth by improving how it studies the planet.
Election Day 2016: Where Do I Vote Today, Predictions And How To Know Presidential Election Results
It’s been a stressful election season but Election Day 2016 is finally upon us! Here’s how you can find your polling place, learn about predictions and find out who will be the 45th president of the United States.
Researchers Uncover Structural Similarities Between Human Cells And Neutron Stars
Human cells and neutron stars are similar, according to researchers. The two feature interior structures of the same form, despite being very different in nature.
5 US States Mulling Making Marijuana Legal
Whether or not marijuana will be legal for recreational use in five states will depend on how those in Nevada, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts and California will cast their votes on their state ballots.
When The 'Worried Well' Are Worried Sick: Study Finds Hypochondriacs Have High Heart Disease Risk Due To Health Anxiety
According to researchers, hypochondriacs, or the 'worried well,' are at high risk of developing heart disease. Their perpetual state of worry elevates anxiety levels, a known risk factor for heart disease.
Smoking A Pack A Day For A Year Leads To 150 Extra Mutations In Every Lung Cell: Study
For the longest time, it was unclear how exactly smoking promotes cancer. Now, researchers are a step closer toward understanding how tobacco-related cancers develop after identifying how smoking affects the body on a genetic level.
Galactic Encounter Results In 'Nearly Naked' Supermassive Black Hole
When galaxies collide, the larger one comes out on top. In the case of one galactic encounter, the smaller galaxy's supermassive black hole survived but was left nearly naked.
Obesity Risk In US Children Rise During Summer Breaks: Study
According to researchers, summer breaks actually lead to increases in obesity in children more than the time kids are in school. This tells parents the fight against obesity requires effort throughout the year.
Device Use During Bedtime Doubles Risks Of Poor Sleep In Children
Device use has been shown earlier to lead to sleeping problems. Now, researchers are saying using smartphones or tablets in bed specifically doubles risks of poor sleep in children.
NASA Discovers Rapidly Spinning 'Pumpkin Stars' Producing 100 Times More X-Rays Than The Sun
Combined observations from NASA's Kepler and Swift missions have resulted in the discovery of 'pumpkin stars.' Although they are named quaintly, these stars can be bigger than the sun and produce exponentially more X-ray emissions.
Researchers Discover Physical Source Of Depression
Researchers have uncovered the physical source of depression in the brain, allowing them to take a step closer toward helping improve treatment options for a condition that affects millions of Americans.
Researchers Create 3D Atomic-Level Image Of Brain’s Marijuana Receptor
Researchers are taking a closer look at the brain to better understand how THC affects the body, creating a 3D image of the brain’s marijuana receptor to facilitate their work.
Suffering From Jet Lag? A Blast Of Low-Oxygen Air Might Just Be What You Need
Frequent travelers experience jet lag a lot and it’s never pleasant. According to researchers, getting your circadian rhythm on track again and getting proper sleep may just be a blast of low-oxygen air away.
Ancient DNA Reveals Mysterious Species In Cave Art To Be Unidentified Bison-Cattle Hybrid
Today’s European bison is descended from the mysterious species researchers found in cave paintings in Ice Age caves. After examining ancient DNA, it has been revealed that the species is a bison-cattle hybrid.
Ancient Humans Influenced HPV Spread: Hominid ‘Hanky Panky’ Gave Rise To Sexually Transmitted Infections
Our ancestors certainly got busy in the past and this 'hanky panky' led not only to gene pool diversification but also to the spread of sexually transmitted infections, giving rise to HPV prevalence today.
Fewer, Later Cervical Cancer Screenings May Be Prescribed After Women Get HPV Shots
Got your HPV shots? According to new research, women may undergo cervical cancer screening less frequently and at a later date if they have been vaccinated against the virus.
Can’t Get To 10,000 Steps? Take Fewer, Faster Steps Instead
Walking has long been considered as a great form of physcal activity. If you’re having trouble meeting the 10,000-step requirement, researchers want you to keep this in mind: less can be more.
