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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 29


Page 29 of 32

Engraved schist slab may depict paleolithic campsites

A 13,000-year-old engraved schist slab discovered in Spain is believed to represent a human social group. The authors analyzed the morphology of the engraved motifs and suggest that they were created using a similar technique and instrument, depicting everyday life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2015

Toolkit for microbiota research

Scientists cultivate over half of the bacterial species found on and in the leaves and roots of Arabidopsis thaliana, creating a representative collection for microbiota reconstruction. The developed toolkit enables controlled perturbation of microbiota under controlled environmental conditions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 2, 2015

Concern over drug industry involvement at India's 'health camps'

Pharmaceutical sales representatives are screening people in India for their products, raising concerns about unchecked conflicts of interest and potential harm to patients. Local residents receive medical testing at 'health camps,' some organized by Indian drug firms and pharmaceutical companies like Abbott and Roche.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 2, 2015

Climate-change foes winning public opinion war

A new study by Michigan State University researchers suggests that climate-change deniers are successfully changing people's minds with negative messages, regardless of their political affiliation. The study found that core beliefs about climate change remain unchanged even when presented with positive messages, highlighting the diffic...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTopics in Cognitive Science·DateDec 2, 2015

How does my therapist rate?

Researchers at USC, University of Washington and University of Utah developed a machine-learning algorithm that detects high-empathy or low-empathy speech in therapist-patient sessions. The tool uses automatic speech recognition and natural language processing to analyze over 1,000 therapy sessions.

A cheap, disposable device for diagnosing disease

Researchers at Penn State have created a reusable microfluidic device that can sort and manipulate cells for cheap and convenient biomedical diagnosis. The device, called acoustic tweezers, uses gentle vibrations to manipulate cells and has the potential to be used in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biology labs.

SourcePenn State·JournalLab on a Chip·DateDec 2, 2015

A window into sexuality

A study by Meredith Chivers found that heterosexual women exhibit diverse patterns of sexual response to both male and female stimuli, challenging previous assumptions about heterosexuality. The research suggests a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between sexual identity, attractions and genital responses.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2015

SAGE to begin publishing the International Bulletin of Mission Research

The SAGE Journal will begin publishing the International Bulletin of Mission Research in partnership with The Overseas Ministries Study Center. The journal provides in-depth analyses of worldwide Christianity and mission-focused book reviews. IBMR is an unparalleled source of information on the world church in mission.

SourceSAGE·JournalInternational Bulletin of Mission Research·DateDec 2, 2015