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Science News Archive September 2013 - Page 12


Page 12 of 32

The coelacanth leads a monogamous life

Researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of coelacanth offspring and found high overlap between mothers and their offspring, suggesting a single father. The study suggests that coelacanth females are monogamous, likely due to mating with a single male for successful fertilization.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 2013

Can financial incentives inspire exercise?

A systematic review suggests that small rewards increase the odds of maintaining an active lifestyle in patients with heart disease. The study found that receiving coupons and vouchers can help patients stick to new fitness regimes and continue exercising after a cardiac program.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 19, 2013

Psychopathic traits in teenagers not cast in stone

Researchers found a small group of youths with high and stable psychopathic traits had the most difficult relationships with their parents and reported higher levels of delinquency. Despite this, developmental tracks are not cast in stone and effective therapeutic intervention can change the course of development.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment·DateSep 19, 2013

Services lacking for young gay black men

A new study by Michigan State University scholars highlights the lack of resources for young gay black men who experience trauma, depression, substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behavior. The study found nearly a third of participants reported experiencing sexual assault at an average age of 10, with many experiencing multiple forms ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services·DateSep 18, 2013

African dust storms in our air

Researchers found that African dust particles more than doubled during a major Saharan dust intrusion in Houston, Texas, raising concerns about health risks for vulnerable populations. The study provides new insights into the impact of Saharan air outbreaks on climate and human health, including potential effects on hurricane activity.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 18, 2013

Beyond quantum simulation: JILA physicists create 'crystal' of spin-swapping ultracold molecules

Researchers created a crystal-like arrangement of ultracold gas molecules that can swap quantum spin properties, potentially simulating or inventing exotic materials. The novel structure was achieved by manipulating the molecules' spins with microwave pulses, creating a 'superposition' of two opposite spins.

In water as in love, likes can attract

A team led by chemist Richard Saykally and theorist David Prendergast has observed contact pairing between guanidinium cations in aqueous solution, governed by water-binding energy. This phenomenon challenges the long-held assumption that like charges repel, suggesting a new understanding of ion interactions in water.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 18, 2013

Modeling and managing schizophrenia

Researchers developed an Awareness Information Net (AIN) model to monitor patient behavior and spot problems, enabling timely intervention by carers, experts, and patients. The collaborative approach has the potential to raise awareness of schizophrenia in society, helping others cope with its consequences.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Advanced Intelligence Paradigms·DateSep 18, 2013

Why parents think your partner isn't good enough

A study published in Evolution & Human Behavior suggests that parents and children's mate preferences conflict due to an evolutionary struggle for resources. This conflict arises when parents distribute resources unevenly among their children, leading them to prioritize a partner who offers less support.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateSep 18, 2013

New pediatric infection prevention guidelines for residential facilities

The new guidelines provide standardized guidance and educate staff and volunteers on the principles of infection prevention to reduce the risk of infection for children and families in pediatric residential settings. The guidelines include practices such as standard precautions, health screening, and mandatory vaccination practices.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 18, 2013

True colors: Female squid have 2 ways to switch color, according to a UCSB study

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that female common market squid possess two distinct systems for reflecting light: Bragg reflection and Mie scattering. These systems allow the squid to switch between transparent and white colors, with the latter appearing as a result of condensation and dehydration of reflectins-based proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 18, 2013