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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 20


Page 20 of 32

Imbalanced gender ratios could affect views about casual sex and hook-up culture

An experimental study found that an imbalanced gender ratio affects views about casual sex, with women more willing to engage in casual sex when they outnumber men. Men, on the other hand, tend to place less importance on casual sex and be more open to long-term commitment when there are more women than men.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 9, 2015

Is chemical exposure in mothers, babies, linked to poor vaccine response?

A new study from the University of Rochester found that early life exposures to toxic chemicals like PCBs and DDE reduce infants' responses to vaccines. The research, which analyzed blood samples from over 500 mother-infant pairs in eastern Slovakia, shows that even small changes can lead to long-term immune system dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 9, 2015

Flushed resource restores ecosystem

Researchers used biosolids to create a soil blend that supported healthy bacteria, fungus, and plants, outperforming traditional compost in restoring the degraded surface area of Lake Calumet Cluster Site. The 'dream treatment' has potential to restore poor quality soils in Chicago's dense urban areas.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateDec 9, 2015

'Ornamental' faced ceratopsian found in China

Scientists have uncovered a new, 160 million-year-old ceratopsian dinosaur from China with an 'ornamental' texture on its skull. The fossil, named Hualianceratops wucaiwanensis, provides insights into the early evolution of Ceratopsia and suggests that at least five ceratopsian lineages may have emerged during this period.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2015

Which college students are likely candidates for risky sex?

A University of Illinois study links instability in young adults' lives to increased risk-taking behavior, including casual sex and impulsive sexual activity. The researchers suggest that colleges should focus on teaching stress management and self-esteem skills to reduce these risks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateDec 9, 2015

Eyes and a citrus smell could help cut hospital infections

A new study found that images of intense staring eyes and a clean citrusy smell substantially improved hand-washing rates among hospital staff and visitors. The researchers discovered that exposure to male eyes led to a higher rate of hand-washing compared to female eyes, while the citrus smell boosted hand-washing by nearly 50%.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalHealth Psychology·DateDec 9, 2015

Teresensis' bromeliad treefrog found in Brazil

A new tree frog species, Dendropsophus bromeliaceus, has been discovered in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, where tadpoles develop in pooled rainwater stored in bromeliad leaves. The species is distinguished by its small size and unique color pattern.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2015

Using 'big data' to combat influenza

A team of researchers combined large genomic and proteomic datasets to identify new factors that can be targeted to prevent viruses from spreading. They found 20 previously unrecognized host proteins required for IAV replication, including the pivotal protein UBR4.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell·DateDec 9, 2015

It is about me

A rising trend in narcissism may require firms to rethink their marketing strategies by offering customizable products. Studies show that narcissistic consumers desire uniquely designed items and are willing to pay more for them.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateDec 9, 2015

Erasing fear: A one-session treatment for phobia?

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reports the successful reduction of fear in spider-fearful participants following a 2-minute exposure combined with a single dose of propranolol. The treatment resulted in drastically reduced avoidance behavior and increased approach behavior, with effects persisting for one year.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2015

Climate outlook may be worse than feared, global study suggests

A new study suggests that global land surface temperatures will increase by an average of almost 8C by 2100 if significant efforts are not made to address climate change. This would have a devastating impact on life on Earth, posing risks from extreme temperatures, flooding, regional drought, and food shortages.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEarth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh·DateDec 9, 2015

Bold new Journal Healthcare Transformation launched Dec. 8, 2015

The inaugural issue of Healthcare Transformation features provocative conversations with thought leaders and decision makers, including Aneesh Chopra and Jack and Suzy Welch. The journal aims to reimagine healthcare delivery, education, and technology, predicting a Blockbuster-to-Netflix paradigm shift in the healthcare industry.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealthcare Transformation·DateDec 9, 2015