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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 25


Page 25 of 32

Sobered up using LSD

A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that a single dose of LSD improved outcomes for 59% of patients compared to 38% of those receiving other treatments. Patients who received LSD showed greater self-acceptance, openness and motivation to address their alcohol problem.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateMar 8, 2012

A test of the senses in the search for a shoal mate

Research from the University of Bristol and Radboud University Nijmegen found that young French grunts are attracted to coral reef noises and muddy soft-sediment smells, but only visual cues of familiar fish guide them to their shoal mates. This hierarchical approach allows the fish to navigate safely in complex habitats.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEcology·DateMar 8, 2012

First findings released from Swaziland HIV incidence measurement survey announced at CROI 2012

The Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey found that HIV prevalence has stabilized over the past five years, with current prevalence peaking at 54% for women ages 30-34 and 48% for men ages 35-39. The survey also indicates declines in HIV prevalence among young adults, which may suggest a reduction in new HIV infections.

Older men's hidden health concerns

A large cross-sectional survey of 2325 Canadian men aged 55-97 years old found that mobility impairments, memory loss, and medication side effects were top health concerns. However, only a minority reported receiving adequate counseling on these issues, highlighting important gaps in healthcare.

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