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Science News Archive October 2012 - Page 29


Page 29 of 33

Not getting sleepy? Stanford research explains why hypnosis doesn't work for all

A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that highly hypnotizable individuals have greater activity in executive-control and salience networks, indicating a neural trait underlying hypnotizability. This advance enables scientists to better understand the mechanisms of hypnosis and its potential for clinical applications.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2012

Warning, automatic braking systems on autos will help save lives, research predicts

Research published in IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems suggests that automatic braking systems can significantly reduce injuries in rear-end collisions. The study found that the use of three systems - warning, assisted braking, and autonomous braking - may prevent up to 50% of serious injuries.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateOct 3, 2012

Mollusc missing link revealed in 3-D

Researchers have uncovered a rare fossil called Kulindroplax, the missing link between two mollusc groups, and modelled it in a 3D computer animation. The study provides unprecedented detail, enabling scientists to understand the relationship between aplacophorans and chitons.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2012

For some women, genes may influence pressure to be thin

The study, which analyzed over 300 female twins, suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of body dissatisfaction and thin ideal internalization. Environmental influences, such as exposure to media, also contribute to these issues.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateOct 3, 2012

Chloroquine makes comeback to combat malaria

Scientists have observed that chloroquine is once again effective in combating malaria parasites, particularly in Senegal and other African countries. This development could lead to more affordable treatment options for millions of people in Africa, with the current treatment costing twice as much as chloroquine.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 3, 2012

Discrimination from one's manager really bites

A study by University of Leicester researchers found that discrimination from managers has the largest impact on anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion among mental health workers. Meanwhile, discrimination from patients' visitors causes more distress than from patients themselves.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateOct 3, 2012

The mathematics of leaf decay

Researchers developed a mathematical model to analyze data from North American forests, finding that warmer climates accelerate leaf decay uniformly, while plant composition determines the range of rates. The study reveals surprising commonality among diverse leaf decay patterns, shedding light on global carbon flux and climate change.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateOct 3, 2012

Rare disease researchers notch a win

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the generic drug mexiletine alleviates symptoms of nondystrophic myotonia, a rare muscle disease. Participants reported significant improvements in stiffness, pain, and everyday quality of life, with stiffness reduced by at least 40%.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 3, 2012

Less is more when choosing between groups of assorted items

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that rhesus monkeys prefer a highly-valued food item alone to the same item paired with a lower-value item. This behavior is similar to what has been seen in human studies, where participants rated a highly-valued item more highly than one with multiple items of lesser value.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2012

Ancient mollusk tells a contrary story

A new fossil discovery provides evidence that simpler worm-like mollusks evolved from more complex shelled brethren, rather than the other way around. The find clarifies evolutionary relationships among mollusks, including oysters and mussels.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2012

A complete solution for oil-spill cleanup

A superabsorbent material can recover up to 5 gallons of crude oil per pound and is strong enough for collection and transportation. The material transforms an oil spill into a soft gel that can be converted back into refined oil, providing a cost-effective solution to reduce environmental impacts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateOct 3, 2012