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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 26


Page 26 of 28

Trust, clarity and openness in the workplace

A study by D. Keith Denton highlights the importance of creating an atmosphere of trust in the workplace to improve communication and reduce dissatisfaction. Face-to-face communication is found to be more effective than other channels, allowing for true dialogue to occur.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Productivity and Quality Management·DateMar 2, 2011

4 new species of Zombie ant fungi discovered in Brazilian rainforest

Four new species of fungus have been discovered in the Brazilian rainforest, infecting ants and manipulating their behavior to secure prime locations for spore dispersal. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between parasites and fragmented habitats, providing tools for further research into disease dynamics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Solar mystery solved

Computer simulations suggest that changes in plasma flow within the Sun, which resembles ocean currents, contribute to prolonged solar minima. The team discovered that a faster flow during the first half of the solar cycle can lead to an extended period without sunspots and weak polar magnetic fields.

Clouds amplify ecological light pollution

Research by physicists and ecologists found that overcast skies are up to three times brighter than clear nights, amplifying ecological light pollution in urban ecosystems. The study highlights the need to consider cloud cover when assessing biological impact of light pollution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

Parents rationalize the economic cost of children by exaggerating their parental joy

A study by Richard Eibach and Steven Mock found that parents who focus on the financial costs of parenthood tend to idealize parenting more, while those considering both costs and benefits report lower enjoyment in other activities. The researchers suggest this myth is a modern psychological phenomenon linked to changing societal values.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 2, 2011

An appeal to the caregiving values of rural women for breast cancer prevention

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs found that rural Appalachian women are more likely to perform breast health self-examinations and seek medical attention when their caregiving responsibilities are recognized. The research suggests that appealing to their strength as caretakers encourages them to take care of themsel...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateMar 2, 2011

Dude, you throw like a crybaby!

A UCLA study found that body language is more likely to be judged as masculine when it conveys anger and as feminine when it conveys sadness during baseball tosses. Researchers used technology to disguise the actors' sex and presented videos to observers, who made judgments about their emotions and gender.

Study in PLoS: Intensive adherence counseling to HIV treatment improves patient outcomes

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that intensive adherence counseling significantly reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure in patients with HIV. Patients receiving counseling were 29% less likely to experience poor adherence, and those receiving early counseling had a 59% lower risk of viral failure.

Scientists unravel the mysterious mechanics of spider silk

Researchers have uncovered the key to spider silk's incredible strength and toughness, revealing a serial arrangement of crystalline and amorphous subunits that outperforms random structures. This breakthrough may lead to the design of artificial silk fibers with similar properties.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 1, 2011

Gene variations associated with risk of type 2 diabetes

Research reveals that specific gene variants, particularly IVS5-13insC, are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals of white European ancestry. The study's findings suggest that these genetic variations could serve as early predictive markers for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 2011

Scientists unravel the mysterious mechanics of spider silk

Researchers deciphered the molecular structure behind spider silk's remarkable mechanical properties, discovering that soft amorphous subunits contribute to its elasticity and crystalline subunits determine its maximal toughness. The study's findings may aid in designing artificial silk fibers with improved performance.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 1, 2011

UCSF researchers uncover hormone pathway to fatty liver disease

UCSF researchers have discovered a crucial hormone pathway that contributes to the development of fatty liver disease. By disrupting this pathway, they found that fat accumulation in the liver can occur even without alcohol consumption. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic drugs targeting this pathway.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2011