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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 32


Page 32 of 36

Cyberbullying less emotionally harmful to kids than traditional in-person harassment, study finds

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that cyberbullying was less emotionally harmful to kids than traditional in-person harassment. The study analyzed data from telephone interviews with 791 American youth ages 10-20, who reported an average of 311 harassment incidents in the prior year.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Violence·DateJun 3, 2015

Visualizing the 'matrix'

A team developed a graphical representation of nuclear spin matrices for coupled spins in arbitrary quantum states, enabling better control and utilization of quantum phenomena. The 'SpinDrops' app provides intuitive access to the fascinating world of quantum control theory.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJun 3, 2015

Scientist at LIMR leads study demonstrating drug-induced tissue regeneration

A study led by Ellen Heber-Katz demonstrates that a primordial form of energy production can trigger healthy regrowth of lost or damaged tissue in mice. The researchers found that stabilizing the HIF-1a pathway opens up new possibilities for mammalian tissue regeneration, potentially leading to new therapies for human tissue repair.

SourceMain Line Health, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 3, 2015

Trouble in the tide pools

A mass mortality event affected millions of purple sea urchins and tiny sea stars along a 62-mile stretch of Northern California coast. The study suggests that long-term population and ecosystem consequences are expected as these species play key roles in maintaining tide pool balance.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2015

Fond memories make fragrances a favorite

A study published in Springer's Chemosensory Perception journal found that fragrance preferences are driven by personal emotional memories. The researchers discovered that odor-evoked memories elicit potent emotional responses, influencing customers' likes and ratings.

SourceSpringer·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateJun 3, 2015

Is everybody laughing when racially charged comedy is viewed with multiple-race audiences?

A recent study by Omotayo Banjo found that black audiences are more comfortable watching black-oriented entertainment television with other black peers than with white counterparts. Black participants reported more positive excitement, attitudes, and absorption when viewing the program with all-black audiences. In contrast, white viewe...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateJun 3, 2015

Research points to future test for ALS

Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a possible way to predict if an individual is genetically prone to ALS by analyzing DNA repeats in the C9orf72 gene. The study found that a certain number of repeats, when modified with methyl groups, can cause the disease.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 3, 2015

3-D printing goes high speed and high volume

The University of Sheffield's new machine will build parts up to three times larger and 100 times faster than current machines, enabling serious production of volumes over one million. This technology, called high-speed sintering (HSS), selectively fuses polymer powder layer by layer using infra-red-absorbing ink.

Long-term memory formation

A team of NYU researchers discovered that two growth factor families, TrkB and TGFβr-II, play distinct roles in creating long-term memories by exerting their actions in different parts of the brain. At different times, these molecules swap roles to facilitate memory formation.

SourceNew York University·JournalNeuron·DateJun 3, 2015

Frogs face virus risk in garden ponds

Researchers found that exotic fish can amplify viral levels in garden ponds, while chemicals like slug pellets weaken frog immune systems. Simple precautions, such as reducing chemical use and not stocking non-native species, can help reduce the spread of the devastating ranavirosis disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2015

Pluto's moons seen in highest detail yet

A new study published in Nature provides the first detailed look at Pluto's five known moons, revealing fascinating details about their orbits and rotational patterns. The research found that three of the smaller moons, Nix, Styx, and Hydra, are locked together in resonance, making their orbits more regular and predictable.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateJun 3, 2015

Cytoskeletons shaking hands

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that cytoplasmic intermediate filaments interact with specific contractile actin filament structures called arcs, which transport intermediate filaments towards the nucleus. Disruption of these interactions leads to defects in cell morphogenesis and shape abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 3, 2015

New study: Gut bacteria cooperate when life gets tough

Researchers discovered how gut bacteria respond to changes in their environment by cooperating with each other, stabilizing the community and adapting to new situations. This cooperative behavior helps the bacterial community survive and function despite fluctuations in oxygen levels and nutrient availability.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 2, 2015

Researchers discover two new groups of viruses

Scientists at the University of Bonn discovered two new groups of viruses, Jonchet and Ferak, which are believed to have originated from insect viruses. The researchers found that these viruses are phylogenetically independent and do not multiply above 32 degrees Celsius, making human infection unlikely.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2015