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Science News Archive November 2013 - Page 7


Page 7 of 30

Extent of obesity not strongest factor for patients when choosing weight loss operation

A study by American College of Surgeons found that patients' choice of bariatric surgery is influenced by type 2 diabetes status, desired weight loss, and tolerance for risk, rather than BMI. Patients with uncontrolled eating patterns were more likely to opt for a reversible procedure like gastric banding.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 22, 2013

Political correctness could affect holiday weight gain

A study published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that people are more likely to choose unhealthy food options for themselves and others when they perceive the other person as overweight. This can lead to poor diet choices, especially during holiday celebrations. The research suggests that marketers should...

SourceDuke University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateNov 22, 2013

An inside look at a MOF in action

A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab has made the first in situ electronic structure observations of a metal-organic framework (MOF) as it adsorbs carbon dioxide gas. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy in probing MOF chemistry and gas adsorption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 22, 2013

Smaller islands host shorter food chains

A recent study by Finnish scientists found that smaller island areas support fewer species and shorter food chains. The research team analyzed 20 islands off the Finnish coast and discovered that top predators were often missing from small islands, leading to a loss of control functions in local ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEcography·DateNov 22, 2013

Does obesity reshape our sense of taste?

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that obese mice have fewer taste cells capable of detecting sweetness and react weakly to sweet stimuli. This impairment may contribute to overeating and weight gain by reducing the effectiveness of the body's natural appetite suppressants.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 21, 2013

Bio-based solar cell

The Ruhr-University Bochum researchers developed a bio-based solar cell using photosystem 1 and 2 proteins, generating an efficient electron current. The bio-based solar cell boasts an efficiency of several nanowatts per square centimeter, making it a potential blueprint for semi-artificial and natural cell systems.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 21, 2013

License to ill

A recent study found that firms with a history of social responsibility are more likely to engage in subsequent social irresponsibility, particularly if CEOs have a strong moral image. For every five positive actions taken, companies receive a 'license to commit' one negative action.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateNov 21, 2013

Additive may make wine fine for a longer time

Researchers have discovered an additive that inhibits oxidation in wine, reducing discoloration and loss of aroma. Chelation compounds like phytic acid can bind with metals to neutralize oxidation, making it a promising solution for winemakers.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 21, 2013

Dreading pain can be worse than pain itself

Research published in PLOS Computational Biology found that people prefer to hasten painful stimuli over waiting for it, as anticipation can be more disabling than the pain. The study suggests that focusing on immediate pain reduces dread, while considering future pain increases it.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 21, 2013

Using data to fight malaria

The University of California, Riverside researcher is using sensors to count and classify insect vectors, providing real-time information to plan effective interventions. She aims to create an open-source library of insect wingbeat signatures and behaviors to aid researchers worldwide in combating malaria.

Newborn babies have built-in body awareness ability

Researchers found that newborn babies show signs of body awareness by differentiating their own bodies from others. They exhibit interest in looking at another baby's face when it is stroked synchronously with their own, suggesting a mechanism for self-perception already in place.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 21, 2013

Minority parents fear for kids online

A collaborative study between researchers at Northwestern University and Microsoft Research found that Asian and Hispanic parents are significantly more likely to be concerned about all online safety-related issues. In contrast, white parents exhibit the lowest levels of concern across various online safety issues.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPolicy & Internet·DateNov 21, 2013

Breaking the code

Researchers developed a diagnostic method that reveals factors behind conditions thought to have environmental triggers by decoding an individual's immune system. The process identifies disease-specific antibodies and their corresponding antigens, providing insight into conditions like Type-1 diabetes, autism, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2013