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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 10


Page 10 of 28

Social connections keep workers on board

A new study found that some employees respond positively to change in the workplace by implementing new methods or techniques, coaching team members, or establishing new goals. Experts say organizations should review their recruitment and selection processes to ensure compatibility between employees' values and work environment.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateDec 16, 2014

Domestic abuse may affect children in womb

Research by Michigan State University scientists reveals a strong link between mothers' prenatal domestic abuse and postnatal trauma symptoms in their children. The study found that prenatal abuse can cause changes in the mother's stress response systems, leading to increased cortisol levels in the fetus.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateDec 16, 2014

Political extremists may be less susceptible to common cognitive bias

A study published in Psychological Science found that people with extreme political beliefs are less influenced by outside information and more resistant to the anchor bias, suggesting they make more confident judgments. The results suggest that political extremists' strong belief in the superiority of their ideology may be a key factor.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 16, 2014

A beetle named Marco Polo

A team of Chinese and Italian scientists have discovered a new species of blister beetle, Hycleus marcipoli, part of the understudied phaleratus group. The name 'Marco Polo' pays tribute to the collaboration during Ph.D. studies between China and Italy.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 16, 2014

Stay complex, my friends

Researchers found that long-lasting hosts evolved more complex defenses against parasites, providing a survival advantage. The study used the Avida platform to model co-evolution between host and virus, revealing a surprising large proportion of 'switching' mutations in co-evolved hosts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 16, 2014

Season's eatings

Michigan State University researcher Kelly Klump found a link between women's monthly hormonal changes and intensified body obsession, increasing the risk of eating disorders. The study suggests that cultural perceptions of increased food intake as negative can be detrimental, particularly during holidays.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 16, 2014

Receptor may be key to treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A team of researchers found that inhibiting the intestinal farnesoid X receptor with drugs like tempol and antibiotics can prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. This discovery highlights the complex role of gut microbes in human health and potential targets for treating metabolic disorders.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2014

Researchers generate tunable photon-pair spectrum using room-temperature quantum optics silicon chip

A team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego, has developed a silicon chip that can emit and control quantum light at room temperature. The device uses Spontaneous Optical Nonlinear Mixing to generate entangled photon pairs, which can be tuned over a wide range of Schmidt numbers for specific quantum optic properties.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2014

A novel tool to study life-threatening arrhythmias: A genetically engineered pig

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed a genetically engineered pig model to study inherited arrhythmic syndrome, shedding light on the mechanisms of lethal arrhythmias. The model may lead to the development of better treatments for life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2014

UTMB study finds that Hispanic women less likely to survive endometrial uterine cancer

A recent UTMB study found that Hispanic women in the US were significantly less likely to survive endometrial uterine cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women. The study analyzed data from 69,764 women diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 and found that minority patients tend to be diagnosed with more aggressive cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateDec 15, 2014

Climate policy pledges are an important step forward but fall short of 2°C

The study assesses major economies' greenhouse gas emissions under different scenarios. It finds that current pledges lead to earlier emission peaking and less warming than without these policies, but not sufficient for the 2°C target. Financial support of $100-150 billion/year by 2030 could achieve efficiency in reducing emissions.

If cells can't move ... cancer can't grow

Researchers at Centenary Institute used a super-resolution microscope to study the role of DPP9 in cell movement. They found that inhibiting this enzyme can slow down living cancer cells and prevent tumors from growing or spreading.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research·DateDec 15, 2014

Even expectant dads experience prenatal hormone changes

Expectant dads experience prenatal hormone changes, with men showing significant declines in testosterone and estradiol levels. The study suggests that impending fatherhood may trigger hormonal shifts in partners, which could impact postpartum behavior and adjustment.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateDec 15, 2014

Squid supplies blueprint for printable thermoplastics

A team of Penn State researchers has developed a thermoplastic material from squid protein, which can be used in 3D printing and has tunable properties for medical or cosmetic applications. The semi-crystalline thermoplastic exhibits high tensile strength and is a wet adhesive.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 15, 2014

Female sexual arousal: Facilitating pleasure and reproduction

A new review critically examines the relationship between genital anatomy, sexual arousal, and brain stimulation to understand women's sexual pleasure. The study aims to stimulate more exacting research into human female sexual functions, particularly regarding procreation and recreation.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateDec 15, 2014