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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 27


Page 27 of 32

Saturn's rings in a supercomputer

Scientists discovered that the size of particles doesn't matter for ring formation and that the abundance of larger particles drops off due to surface forces. The team's model showed that the size distribution in planetary rings is universal, supporting a hypothesis that it follows the same laws as Saturn's rings.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2015

Genders differ dramatically in evolved mate preferences

A recent study found that sex differences in mate preferences are much larger than previously appreciated and stable across cultures. Men generally favor younger, physically attractive mates, while women seek older, financially secure partners. These findings highlight the significant role of gender in shaping human mating behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 6, 2015

Shorter course of radiation improves quality of life for breast cancer patients

Women with early-stage breast cancer who receive a shorter course of whole breast radiation therapy experience less toxicity and improved quality of life compared to those who undergo a longer course of treatment. The study suggests that hypofractionated treatment should be considered as a starting point for discussion between patients...

Some radiation okay for expectant mother and fetus

A new study by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons finds that imaging studies necessary to diagnose traumatic injuries in pregnant women are generally safe. The radiation doses from these studies are well below thresholds considered risky. However, multiple scans and repeated exposure increase the likelihood of a harmful effect.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateAug 6, 2015

A sticky situation

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara improve a small molecule called siderophore cyclic trichrysobactin (CTC) to create an adhesive that sticks well in aqueous environments. The discovery reveals the importance of lysine and catechol in creating a favorable environment for adhesion.

TSRI chemists report nicotine-chomping bacteria may hold key to anti-smoking therapy

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a bacterial enzyme that can degrade nicotine, offering a potential alternative to smoking cessation aids. The enzyme, NicA2 from Pseudomonas putida, has shown promising characteristics for drug development, including stability in lab settings and minimal toxic byproducts.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 6, 2015

Falling off the wagon with Facebook

Research presented at the American Psychological Association's convention found that participants who attended more face-to-face meetings had greater success in achieving and maintaining sobriety. Online support groups on Facebook did not show similar results, with participants reporting a higher likelihood of dishonesty online.

Fish go deep to beat the heat

A James Cook University study found that redthroat emperor fish retreat to deeper water in response to warmer temperatures. The species, commercially important for fisheries, may need to be redirected due to the shift in their habitat.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCoral Reefs·DateAug 6, 2015

Domestic violence coalitions can reduce intimate partner violence

A new study suggests that domestic violence coalitions can be effective in reducing intimate partner violence, with the potential to improve mental and physical health outcomes for those affected. The research highlights the importance of addressing prevention from a community perspective, rather than just supporting survivors.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateAug 6, 2015

Pesticides: More toxic than previously thought?

A McGill University study found that insecticides can alter the behavior of individual spiders, including their ability to capture prey and explore new territories. The effects on male and female spiders were also distinct, with females being more affected in their ability to capture prey.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateAug 6, 2015

The secret to the success of insects

A new family of glycerol transporters has been discovered in insects, which may have enabled their dominance on Earth. The transporters, called entomoglyceroporins, have a higher ability for glycerol transport than other channels, suggesting they played a key role in insects' success.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2015