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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 14


Page 14 of 34

Dogs can be pessimists too

Research from the University of Sydney measures positive and negative emotional states in dogs objectively, revealing that while most dogs are optimistic, some display pessimistic tendencies. Pessimistic dogs tend to be more stressed by failures and less willing to take risks.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 2014

Melanoma risk found to have genetic determinant

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has established a link between longer telomeres and increased melanoma risk. The research team identified seven genetic variations associated with telomere length and found that those with the longest telomeres are at a 30% increased risk of developing melanoma.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 18, 2014

Why bioethics literacy matters

The Hastings Center and the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues have published a series of essays on bioethics education, highlighting gaps in knowledge and best practices. The papers focus on clinical ethics training for nurses, doctors, and medical students, emphasizing the importance of moral agency, reproduct...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateSep 17, 2014

An autoimmune response may contribute to hypertension

A new study suggests that an autoimmune response may contribute to the development of high blood pressure. Using mouse models, researchers found that compounds stimulating hypertension led to the faulty production of modified proteins in dendritic cells, triggering an immune response.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 17, 2014

Habitual Facebook users more likely to be caught in phishing scams

A study published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication found that habitual Facebook users are more likely to accept strangers as friends and give them personal information. This is because Facebook's design fosters habit formation and users with large social networks, frequent use, and impulsive behavior are more susceptib...

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 17, 2014

Reinterpreting dark matter

A team of researchers, led by Tom Broadhurst, has reinterpreted cold dark matter as a Bose-Einstein condensate, proposing that it governs the formation of the universe's structure. The theory predicts galaxies formed relatively late and could explain puzzling cores in dwarf galaxies.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 17, 2014

New MRI technique helps clinicians better predict outcomes following mild traumatic brain injury

A new MRI technique using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) can help clinicians predict the likelihood of poor clinical outcomes following mild traumatic brain injury. This technique shows significant differences in white matter between mTBI patients with positive versus negative findings on CT and MRI evaluation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateSep 17, 2014

Brain imaging research pinpoints neurobiological basis for key symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder like listlessness and emotional detachment in trauma victims

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center identifies a specific neurobiological basis for key symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including sadness, emotional detachment, and listlessness. The research uses brain imaging to link an opioid receptor in the brain to these symptoms, suggesting a potential target for personal...

The mobility model is closely linked to the city's characteristics

According to a study by the University of the Basque Country, the mobility model is closely linked to the city's characteristics. The study found that compact towns and cities have lower private vehicle use, better public transport offers lead to less car usage, and higher per capita income is associated with greater private car use. T...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateSep 17, 2014

Lunar explorers will walk at higher speeds than thought

Researchers studied astronauts' movements in low gravity and found that they could maintain higher speeds while walking on the moon. The team used NASA's DC-9 aircraft to simulate lunar gravity and tested the speed at which walkers transitioned from a walk to a run, discovering an average speed of 1.4m/s, exceeding previous estimates.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 17, 2014

Failed Medicare payments law remains relevant

Despite Congress's adjournment, the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014 remains a crucial issue in healthcare finance. Experts, including Dr. Eli Adashi, advocate for bipartisan efforts to address the SGR law and promote reforms to move Medicare towards quality-based compensation.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 17, 2014