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Science News Archive October 2009 - Page 17


Page 17 of 27

How to win by concession and avoid unproductive conflict

A new study published in Economic Inquiry explores how potential losers can use small concessions to successfully appease expected winners, but only under specific conditions. The researchers found that appeasement can be a good plan when choice is possible, and trade should be chosen over conflict.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateOct 13, 2009

Will this trip be exciting? Consumers respond best to vacation ads that match current emotions

A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers respond best to vacation ads that match their current emotions, whether it's excitement or relaxation. The researchers suggest that marketers can facilitate a positive impression by displaying products in contexts where pre-existing feelings align with the product's claims.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 13, 2009

Nitrogen mysteries in urban grasslands

Researchers in the Baltimore Ecosystem Study found that urban grasslands retain a significant amount of nitrogen, with losses typically less than 40% of applied fertilizer. This surprising result suggests that these ecosystems have considerable capacity for nutrient retention, contrary to concerns about environmental impacts.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateOct 13, 2009

Like humans, monkeys fall into the 'uncanny valley'

Researchers found that macaque monkeys react with revulsion when viewing nearly human-like images, supporting theories of an evolutionary basis for the uncanny valley. The study indicates that the brain mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are likely biological adaptations.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 2009

Milestone discovery in cell behaviors

A team of international molecular scientists has discovered a fast mechanism by which cells communicate changes, such as location during cancer spread, to adjacent cells. This discovery sheds light on cell behavior and could lead to the development of new drugs for diseases like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2009

Microchips result in higher rate of return of shelter animals to owners

A recent study by Ohio State University found that microchipped animals were reunited with their owners in almost three out of four cases. The return-to-owner rate for cats was 20 times higher and for dogs 2 1/2 times higher than for all stray cats and dogs, highlighting the effectiveness of microchip technology in pet reunification.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateOct 13, 2009

Nanotech protection

Canadian engineers warn that current safety equipment may not be sufficient to protect workers from nanoprotection risks. The growing field of nanotechnology manufacture poses unknown hazards, and urgent research is needed to develop appropriate protective measures.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanotechnology·DateOct 13, 2009

AGU journal highlights -- Oct. 13, 2009

Research papers published in Geophysical Research Letters highlight a surge in Arctic ozone-destroying gas levels and the discovery of lunar subsurface features. Climate models are also being revised to account for ozone variations, improving our understanding of atmospheric interactions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 13, 2009

Stanford scientist's new findings of autism-associated synapse alterations lead to coveted NIH grant

A Stanford University researcher has pinpointed the mechanism by which a gene associated with both autism and schizophrenia influences behavior in mice. The study identified behavioral changes in the mice similar to some symptoms of autism and schizophrenia, highlighting the complexities of cognitive disorders.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2009

Herbivory discovered in a spider

A newly discovered spider species, Bagheera kiplingi, has been found to feed predominantly on plant food, defying the traditional predator-prey paradigm. The research revealed that this Central American jumping spider exploits a co-evolutionary mutualism between ants and acacia shrubs, allowing it to thrive in a unique ecological niche.

SourceVillanova University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 12, 2009

Inhibiting the cellular process autophagy makes mice leaner

A new study reveals that inhibiting autophagy in mice leads to an increase in brown fat cells and a reduction in body mass. The researchers conclude that autophagy has a crucial role in regulating the formation of distinct fat cell types, providing a potential avenue for treating obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 12, 2009

Supervised strength training is more effective

A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that supervised strength training improves athletic performance by 50% compared to unsupervised exercises. The research also showed a significant reduction in injuries among athletes receiving personalized, supervised training programs.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAdvances in Physiotherapy·DateOct 12, 2009