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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 29


Page 29 of 34

Pupil response predicts depression risk in kids

Children of depressed mothers who show increased pupil dilation to sad faces are at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms and diagnoses over two years. The study suggests pupillometry could be used as a low-cost tool for pediatricians to identify children at highest risk.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJul 7, 2015

Researchers learn to measure aging process in young adults

A team from Duke University has developed a new method to measure the aging process in young adults, finding that signs of aging can appear as early as age 26. The study used 18 biological measures to determine an individual's pace of aging, with some participants aging at rates of three years per year.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2015

Learning from biology to accelerate discovery

Researchers exploring strategies in biology to create different mechanical properties, such as draglines and pheromonal trails, reveal principles that inform new material designs. By understanding nanoconfinement and the role of mechanics in biological systems, scientists can speed up discovery and develop innovative materials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2015

Killer sea snail a target for new drugs

Researchers have discovered thousands of new peptide toxins in the venom of a single type of Queensland cone snail, opening up promising leads for new pain and cancer treatments. The study's innovative method allows for deeper analysis of venom toxins than ever before.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2015

Gas sensors promise advances in Earth science

Researchers at Rice University are developing gas-releasing microbial sensors to study microbe-driven processes that regulate Earth's environment. The sensors will allow researchers to test hypotheses about how microbes control environmental processes and build model ecosystems in the lab.

Illicit drug use may affect sexual function in men

A study of 1159 males who illicitly used amphetamines found that half reported no impact on sexual functions, while the other half experienced reduced erectile rigidity, enhanced orgasmic intensity, and delayed ejaculation. Amphetamine users were also twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to matched controls.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateJul 6, 2015

Emotion knowledge fosters attentiveness

A study by Leuphana University and George Mason University found that preschoolers with a good understanding of their emotions experienced fewer attention problems. The research suggests that emotion knowledge is a key factor in the development of attention skills, alongside executive functions.

SourceLeuphana Universität Lüneburg·JournalKindheit und Entwicklung·DateJul 6, 2015