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Science News for January 21, 2015


New bacterial language discovered

Researchers have identified a new bacterial communication pathway, dialkylresorcinol, that is widely distributed among pathogenic bacteria. This discovery offers a promising therapeutic target for new medicines, potentially reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2015

Not so obvious: Consumers don't just assume bundled products are a better value

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research reveals that consumers may not perceive bundled products as a better value. Retailers need to highlight the benefits of package deals to attract customers. By presenting both individual and bundled options, businesses can make consumers aware of the added value and increase sales

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 21, 2015

Death of a dynamo -- A hard drive from space

Researchers capture asteroid magnetic field moments, revealing extended lifetimes and creating mechanisms similar to the Earth's own magnetic field. Ancient meteorites provide a cosmic archaeological mission, shedding light on the magnetic history of asteroids and their impact on the Earth's core future.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJan 21, 2015

Self-assembled nanotextures create antireflective surface on silicon solar cells

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a method to create an antireflective surface on silicon solar cells using self-assembled nanotextures inspired by the structure of moths' eyes. The resulting surface reduces reflections and improves sunlight conversion, outperforming state-of-the-art coatings by up to 20%.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2015

More realistic physical activity targets needed, say experts

Research suggests that aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week may be unrealistic for some adults, particularly older individuals. Increasing daily physical activity by even small amounts can lead to significant health benefits, as shown in studies of moderate to vigorous exercise.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 21, 2015

Long-term use of ventricular assist devices induces heart muscle regeneration, study finds

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center investigators found that patients with heart failure who used left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for six months or longer showed significant regeneration of heart muscle. Oxidative damage to a cell-regulator mechanism was prevented, leading to an increase in cardiomyocyte proliferation.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 21, 2015

Stopping cancer in its tracks

A team led by Dr. Andrew Craig is developing inhibitory antibodies targeting key signals that cancer cells require for metastasis. The goal is to identify lead antibodies and test their potency in pre-clinical models to develop new immunotherapies for clinical trials.

Job seekers with 'learning' attitude have more success

A study by University of Missouri and Lehigh University researchers discovered that job seekers with learning goal orientation are more successful in achieving career goals. Individuals with this disposition tend to react to failures by intensifying their search process, while those with low LGO decrease intensity. The study suggests t...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJan 21, 2015

Link found between pain during or after sexual intercourse and mode of delivery

A new study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found a link between pain during or after sexual intercourse and mode of delivery. Women who had an operative vaginal birth assisted by vacuum extraction, forceps, or caesarean section were at higher risk for persisting dyspareunia. Intimate partner a...

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateJan 21, 2015

Concern over skin whitener marketing

A study by James Cook University highlights the growing demand for skin-whitening products in Australia, particularly among Indian women. The marketing of these products perpetuates social and professional success with lighter skin tone, raising moral concerns about cultural values and ethnic stereotypes.

New computation method helps identify functional DNA

A new computational method can identify positions in the human genome that play a role in cell function, revealing insights into genetic regulation and potential applications in personalized medicine. The study found that 4.2 to 7.5 percent of nucleotides in the human genome have influenced fitness since humans diverged from chimpanzees.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 21, 2015

Seeing is not remembering

Scientists tested 100 undergraduate students in a memory experiment and found that even simple pieces of information were often forgotten when not expected. However, participants performed better when the information was relevant to their current task. This suggests that people's expectations play a significant role in determining what...

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 21, 2015