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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 9


Page 9 of 36

Mental disorders don't predict future violence

A new Northwestern University study of delinquent youth reveals that mental disorders do not predict future violent behavior, except for substance use disorders. Providing comprehensive treatment to individuals with psychiatric illness may reduce violence, according to the research.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 24, 2015

Prenatal stem cell treatment improves mobility issues caused by spina bifida

Researchers at UC Davis Health System have combined fetal surgery with a placental stem cell treatment to reduce the effects of spina bifida, with six lambs regaining ability to walk without noticeable disability after birth. The study aims to confirm safety and determine optimal dosing for potential human clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateApr 24, 2015

A 'forest instead of the trees' viewpoint may motivate change after negative feedback

Researchers found that people are more likely to accept criticism and make changes if they take a broad, high-level construal view. This involves considering the big picture and believing change is possible. The study's findings have practical implications for delivering negative feedback in the workplace and health education campaigns.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 24, 2015

How experience may lead to misperception

A new study by neuroscientists at the Bernstein Center Munich found that previous experience plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions of physical quantities. The researchers developed a Bayesian model that integrates two classic theories and explains how prior knowledge affects judgment, leading to systematic estimation biases.

SourceBernstein Coordination Site (BCOS)·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 23, 2015

Zeroing in on a silent killer

Using a sophisticated X-ray analysis, scientists revealed the molecular structure of the angiotensin receptor AT1R, an important regulator of blood pressure in humans. This discovery provides new insights into the mode of action and facilitates the development of new drugs with fewer side effects.

Scientists use nanoscale building blocks and DNA 'glue' to shape 3-D superlattices

Researchers developed a method to fabricate structured composite materials using directional bindings of shaped particles for predictable assembly. The approach uses linker molecules made of complementary strands of DNA to control the arrangement of particles, achieving long-range order in large-scale assemblies and clusters.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2015

Picture this: Graphene brings 3-D holograms clearer and closer

Researchers at Griffith University and their international consortium have made significant progress in creating wide-angle and full-color 3D images using graphene. The sub-wavelength feature size allows for static holographic 3D images with a wide viewing angle, revolutionizing capabilities across various optical and electronic devices.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2015

Boiling down viscous flow

A new simplified model predicts patterns that form from honey-like fluids, influenced by the ratio between fluid speed on impact and conveyor belt speed. The team's findings match previous experimental results and may be used to optimize manufacturing processes for nonwoven materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 23, 2015

A focus on flight

Researchers found that birds adopt only two stereotyped postures to navigate through cluttered environments at high speed. These postures allow birds to minimize energy loss and maximize robustness during flight. The study's findings may offer new insights into programming drones and UAVs to avoid obstacles.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2015

A silver lining

The study demonstrates the use of DNA nanotechnology to position arrays of hundreds of identical silver clusters with tunable fluorescent properties. This approach enables controlled assembly of photonic arrays, opening up new possibilities for sensing and imaging applications.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease shown to affect the development of coronary artery calcification

A new study published at The International Liver Congress reveals that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the development of coronary artery calcification. In patients without existing CAC, NAFLD significantly accelerated atherosclerosis progression, while in those with existing CAC, it did not affect disease ...

How does the brain keep track of time?

Researchers found that rats' behavior changed according to waiting times, mimicking human actions. The neural basis was linked to the striatum, where neurons encoded time as a position within an interval, not absolute units.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015