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Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 20


Page 20 of 28

Autonomous tots have higher cognitive skills

A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that children whose mothers consistently supported their autonomy had higher executive functioning skills. The mother's ability to teach problem-solving skills and take her child's perspective was crucial in shaping the child's cognitive abilities.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateJan 13, 2015

Major grant will help diabetics

A new research project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation will investigate why some diabetes patients develop painful neuritis, while others do not. The study aims to identify key factors and potentially develop preventive or inhibiting medicine.

Crush those clinkers while they're hot

Researchers at Rice University found that optimizing the process of turning clinkers into cement can save a significant amount of energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. By analyzing the crystal and atomic structures of clinkers, they identified areas where defects and internal stresses affect the grinding process.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 13, 2015

Glass for battery electrodes

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a new glass material that can store more energy than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The vanadate-borate glass exhibits improved charging capacity and stability, paving the way for more efficient electric vehicles and longer-lasting portable electronics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 13, 2015

Can inhaled oxygen cause cancer?

A new study published in PeerJ found an inverse relationship between oxygen concentration and lung cancer incidence, with counties at higher elevations experiencing lower rates. The association was consistent across population subgroups and demographic variables, suggesting that inhaled oxygen may be a human carcinogen.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateJan 13, 2015

Bilingualism changes children's beliefs

A Concordia University study found that bilingual children are more likely to believe that traits arise from experience, while monolinguals tend to think they're innate. This discovery has important social implications, as it suggests early second language education could promote acceptance of human diversity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJan 13, 2015

GMOs with health benefits have a large market potential

Research from Ghent University demonstrates a high willingness of consumers to pay premiums for GMOs with health benefits, ranging from 20% to 70%. The study highlights the potential market share of these nutritionally improved crops in regions such as China and Brazil, where nutrient deficiencies are prevalent.

SourceGhent University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 13, 2015

New model predicts Ebola epidemic in Liberia could be ended by June 2015

A new model developed by ecologists at the University of Georgia and Pennsylvania State University predicts that the Ebola epidemic in Liberia can be largely contained by June 2015 if hospitalization rates and safe burial practices are maintained. The model, which includes factors such as location of infection and treatment, hospital c...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 13, 2015

New strains of parasites identified

A recent study by Ria Ghai has identified three genetically distinct groups of whipworms, with only one being transmissible between humans and non-human primates. This discovery has significant public health implications and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 12, 2015

Sex and the single evening primrose

Researchers found that sexually reproducing species are healthier and less likely to accumulate deleterious mutations over time. The study used the evening primrose plant as a model, comparing 30 pairs of species with different reproductive methods, revealing strong support for the theory that sex is beneficial for health in plants.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 12, 2015

Revealing the inner workings of a molecular motor

Researchers from RIKEN Brain Science Institute have made significant strides in understanding the mechanism of dynein's movement along microtubules. The study found that specific amino acid residues on the microtubule structure play a crucial role in activating the dynein motor, enabling directional movement and cargo transport.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 12, 2015

Can your smartphone help you exercise?

A new study found that only 39 out of 93 possible behavior change techniques were used in top-ranked fitness apps, with social support and feedback being the most common. The study suggests that users should consider their individual needs when selecting an app to increase physical activity.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 12, 2015

CNIO researchers discover 1 of the genetic pieces of bladder cancer

Researchers at CNIO discovered that Notch genes act as tumour suppressors in bladder cancer, clarifying their role and providing clues for understanding their dual function. The study cautions against using therapeutic strategies based on Notch deactivation due to potential increased risk of developing squamous-type tumours.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 12, 2015

$375 billion wasted on billing and health insurance-related paperwork annually: Study

A recent study published in BMC Health Services Research estimates that medical billing paperwork and insurance-related red tape cost the US economy approximately $471 billion in 2012. The researchers suggest that adopting a simplified, single-payer system of financing health care could result in savings of at least $375 billion annually.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateJan 12, 2015

Computers using digital footprints are better judge of personality than friends and family

A new study reveals that computers can make accurate judgments about personalities better than most people, using digital signals like Facebook Likes. The researchers analyzed data from over 86,000 volunteers and found that computers could predict personality traits with greater accuracy than human judges, except for spouses.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2015