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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 12


Page 12 of 352

No 2 people smell the same

Researchers at Duke University found that individuals can be very different in the way they activate their smell receptors, leading to unique perceptions of odor. The study identified 27 new receptors with significant responses to odor molecules, doubling the known number to 40.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 13, 2013

Pilot study finds ways to better screen and recover guns from domestic violence offenders

A pilot study has found ways to better screen and recover guns from domestic violence offenders, improving enforcement of existing laws. The study suggests using multiple sources of information, including firearm transaction records and court documents, to identify firearm owners and ensure timely recovery of firearms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 13, 2013

Duke engineers make strides toward artificial cartilage

Researchers at Duke University have created a composite material with properties similar to those of native cartilage, which could lead to improved artificial replacement tissues. The new material combines the strength and suppleness of native cartilage, addressing previous challenges in replicating its mechanical properties.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 13, 2013

UT Arlington marketing study shows ethnically diverse workforce may improve customer experience

A recent UT Arlington study suggests that ethnically diverse workforces can lead to improved customer experiences, particularly for Hispanic and Asian customers. The research found that shared ethnicity between employees and customers increases perceptions of favoritism and enhances the overall retail experience.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateDec 13, 2013

Ethanol blends carry hidden risk

Researchers at Rice University found that blending more ethanol into fuel can lead to the release of toxic or explosive gases, which can accumulate in buildings and pose health risks. The study highlights the need for new thinking on managing vapor-intrusion risks due to fuel spills.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 13, 2013

From friend to foe: How benign bacteria evolve to virulent pathogens

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that benign E. coli bacteria can evolve to become pathogenic within 500 generations or 30 days when confronted with macrophages. The bacteria adapted by developing resistance to being killed by immune cells and acquiring traits similar to those of deadly pathogens.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 12, 2013

Civilians trained by American mental health professionals bring healing to traumatized victims of Libya's civil war, Baylor study finds

A Baylor University study finds that Libyan civilians trained by American mental health professionals experience significant healing through peer-led groups, leading to a dramatic reduction in symptoms. The approach has implications for other countries with limited access to mental health services.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSouth African Journal of Psychology·DateDec 12, 2013

Peripheral immune system may regulate vulnerability to depression

A study suggests that immune cells outside the brain may contribute to depression, with elevated levels of interleukin-6 linked to increased depressive behaviors in rodents. Researchers found that mice transplanted with high-responding donors exhibited increased depression-like behaviors compared to those with low-responding donors.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 12, 2013