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Science News for February 17, 2015


Tool can help assess cognitive impairment in multicultural populations

A new study published in CMAJ reports that the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) is effective in assessing cognitive impairment in multicultural populations where English may not be the primary language. The tool has been shown to identify cognitive impairment and rule it out with strong psychometric properties, makin...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 17, 2015

Think again about gender gap in science

A new Northwestern University analysis reveals that the bachelor's-to-Ph.D. pipeline in science and engineering fields no longer leaks more women than men, with women outnumbering men as Ph.D. earners but not in doctoral persistence. Women have overcome potential gender biases to pursue graduate school, closing gaps in representation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 17, 2015

Voltage tester for beating cardiac cells

Electrical engineers at ETH Zurich and biologists from the University of Bern have developed a new method to record the activity of moving cells, including beating cardiac muscle cells. The new method combines the patch-clamp technique with an atomic force microscope, allowing for longer measurements and automation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 17, 2015

A new weapon in the fight against cancer

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows that lithocholic acid, a bile acid produced in the liver, is effective in killing cancer cells and delaying aging. The findings have implications for slowing down breast and prostate cancer development.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

A close call of 0.8 light years

Researchers analyzed the trajectory of Scholz's star and found it passed through the outer Oort Cloud, 98% certain of its close flyby. The star's proximity to our solar system was confirmed, challenging previous predictions for the closest known flyby.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 17, 2015

Nicotine metabolite amplifies action of the primary chemical messenger for learning and memory

A new study suggests that nicotine's metabolite cotinine amplifies the effect of acetylcholine, a primary chemical messenger involved in learning and memory, potentially providing therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's and other memory disorders. Cotinine may also have synergistic effects with existing Alzheimer's therapies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateFeb 17, 2015

Laser 'ruler' holds promise for hunting exoplanets

Researchers successfully demonstrate a new technique combining a solar telescope with a laser frequency comb to analyze distant stars with unprecedented accuracy, potentially leading to the discovery of Earth-like planets. The technique enhances spectral analysis and advances research in astrophysics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateFeb 17, 2015

Crowdsourcing a valid option for gathering speech ratings

A study by New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that crowdsourcing using Amazon Mechanical Turk can produce high levels of agreement among listeners, even when individual responses are not highly accurate. With samples of nine or more AMT users, performance converges with that of ex...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Communication Disorders·DateFeb 17, 2015

When it comes to an opening number, sometimes the best bargaining move is to offer two

A new study from Columbia Business School suggests that using range offers in negotiations can lead to better settlements for the offer-maker without harming their relationship with the other party. Bolstering and bracketing range offers were found to be effective strategies, while backdown range offers were less successful.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 17, 2015

Mapping seascapes in the deep ocean

Researchers from University of Southampton develop new automated method for classifying hundreds of miles of the deep sea floor, creating broad-scale maps to estimate biodiversity hotspots. The maps cover approximately 125 miles across, using information on topography and sediment type to identify distinct 'geomorphological terrains'.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalMarine Biology·DateFeb 17, 2015

Teen brain scans reveal a key to weight loss

Researchers found that teenagers who relied on executive function processes, particularly in the pre-frontal cortex, were more successful in losing weight. Successful programs involve repeated practice and ramping up challenges to executive control, such as computerized training and aerobic physical activity.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalObesity·DateFeb 17, 2015

Scientists use MRI to visualize pancreas inflammation in type 1 diabetes

Researchers have developed a novel imaging technique using ferumoxytol and MRI to visualize pancreatic inflammation in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The study found clear evidence of ongoing inflammation in the pancreas, which could help predict disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

Technology changing teacher's role

A recent Finnish-Swiss-Belgian study finds that technology changes the teacher's role from a traditional knowledge provider into a facilitator guiding students' learning processes and engaging in joint problem-solving. Technology offers new types of learning possibilities, including interactive learning and teaching opportunities.

Even animals compose

Researchers from the University of Vienna found cross-species parallels in song production and perception among animals. Some species, such as songbirds and parrots, can learn to produce new sounds and even identify beats, similar to human music abilities.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateFeb 17, 2015

A new spin on spintronics

A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University has developed a new radiation-resistant spintronic material that can maintain its spin-dependence after being irradiated. This breakthrough could enable electronic devices to work in harsh environments, such as space-based communications satellites.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 17, 2015