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Science News Archive November 2014 - Page 6


Page 6 of 31

Boy moms more social in chimpanzees

Research on Tanzanian chimpanzees reveals that the mothers of sons are 25% more social than those of daughters. They spend more time with other adults and associate with more kin, which helps their young males develop social skills. This finding suggests a potential link between early social exposure and gender-typical behavior in humans.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2014

Avoiding ecosystem collapse

Three studies published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Biological Science hold promise for resource managers to predict and avoid ecosystem collapse. Successful management depends on consistent monitoring, incorporation of tipping points data into actions, and local-scale management.

SourceStanford University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateNov 24, 2014

'Good fat' could help manage type 2 diabetes

Researchers have discovered that brown fat, which burns calories and absorbs excess sugar, could be used to control blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The study found that activating brown fat cells could lead to a new way of managing the disease without daily insulin injections.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 23, 2014

Research shows anti-HIV medicines can cause damage to fetal hearts

A study published in AIDS reveals that anti-HIV medications may cause significant long-term heart problems in non-HIV-infected children. The research found persistently impaired heart muscle development and reduced heart performance in these children, highlighting the need for further investigation into the long-term impact of HIV medi...

Not all baseball stars treated equally in TV steroid coverage, says study of network news

A study of network news coverage found that Barry Bonds received more negative stories about his alleged steroid use than Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro. The research also showed that Bonds' stories were more likely to focus on his using steroids for a competitive edge, rather than rehabilitation from injury.

Rare new species of plant: Stachys caroliniana

A rare new plant species, Stachys caroliniana, has been discovered in two locations near Charleston, S.C., with the discovery shedding light on its unique characteristics. The species was found to be different from its closest relatives, which are commonly known as hedge-nettles or woundworts.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalJournal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas·DateNov 21, 2014

Fiddler on the roof?

Climate change may be causing fiddler crabs to move further north in the US East Coast, with one scientist discovering a crab nearly 50 miles north of its usual range. This warming trend could lead to changes in ecosystems as new species are introduced.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of Crustacean Biology·DateNov 21, 2014

Trouble with your boss? Own it

A recent study by Michigan State University found that employee motivation increases when workers and their supervisors share similar views on the quality of their relationship, even if the relationship is poor. This discovery suggests that being honest about one's feelings can lead to better work engagement and performance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateNov 21, 2014

Obesity-attributable absenteeism among US workers costs the nation more than $8 billion annually

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health estimates that obesity-attributable absenteeism among US workers costs the nation more than $8 billion annually, with state-level costs ranging from $14.4 million in Wisconsin to $907 million in California.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateNov 21, 2014

New terahertz device could strengthen security

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a compact terahertz radiation source that operates at room temperature, offering improved security detection capabilities. The device has a wide frequency coverage and can detect explosives, chemical agents, and biological substances from safe distances.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 21, 2014

Oat oil preparation makes you feel fuller

A new study from Lund University reveals a special oat oil preparation can produce greater satiety, leading to reduced energy intake. The unique composition of the oat oil, featuring polar fats, delays fat breakdown and stimulates the release of three key satiety hormones.

SourceLund University·JournalFood & Nutrition Research·DateNov 20, 2014

Permafrost soil: Possible source of abrupt rise in greenhouse gases at end of last Ice Age

Researchers found that thawing Arctic permafrost soil may have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere around 14,600 years ago. The study suggests that this process could have amplified initial warming through positive feedback, similar to current effects of permafrost thawing in Siberia.