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Science News for March 7, 2012


Study shows mean screens prime the brain for aggression

A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that watching mean screens can activate aggressive scripts in the brain, leading to increased aggression. The study showed that both physical and relational aggression on screen can prime the brain for aggressive behavior, which has significant implications for today's societal norms.

SourceIowa State University·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateMar 7, 2012

Elusive Higgs boson in sight?

Researchers at Michigan State University's DZero team have detected a distinct Higgs-like signature that cannot be easily explained without the presence of something new. If confirmed, this finding would be a major milestone for the world physics community and validate the Standard Model.

Antimatter zapped!

Researchers at CERN have successfully manipulated antihydrogen atoms using microwaves, providing the world's first glimpse of an 'anti-atomic fingerprint.' This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of applying microwave spectroscopy to study antimatter atoms.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2012

Market exchange rules responsible for wealth concentration

Two Brazilian physicists used statistical mechanics methods to study free market models, finding that wealth distribution follows a power law and concentrates among a few agents. New regulations, such as taxes giving poorer agents a higher probability of wealth gain, may help prevent wealth concentration and decrease inequalities.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 7, 2012

That caffeine in your drink -- is it really 'natural?'

A team of scientists has created a new method to determine whether caffeine in beverages is naturally occurring or synthetic. Using stable-isotope analysis, the technique identifies differences in carbon isotopes found in plant-based and lab-made caffeine. This breakthrough enables faster categorization of caffeine sources.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 7, 2012

Wash your mouth out with silver

Scientists discovered that silver nanoparticles effectively kill hard-to-treat yeast infections, including oral thrush and dental stomatitis. The nanoparticles' stability in liquid medium makes them a potential strategy for developing alternative treatments.

SourceWiley·JournalLetters in Applied Microbiology·DateMar 7, 2012

Chimpanzees have policemen, too

Researchers found that chimpanzees intervene in conflicts to preserve group peace, exhibiting prosocial behavior based on community concern. This policing activity was rare and limited to high-ranking individuals, who were more willing to intervene if several quarrelers were involved.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2012

Sperm can count

Researchers discovered that sperm only react to changes in calcium concentration, not the concentration itself, allowing them to maneuver even in high calcium environments. This calculation enables sperm to follow chemical gradients and navigate towards eggs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 7, 2012

The trustworthy cloud

Fraunhofer researchers have developed the Cloud Control Center to provide global monitoring of cloud services and assess their security. The control center provides administrators with a customizable dashboard to track key figures and establish meaningful status reports about the entire cloud system.

The right type of words

A new study identifies the QWERTY effect, where words typed with more letters on the right are associated with more positive emotions. The research challenges the traditional view that word meanings are independent of their forms.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMar 7, 2012

You are what you eat

A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals who consumed more fruit and vegetables experienced increased skin redness and yellowness, which were associated with improved health and attractiveness. The researchers monitored participants over six weeks and discovered a correlation between diet and skin color changes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2012

Rare medical phenomenon of systemic tumor disappearance following local radiation treatment reported in a patient with metastatic melanoma

Researchers report a rare phenomenon where localized radiation therapy leads to disappearance of metastatic tumors, suggesting an immune system-activating effect. The combination of ipilimumab and radiation may offer a promising approach for treating advanced melanoma.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 7, 2012

Chimpanzees have policemen, too

In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers observed chimpanzee groups and found that high-ranking individuals intervene in conflicts to ensure group stability. This behavior is driven by a community concern interest, with more parties to a conflict resulting in greater policing.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2012

Self-centered kids? Blame their immature brains

A new study suggests that egocentric behavior in children is linked to an immature prefrontal cortex, rather than a lack of understanding of fairness. Researchers found age-related increases in strategic decision-making between ages 6-13 years, with improved impulse control and brain activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 7, 2012

Any UK law on cycle helmets should apply only to kids

Researchers argue that UK law on cycle helmets should apply only to kids due to equivocal evidence of adult protection. The authors suggest a paternalistic approach and instead recommend public health information to empower adults to make their own decisions about helmet-wearing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateMar 7, 2012

New transplant method may allow kidney recipients to live life free of anti-rejection medication

A new study suggests that organ transplant recipients may no longer need anti-rejection medication thanks to the power of stem cells. Researchers are conducting a clinical trial using donor stem cell infusions to 'trick' the recipient's immune system, gradually eliminating or reducing the need for immunosuppressive drugs.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 7, 2012

Playful learning inside a square

The HOPSCOTCH learning system combines interactive gameplay with movement to make learning enjoyable for children of all ages. Initial tests at an elementary school showed enthusiasm from participants, particularly hyperactive kids, and Martina Lucht's vision is to integrate physical education with instruction in language skills.

Experimental drug reduces cortisol levels, improves symptoms in Cushing's disease

Pasireotide significantly reduced urinary cortisol levels and improved symptoms of Cushing's disease, cutting secretion by 50% and returning some patients' levels to normal. The drug, which blocks ACTH secretion by binding to somatostatin receptors on the pituitary tumor, showed promise in treating this rare endocrine disorder.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 7, 2012

How repeated stress impairs memory

Research reveals that repeated stress affects memory by reducing glutamate receptors in the prefrontal cortex, impairing high-level cognitive processes. The study provides critical insight into how chronic stress influences mental illnesses and offers potential targets for prevention and treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 7, 2012

Fiercer competition for quicker innovations

A study by KIT's Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis reveals that fiercer technical competition in Japan drives innovative mobile services. European operators are recommended to adopt similar measures, such as unlicensed radio spectrum usage and new licensing schemes, to regain competitiveness.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalTelecommunications Policy·DateMar 7, 2012

Mechanism for Burgess Shale-type preservation

Researchers have discovered a global pattern in geochemical analysis that sheds light on the unusual preservation process of soft-bodied fossils found in the Burgess Shale. The team found that rapid burial in mud layers with low oxygen levels and the presence of calcium carbonate cement played a crucial role in conserving organic remains.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2012