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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 64


Page 64 of 376

The early chimp gets the fig

Researchers studied wild chimpanzee behavior in the Taí National Park, finding that they plan their breakfast time, type, and location to access limited figs. Chimpanzees depart earlier for distant fig sites, positioning their nests near these locations to maximize food acquisition.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2014

UK medical schools are not attracting enough GPs

A report by Richard Wakeford highlights the shortage of doctors in general practice, with only 11% of new medical students planning a career in GP. The Medical Schools Council's lack of representation from GPs is a major concern, as it may hinder effective recruitment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 28, 2014

Can the wave function of an electron be divided and trapped?

Physicists at Brown University have successfully trapped parts of an electron's wave function in liquid helium, a phenomenon that could fundamentally change our understanding of quantum mechanics. The discovery raises questions about the measurement process and the nature of particles at the quantum level.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Low Temperature Physics·DateOct 28, 2014

Autism after high school: Making the transition

A new study at the University of Kentucky aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with autism as they complete high school and prepare for adulthood. The Collaborative Model for Promoting Competence and Success (COMPASS) will be adapted for young adults, focusing on skills training, social support, and transition planning.

Postcards from the plasma edge

Researchers improved plasma performance by applying lithium coatings, but the mechanism behind this improvement remains unclear. A new laboratory experiment found that temperature affects lithium's ability to retain deuterium particles, with oxygen exposure improving retention at lower temperatures.

Fewer women than men receive hemodialysis treatment

A comprehensive analysis of sex-specific differences in end-stage kidney disease treatment found that more men than women are on hemodialysis. Women's survival after hemodialysis is virtually equal to men's survival, but they were not receiving treatment as early, leading to higher mortality rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 28, 2014

The bee's knees for identifying genetic triggers of novel adult traits

Researchers found that adults rely on novel genes---called taxonomically restricted genes (TRGs)--found in honeybees to develop new traits. These genes are often expressed at high levels in specific tissues and provide specialized work for adult organisms, supporting the evolution of novel physiological traits.

CWRU researcher finds training officers about mental illness benefits prison's safety

A study by CWRU researcher Joseph Galanek found that training correctional officers on mental illness symptoms improves prison safety, security, and humane treatment of inmates. The research showed that trained officers could use their discretion to respond to mentally ill inmates without rigidly enforcing prison rules.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalMedical Anthropology Quarterly·DateOct 27, 2014

Cell membranes self-assemble

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a new process for self-driving phospholipid membrane assembly, similar to those found in living cells. This non-enzymatic technique can be used for artificial cell studies and potentially for drug delivery packets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 27, 2014

'Integrated Play Groups' help children with autism

A new study shows that Integrated Play Groups are effective in teaching children with autism to interact with peers and engage in symbolic play. The model, developed by Pamela Wolfberg, focuses on collaborative rather than adult-directed activities, allowing children to learn social skills through interactions with peers.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateOct 27, 2014