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Science News Archive April 2015


Page 1 of 36

Gambling is all an illusion

Research found habitual gamblers exhibit probability matching behavior and perceive illusory patterns in random sequences. Gamblers are also less able to resist impulses, leading to impulsive betting decisions.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateApr 30, 2015

Desirable defects

Researchers have discovered a new way to harness the defects in liquid crystals to create novel meta-materials with potential applications in optics and electronics. By exploiting these 'defect lines', scientists can remotely interact among colloidal particles, allowing for energy-efficient control and unprecedented plasticity.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2015

Dull forest glow yields orbital tracking of photosynthesis

Scientists from Brown University have successfully linked chlorophyll fluorescence to plant photosynthesis in a deciduous forest, validating orbital measurements of fluorescence with ground-based observations. The study provides crucial ground-truth for measuring photosynthesis on a global scale from low-Earth orbit.

SourceBrown University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 30, 2015

How your sex life may influence endometriosis

A new University of Adelaide study discovered an association between contact with seminal fluid and the development of endometriosis. The research found that seminal fluid enhances the survival and growth of endometriosis lesions, potentially increasing the risk of progression in women.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 30, 2015

Study finds swine farming is a risk factor for drug-resistant staph infections

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that swine farmers are more likely to carry multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) than people without current swine exposure. The researchers followed a group of 1,342 Iowans for 17 months and discovered that farmers with livestock exposure, particularly swi...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 30, 2015

New research into health benefits of coffee

Monash researchers, in collaboration with Illycaffè, conducted a comprehensive study on the behavior of free radicals and antioxidants during coffee brewing. They discovered that under certain conditions, coffee can act as an antioxidant, providing a deeper understanding of its potential health benefits.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2015

Zooming in

Researchers from UCSB have successfully measured the frequency of radiation emitted by a single electron for the first time. The team used a tabletop instrument to detect emissions from an individual, orbiting electron and witnessed over 100,000 single electrons.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2015

Rupture along the Himalayan Front

A recent study by Kristin Morell and colleagues reveals the Himalayan Front's central seismic gap is overdue for a major earthquake. The researchers used geomorphic and erosion rate data to define the active detachment fault likely to host a large earthquake, pinpointing a distinctive physiographic transition in Uttarakhand, India.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateApr 30, 2015

Optimizing treatment protocols when diagnostics are costly

Researchers develop a mathematical platform to compute optimal diagnostic-guided vs. pro-active treatment strategies, showing that pro-active strategies may be worthwhile in resource-constrained settings. The study challenges current treatment paradigms and provides a framework for future research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 30, 2015

Buyers with a trade-in get a raw deal

New research from USC Marshall School of Business shows that consumers who trade in their used cars pay an average of $990 more than those without a trade-in. Dealers infer a higher willingness to pay and charge higher prices based on the characteristics of the trade-in vehicle.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·DateApr 30, 2015

New method enables drug target validation for COPD treatment

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have developed a new method to validate drug targets for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. The technique enables the study of lung tissue repair mechanisms in patient-derived tissues, providing valuable insights into COPD pathologies and potential therapeutic avenues.

Lifestyle advice for would-be centenarians

A study of 855 Gothenburg men born in 1913 found that factors such as not smoking, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and a strong socio-economic standard contributed to their longevity. Additionally, correlations with maternal longevity and robust working capacity were also identified.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Cardiovascular Journal·DateApr 30, 2015

Dam removal study reveals river resiliency

The USGS study found that rivers quickly erode sediment accumulated in former reservoirs and redistribute it downstream, returning the river to conditions similar to those prior to impoundment. In many cases, fish and other biological aspects of river ecosystems also respond quickly to dam removal.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2015