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Science News Archive August 2014 - Page 25


Page 25 of 31

Violent solar system history uncovered by WA meteorite

A Curtin University study of a WA meteorite has shed light on the solar system's bombardment history, revealing that asteroid collisions ceased after 3.4 billion years ago due to asteroids being too small or protected by regolith. The research suggests that impacts stopped occurring after this period and remain unchanged until now.

SourceCurtin University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateAug 7, 2014

Study: Attending a more selective college doesn't mean a better chance of graduating

A new study published in the American Educational Research Journal found that attending a more selective college does not significantly impact a student's chance of graduating with a bachelor's degree. Instead, factors such as individual background characteristics and institutional resources like tuition play a crucial role in determin...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateAug 7, 2014

New disposable biosensor may help physicians determine which patients can safely be fed following surgery

A new disposable biosensor may help physicians determine which patients can safely be fed following surgery by monitoring intestinal movements. The device, AbStats, uses sound waves to measure the rate of acoustic events in the intestines, allowing doctors to make evidence-based decisions about post-operative feeding.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery·DateAug 7, 2014

The economy of bitcoins

Researchers found that internet activity significantly influences Bitcoin's value, with correlations between price developments, new user growth, and online searches. The study also identified two positive feedback loops and a negative feedback loop, highlighting the complex dynamics of the Bitcoin economy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalInterface·DateAug 7, 2014

Losing weight won't make you happy

New research finds that weight loss significantly improves physical health markers but is less effective in improving mood and overall wellbeing. Participants who lost at least 5% of their initial body weight were more likely to report depressed mood, even after adjusting for serious health issues.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 2014

Researcher finds companies' religious affiliation can buffer negative reactions

A new study by Kelly Cowart reveals that companies' religious affiliations can buffer against negative reactions to store policies, especially in the event of a service failure. The research found that customers are more likely to forgive firms with religious affiliations, regardless of their own attitudes towards the religion.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalJournal of Services Marketing·DateAug 7, 2014

Acute psychological stress promotes skin healing in mice

Researchers found that brief acute psychological stress promotes healing in mouse models of three different types of skin irritations. The study revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands under stress are beneficial for inflammatory disorders and acute injury in both mice and humans.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 7, 2014

Poor hearing confines older adults to their homes

Two studies found that older adults with poor hearing participate less in group activities and meet friends fewer often than those with good hearing. The researchers emphasize the importance of face-to-face conversation to facilitate lip-reading and suggest rehabilitation as a key strategy for supporting socially active lives.

Curing arthritis in mice

A new fusion molecule has been developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis in mice, with promising results showing the animals' symptoms disappear completely. The therapy targets specific immune messengers and reduces side effects by concentrating the active substance at the site of disease, offering a potential long-term cure.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2014

Risks to penguin populations analyzed

A major study analyzing all penguin species highlights the need to mitigate effects of habitat degradation, food scarcity, and climate change. The authors recommend measures such as establishing marine protected areas and implementing ecosystem-based management methods to protect biodiversity.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 6, 2014

Discovery yields master regulator of toxin production in staph infections

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a key enzyme that regulates toxin production in Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of serious infections. The discovery provides a promising target for developing new antibiotics to combat multi-drug resistant staph and related bacteria.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2014