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Science News for August 7, 2008


Gender stereotypes contradicted when negotiating

A new study reveals that when people try to make a positive impression, they may behave in ways that contradict gender stereotypes. Men and women in high-status roles acted in ways that contradicted traditional gender norms during negotiation simulations.

SourceWiley·JournalNegotiation and Conflict Management Research·DateAug 7, 2008

No evidence to support 'organic is best'

A new study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found no evidence to support the view that organically grown crops contain more major and trace elements. The study compared retention of minerals and trace elements in animals fed a diet consisting of conventionally grown crops, organic crops, and a combination of...

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateAug 7, 2008

Trigger for brain plasticity identified

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have identified the Otx2 protein as a key factor in triggering brain plasticity, allowing the brain to rewire and adapt. This discovery has implications for understanding developmental disorders like autism and potential treatments for improving learning and cognitive function.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateAug 7, 2008

'Edible optics' could make food safer

Scientists at Tufts University have demonstrated a new class of sensors combining nanoscale optics with biological readout functions, enabling biocompatible and biodegradable sensing technology. The developed silk-based optical elements can be used to detect harmful levels of bacteria in food and monitor glucose in the blood.

SourceTufts University·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateAug 7, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: August 7, 2008

Researchers explore new treatments for psoriasis, revealing a potential therapeutic option in AEB071, while cautioning further clinical trials are needed. Additionally, studies uncover the reasons behind gene therapy complications in SCID patients, shedding light on insertional oncogenesis and acquired somatic mutations.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 7, 2008

Compressor-free refrigerator may loom in the future

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new way to cool using ferroelectric polymers that exhibit temperature changes under an electrical field. The technology could lead to the development of flat panel refrigerators without coils or compressors, providing a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solution.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2008

Forward step in forecasting global warming

Researchers at Arizona State University have made a breakthrough in understanding the effect of brown carbon on climate change by developing a novel technique to measure its optical properties. This discovery could lead to more accurate forecasting of global warming activity, as current models often overlook this key component.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2008

Individual personal ties strengthen teams' overall creativity

A new study explores how imagination, insight, and creative ideas develop and spread within teams. Team creative cognition refers to a shared repertoire of cognitive processes among team members that enables the team's ability to approach problems creatively.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·DateAug 7, 2008