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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 19


Page 19 of 34

To curb violent tendencies, start young

A 19-year study found that children who received early interventions for aggressive behavior had fewer convictions for violent crimes, lower rates of serious substance abuse, and fewer psychiatric problems. The program's positive effects held true across four different sites and among both males and females.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 15, 2014

Protein secrets of Ebola virus

A team of scientists at UVA has obtained the crystal structure of a key Ebola virus protein, revealing a novel tertiary fold that could lead to insights into viral assembly and antiviral drug design. The study's results may provide a potential target for the development of new treatments for Ebola hemorrhagic fever.

Does having daughters cause judges to rule for women's issues?

A recent study of 224 judges found that those with daughters vote more in favor of women's issues than their counterparts without daughters. The effect is most pronounced among Republican judges, suggesting personal experiences play a role in judicial decision-making.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateSep 15, 2014

T-bet tackles hepatitis

High levels of T-bet in CD8+ T cells are prevalent in individuals who successfully fight off hepatitis infections. The protein is linked to the production of antiviral molecules like interferon and the ability of CD8+ T cells to multiply in response to the virus.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 15, 2014

Early Earth less hellish than previously thought

New study suggests that early Earth's crust was cool enough for surface water to form during some periods, challenging the long-held idea of a hostile environment. The research compared zircon crystals from Iceland with those formed over 4 billion years ago and found similarities in their compositions.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateSep 15, 2014

The quick and the dead among tropical reptiles

A Dartmouth-led study finds that tropical reptiles can adapt quickly to climate change through natural selection. Researchers measured the thermal physiology of brown anole lizards and found that those who ran fastest at warmer temperatures had a higher survival rate, suggesting they may be better equipped to cope with heat stress.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Study: Web-based training can reduce campus rape

A web-based training program, RealConsent, was found to reduce sexually violent behavior and increase the likelihood of male students intervening to prevent sexual assault. The study involved over 700 male undergraduate students, who showed improved behavior after completing the training.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateSep 15, 2014

When rulers can't understand the ruled

A recent study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that unelected officials in Washington have limited understanding of the American public. The survey revealed significant differences between federal workers and the general population, including demographic disparities, education levels, and political affiliations.

Habitual Facebook users: Suckers for social media scams?

A study found that frequent Facebook use and inability to regulate social media consumption make individuals susceptible to phishing attacks. Social media phishing is used in various crimes, including home invasion, cyber bullying, and espionage, highlighting the need for understanding why people fall victim to such scams.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 15, 2014

'Squid skin' metamaterials project yields vivid color display

The Rice University lab has developed an RGB color display technology using aluminum nanorods, creating vivid red, blue and green hues comparable to high-definition LCD displays. The technology uses plasmonic aluminum nanorods in ordered arrays to produce dozens of colors, including rich tones.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Cardiorespiratory fitness can delay male, age-associated blood pressure hikes

A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels can delay the natural increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure with age. Men with high fitness levels experience a later onset of prehypertension, with systolic blood pressure increasing around age 54 and diastolic blood ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 2014

Project to turn world on to DC power

A team of University of Pittsburgh professors is working on a project to transition the US power grid to direct current (DC) using a $800,000 grant from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. DC technology has the potential to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy, especially in low-income areas. The researchers aim to devel...

Measuring modified protein structures

Researchers have developed a new method to measure structurally modified proteins in complex biological samples, enabling the analysis of thousands of proteins. The method uses a combination of digestion enzymes and Selected Reaction Monitoring to quantify protein quantities and determine structural changes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 14, 2014