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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 29


Page 29 of 35

Sleeping in dentures doubles the risk of pneumonia in the elderly

A recent study published by the International Association for Dental Research found that sleeping in dentures doubles the risk of pneumonia in elderly individuals. The research, which followed over 500 seniors, identified that overnight denture wear was independently associated with a 2.3-fold higher risk of pneumonia incidence.

How female flies know when to say 'yes'

A study reveals that female fruit flies use a small number of excitatory neurons and neurotransmitters like acetylcholine to decide whether to accept or reject male courtship. The decision-making process is found to be generated in three brain regions, suggesting a complex circuit involving sensory inputs and neural signaling.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 7, 2014

The unexamined diversity in the 'Coral Triangle'

Researchers have discovered a high level of biodiversity in the 'Coral Triangle', a region in the central Indo-Pacific Ocean known for its coral reefs. At least nine previously unreported species of zoantharians were identified, highlighting the need for further exploration and analysis of marine life in this area.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateOct 7, 2014

Talking to your car is often distracting

Two new studies found that using hands-free, voice-controlled automobile infotainment systems, such as Siri and MyLink, can divert attention from driving. The Toyota and Hyundai systems showed promise in being less distracting, while Apple's Siri was the most distracting, even when used as a hands-free device.

Advocating weight diversity

A new review article suggests that a 'weight-inclusive' approach should be used instead of the current 'weight-normative' approach, which emphasizes weight as a key factor in defining health and wellbeing. This shift would focus on social determinants of health and accept human diversity, including size diversity.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Obesity·DateOct 7, 2014

I'll take that brain to go! Advancements in the transport of human brain samples and epilepsy research

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed a customized transport system, the Mobile Oxygen-Temperature Sustaining (MOTS) system, to preserve human brain samples for research. They also created a planar Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) that provides in-depth understanding of epileptic seizures.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods·DateOct 7, 2014

Researchers prefer citing researchers of good reputation

A study by Aalto University researchers found that a scientist's good reputation among colleagues increases the likelihood of citing their publications. The quality, not quantity, of publications builds authors' reputations, leading to a 'reputation boost'. This reinforces a research strategy beneficial for science and scientists alike.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2014

Hypoglycemia link to HbA1c has declined in type 1 diabetes

A study of 37,539 children and young adults with type 1 diabetes found that the link between low average glucose blood levels and severe hypoglycemia declined substantially between 1995 and 2012. The relative risk for severe hypoglycemia decreased from 1.28 to 1.05 per 1% decrease in HbA1c levels, corresponding to a drop in risk of 1.2...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 7, 2014

Easy recipe to make bone and cartilage

Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center have developed a new method to generate mouse cells that can form bone and cartilage using small molecules. This approach offers great potential in the repair of bone defects through cartilage, with the ability to be scaled up for clinical purposes.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 7, 2014

Toddlers regulate behavior to avoid making adults angry

Researchers found that toddlers use visual and social cues to understand the motivations of people around them, and their impulsive tendencies influence their behavior. The study suggests that early self-control skills are crucial for children's development, with individual variability predicting later school readiness and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCognitive Development·DateOct 7, 2014

Fundamentals of physics confirmed

Researchers at Technische Universität Darmstadt confirm time dilation and observe spectral lines in highly charged bismuth ions, achieving unprecedented precision. The experiments test the limits of Einstein's theories under extreme conditions, providing new insights into quantum electrodynamics.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 7, 2014