Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2014 - Page 29


Page 29 of 31

Less reward, more aversion when learning tricky tasks

A new study at Brown University reveals that conflict in learning tasks biases the brain to reduce the influence of reward and increase the influence of aversion to punishment. The researchers used EEG scans, genetic tests, and manipulation with a dopamine-related drug to gather evidence for this link. They found that people who learn ...

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2014

Populations of common birds across europe are declining

Common bird species across Europe are experiencing significant declines in population, with many providing essential services for humans such as pest control and seed dispersal. The study's findings highlight the critical importance of birds in maintaining ecosystem balance and human health.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 4, 2014

Breastfeeding: Shame if you do, shame if you don't

A new study reveals breastfeeding mothers experience shame due to exposure, while those who don't breastfeed face judgment and condemnation for perceived failures. The study emphasizes individualized support and addressing cultural constraints associated with infant feeding.

SourceWiley·JournalMaternal and Child Nutrition·DateNov 4, 2014

Hermit thrush or humans: Who sets the tone?

Researchers analyzed hermit thrush songs and found notes related by simple integer proportions, similar to human musical scales. The study suggests that hermit thrushes actively select pitches following the harmonic series, possibly due to easier memory or evaluation by females.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2014

Jet-fueled electricity at room temperature

Researchers have successfully developed a room-temperature fuel cell that uses jet fuel and enzymes to produce electricity. The new cells can be used to power portable electronics, off-grid power, and sensors. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective energy solutions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalACS Catalysis·DateNov 4, 2014

Can (and should) happiness be a policy goal?

A new article finds that happiness levels can reflect societal conditions, allowing policymakers to test the impact of policies on citizens' well-being. Researchers conclude that prioritizing policy-related welfare programs can lead to a more ideal society where citizens feel happy and satisfied.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateNov 4, 2014

Researchers advocate for optimum level of 'unequality' for the US economy

A new study published in Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences suggests that American citizens desire an unequal but more equal distribution of wealth and income. Lower levels of inequality are associated with decreased unethical behavior and increased motivation, while high levels lead to demotivation and negative per...

SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateNov 4, 2014

Thirdhand smoke: Toxic airborne pollutants linger long after the smoke clears

A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that thirdhand smoke continues to have harmful health effects for many hours after a cigarette has been extinguished. The study, which assessed levels of volatile organic compounds and airborne particles, found that particulate matter accounted for 90% of the health damage.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 3, 2014

How a giant impact formed asteroid Vesta's 'belt'

Researchers used super high-speed cannon to simulate collisions on celestial bodies. They found that damage from the impact starts where one would expect, but fails in opposite direction and propagates outward like a blooming flower. The study suggests Vesta's 'belt' formed by an oblique impact.

SourceBrown University·JournalIcarus·DateNov 3, 2014

Telephone counseling leads more adult childhood cancer survivors to get heart screenings

A national study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that telephone counseling from advanced-practice nurses more than doubled the likelihood of adult childhood cancer survivors receiving recommended heart screenings. The study showed a significant increase in cardiomyopathy screening rates among participants who received bo...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 3, 2014

On the throne with the flu

Researchers discovered flu infection prompts immune cells to migrate to gut, altering bacterial composition and causing inflammation that promotes tissue injury. Blocking inflammatory molecules or antibiotics attenuates intestinal injury, suggesting relief options for flu-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

Western retailers in China boost Chinese manufacturing supremacy

A new study by the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business finds that Western retailers like Walmart enhance Chinese suppliers' export capabilities through improved productivity, efficiency, and quality. The study reveals a significant boost in exports from Chinese cities when foreign retail outlets increase.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateNov 3, 2014

Improving memory deficits following anesthesia

A new study found that general anesthesia impairs memory in mice by increasing the activation of α5GABA(A) receptors, leading to reduced synaptic plasticity. Inhibition of these receptors reversed memory defects in animals given anesthesia, suggesting a potential treatment for post-anesthesia cognitive impairment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2014

News from Nov. 4, 2014 Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians recommends increasing fluid intake to at least two liters per day to prevent kidney stone recurrence. A new guideline also suggests dietary changes, including reducing oxalate and animal protein consumption, to help prevent stone formation. Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir has shown promise in re-treating H...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

Food allergy development linked to skin exposure

A new study suggests that skin sensitization to food proteins, triggered by pro-inflammatory molecules like TSLP and IL-25, can lead to food allergy development. The research found that mice exposed to food antigens through the skin developed severe allergic reactions when ingested.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2014

Brain anatomy differences between autistic and typically developing individuals are indistinguishable

Researchers found that brain anatomy in MRI scans of people with autism above age six is mostly indistinguishable from that of typically developing individuals. The study's findings suggest that anatomical measures alone are likely to be of low scientific and clinical significance for identifying children, adolescents and adults with A...

No quick fix for global warming

A new study published in PNAS suggests that eliminating short-lived climate pollutants (SLCF) has a minor effect on slowing down global warming. The research found that these gases have a measurable impact but are short-lived and quickly disappear from the atmosphere, making them less effective in mitigating climate change.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

New way to make batteries safer

Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to coat batteries with a special material that prevents them from conducting electricity after being swallowed. The QTC-coated batteries were found to not damage the gastrointestinal tract in animal tests, showing promise as a safer alternative.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Study recommends integrating housing data with health data to improve patient medical care

Researchers found that children hospitalized for asthma are nearly twice as likely to be rehospitalized if they live in areas with high housing code violations. Integrating housing data with health data can help target patients for medical interventions and improve healthcare delivery at the population and patient level.