Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2014 - Page 8


Page 8 of 31

Epidemic spreading and neurodegenerative progression

A model inspired by epidemic disease spreading is used to analyze over 700 Amyloid-beta protein imaging datasets, concluding that misfolded protein propagation can be mathematically described. The study identifies genetic and demographic factors influencing this phenomenon in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease progression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 20, 2014

US policy that gives priority to prior organ donors who need a transplant is working

A US policy giving priority to prior organ donors has been shown to significantly reduce waiting times and improve the quality of organs received. Living donors who later need a transplant experience much shorter waits and receive higher-quality kidneys compared to those on the waiting list without donation history.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 20, 2014

The STING of radiation

A team of researchers reveals that dendritic cells activate killer T cells through a protein named STING, which links DNA damage to interferon-β production. This suggests novel strategies for boosting radiotherapy effectiveness and combining it with immune system therapies.

Job authority increases depression symptoms in women, decreases them in men

A study by the American Sociological Association finds that job authority increases symptoms of depression among women due to interpersonal tension and negative stereotypes. In contrast, having job authority decreases symptoms of depression among men, as they are viewed as strong leaders with consistent status beliefs.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 20, 2014

UO-industry collaboration points to improved nanomaterials

Researchers used a scanning tunneling microscope to create atomic-scale maps of quantum dot surface structures, pinpointing defect locations that limit device performance. This breakthrough should help manufacturers tweak synthesis processes to produce higher-quality nanomaterials for photovoltaics and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 20, 2014

Darwin 2.0

A recent study published in Nature sheds new light on how species diverge, finding that prolonged periods of landscape stability are more important than dramatic geographical changes. The research shows that longer the length of time a species can inhabit an area, the more likely it will disperse and diverge.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2014

It pays to have an eye for emotions

Researchers found that people with strong emotion recognition skills are perceived as more socially and politically skilled by colleagues and supervisors. They also earn significantly higher incomes. The study controlled for various factors affecting employee income and replicated its findings in a second study.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateNov 19, 2014

'Green Revolution' changes breathing of the biosphere

A new model developed by University of Maryland researchers links intensive agriculture to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, revealing a strong correlation between the Green Revolution and Earth's metabolism. The study found that crop production tripled while land planted with major crops grew by 20 percent, leading to incre...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2014

High heels may enhance a man's instinct to be helpful

A French study found that men are more likely to help women wearing high heels than those wearing flat shoes. The study suggests that men associate high heels with femininity and attractiveness. Men were also quicker to start chatting with women wearing heels, indicating a stronger instinct to be helpful.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateNov 19, 2014

Of mice, not men

Researchers have discovered that a significant number of mouse genes do not behave like their human counterparts, suggesting that science will need to rethink the role of the lab mouse. The findings come from the ongoing mouse ENCODE project and indicate that similar genes in humans and mice are expressed in different ways.

UTMB scientist finds marker that predicts cholesterol level changes as people grow older

Researchers found a link between the APOE e4 allele and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as lower HDL cholesterol levels. Higher cholesterol in older adults may be associated with longevity, challenging current cholesterol-lowering medication practices.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 19, 2014

Discrimination, family conflict key sources of stress for Latina immigrants

New research suggests that racial discrimination, family issues, and economic constraints contribute to acculturative stress among Latina immigrants. Family support, however, acts as a protective factor against psychological distress. The study found that acculturative stress levels varied depending on individual circumstances.

E-cigarettes significantly reduce tobacco cravings

A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that e-cigarettes significantly reduced tobacco cravings. In an 8-month study, participants who used e-cigs showed a significant decrease in tobacco cigarette use, with 21% quitting smoking altogether.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 19, 2014

Researchers identify protein mutation that alters tissue development in males before birth

Case Western Reserve researchers have identified a protein mutation that prevents proper gonadal tissue development, leading to cancer and other issues. The discovery highlights the importance of the SRY protein in regulating male sex determination and has implications for understanding birth defects and cancer.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 19, 2014

A jettisoned black hole?

Researchers have identified an enigmatic object named SDSS1133, which could be a recoiling black hole ejected from its parent galaxy. The discovery, made using high-precision equipment and observations with the Hubble Space Telescope, presents a unique opportunity to study gravitational waves and their detection.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 19, 2014

Digging for answers

A recent study by Dana Bardolph found that female authors are underrepresented in American archaeology journals, accounting for less than 29% of published articles. The research suggests a pervasive gender bias in academia and publishing, with potential factors including authorial behavior and the submission process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateNov 19, 2014