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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 20


Page 20 of 38

Can watching porn make you better in bed?

A new study published in Sexual Medicine found that men who watch more pornography are more aroused when viewing erotic stimuli. The researchers analyzed data from 280 male volunteers and concluded that there is no relationship between porn consumption and erectile dysfunction.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSexual Medicine·DateMar 16, 2015

Moral decisions can be manipulated by eye tracking

Researchers used remote eye-trackers to monitor participants' gaze while thinking about complex moral questions. The results showed that participants' moral decisions were systematically biased towards the target alternative, with a 58% success rate for choosing the randomly selected option.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Baboon friends swap gut germs

A new study in baboons reveals that social relationships play a role in shaping an individual's gut microbial makeup. The researchers found that baboons who groomed each other more frequently shared more similar sets of gut microbes, suggesting that physical contact may be a key factor in allowing people to swap gut germs.

Maps predict strength of structures

Rice researchers Rouzbeh Shahsavari and Navid Sakhavand have created universal maps that predict the properties of natural and biomimetic platelet-matrix composites. The maps are dimensionless and can be applied to materials built with nanoscale blocks as well as brick walls, or bigger.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2015

Designing a better way to study stomach flu

A team of researchers is working on a five-year program to create a bioreactor that more closely simulates the complex tissues and dynamic movements of the intestinal track. This project aims to deliver a simple, easy-to-use and relatively inexpensive system for infectious disease labs.

Scientists make surprising finding in stroke research

Scientists at the University of Manchester discovered that inflammation in the brain causes and worsens damage after a stroke, contradicting previous theories. The study found that inflammasomes such as NLRP3 are not involved in brain injury caused by stroke, but rather NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasomes contribute to this damage.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

For some kids, Easter egg hunts can lead to skin problems

Children and adults allergic to nickel can develop rashes after contact with it, including nickel-rich foods like peanuts, oats, and processed cheese. Easter egg hunts can exacerbate these reactions, especially in children who binge on chocolate during the holiday

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Dermatology·DateMar 16, 2015

How does prison time affect relationships?

Mothers connected to recently incarcerated men experience lower overall relationship quality, supportiveness, and physical abuse. Current paternal incarceration is positively associated with some indicators of relationship quality.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMar 16, 2015

Ben-Gurion U. researchers develop groundbreaking approach to evaluate sleep disorders

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a non-contact breathing sound analysis algorithm to reliably estimate whole-night sleep evaluation for detection of sleep quality, snoring severity, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The new approach shows promising results in distinguishing between sleep and wake segments with high accuracy.

New targets for rabies prevention and treatment

Scientists have discovered 63 genes linked to rabies sensitivity, with potential applications in prevention and treatment. The study's novel screening method can be used to uncover host-based genes involved in various infections and responses to drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 16, 2015

A breakfast of champions for diabetics

A new study suggests that eating a high-caloric breakfast and a more modest dinner can significantly reduce post-meal glucose surges and improve glycemic control in type-2 diabetics. By consuming a larger meal at breakfast and a smaller meal at dinner, participants experienced lower blood glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity.

Persuasive power: Members of Congress can sway the public

A study by Ohio State University found that constituents who participated in online town halls with their representatives were more likely to agree with the legislator on important policy issues. These constituents also showed higher levels of trust and approval for their elected official, as well as increased voting intention.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Biodiversity-protected areas in Indonesia ineffective in preventing deforestation: NUS-led study

A NUS-led study found that protected areas in Indonesia are ineffective in slowing down deforestation, instead suggesting the implementation of road monitoring, logging control, and alternative livelihoods to support conservation. The research highlights the need for more effective measures to tackle deforestation in the country.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMar 16, 2015

Genetically manipulating plants can reduce their water needs

Researchers have developed genetic tools to pre-adapt crops to future drier climates, improving water efficiency and reducing the need for irrigation. By altering plant stomata, crop yields can be maintained or increased with less water, supporting regions facing water scarcity.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 16, 2015

Symmetry matters in graphene growth

The study found that geometric relationships between graphene and the substrate determine island shapes, with triangular surfaces leading to more irregular structures. Understanding this process can help design grain boundaries with specific properties, useful for electronics applications.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 16, 2015

Colorful life-form catalog will help discern if we're alone

A team of international scientists has created a colorful catalog of reflection signatures from various Earth life forms to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life. The database features 137 diverse life forms, including extremophiles from extreme environments, which can help astronomers spot potential biosignatures on exoplanets.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Targets identified for developing therapies for IBMPFD

A new study has identified protein modification needed to treat IBMPFD, a rare and deadly genetic disorder. The researchers found that changing the p47 protein could lead to proper cellular functions in cells with mutated p97, opening the door for potential treatments or prevention.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015