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Science News Archive August 2015 - Page 9


Page 9 of 32

How zebrafish rebuild the skeleton of amputated fins

Researchers have discovered how zebrafish rebuild their skeleton after losing parts of their fins. A critical enzyme called Cyp26b1 helps to regulate retinoic acid levels, allowing osteoblasts to revert and form new bone tissue. The regeneration process relies on a complex navigation system involving signaling proteins and cell types.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalDevelopment·DateAug 24, 2015

Young adults believe hookah, e-cigs are safer than cigarettes

A study of 2,871 young adults found that many believe e-cigarettes and hookah are less risky than cigarettes. Younger respondents (18-24) were more likely to rate e-cigs and hookah as safer, while older respondents (25-34) were more cautious. Despite this, most respondents continued to use tobacco products.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateAug 24, 2015

Another milestone in hybrid artificial photosynthesis

A team of researchers at Berkeley Lab has achieved another milestone in hybrid artificial photosynthesis by generating renewable molecular hydrogen and synthesizing carbon dioxide into methane. The new system uses solar energy to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, which is then used by microbes to produce methane.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2015

Scientists from NTU Singapore find electrifying solution to sticky problem

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel adhesive called Voltaglue that can be activated by electricity, allowing for the creation of strong yet reversible bonds. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for various industries, including transportation and medicine, and could potentially revolutionize the way adhesive...

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2015

Catastrophic landslides post-earthquake

Large earthquakes cause catastrophic landslides that can persist up to 20-fold after the earthquake, then gradually decrease over time. The magnitude of this response is linked to the size of the earthquake, with shaking-induced damage near Earth's surface and active healing processes playing a key role.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateAug 24, 2015

Ants do drugs

Researchers at University of Helsinki found that black ants can change their food taste in response to fungal pathogens. By consuming a diet with high levels of free radicals, the ants show improved resistance to infections.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEvolution·DateAug 24, 2015

NIMBioS receives NSF grant to assess student learning in mathematics

The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) has been awarded a two-year NSF grant to create the Quantitative Biology Concept Inventory (QBCI), an instrument to assess learning comprehension and skill development in college-level math courses with real-world examples versus abstract methods. The project ai...

Crying has its perks

Researchers found that tears help to relieve emotions, leading to an improvement in mood, even if it takes time for the feelings to recover

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateAug 24, 2015

CONRAD to receive USAID funding for Project EMOTION

Project EMOTION aims to develop user-centered strategies for creating market demand for microbicides and PrEP products among high-risk women. The project will work with local partners to identify drivers and barriers to product use, and design new product attributes, packaging, and messaging.

SourceCONRAD·DateAug 24, 2015

Voter ID law effects hard to pinpoint

A study by Indiana University doctoral student Adam Nicholson examined county-level voter turnout in Indiana and Nebraska/Pennsylvania without voter ID laws. Turnout declined in counties with high elderly populations, but the overall effect of the law on large numbers of voters remains uncertain.