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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 31


Page 31 of 38

Antibodies to brain proteins may trigger psychosis

A new study has identified antibodies targeting dopamine D2 receptors and NMDA glutamate receptors in children experiencing their first episode of psychosis. This finding suggests that autoimmunity may play a role in the development of psychosis, offering hope for new treatment approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2015

Protecting crops from radiation-contaminated soil

Researchers have identified a chemical compound that prevents plants from taking up cesium, reducing the harmful effects of radiation-contaminated soil. The compound, CsTolen A, selectively binds to cesium, preventing its entry into plant cells and promoting physiological processes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2015

Study: Little evidence that executive function interventions boost student achievement

A federally funded meta-analysis of 25 years' worth of research found no conclusive evidence that developing students' executive function skills leads to better academic performance. The study analyzed 67 studies and controlled for various characteristics, including parental education and socioeconomic status.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateMar 5, 2015

Astronomers see star explode 4 times

Astronomers have observed a distant star exploding four times due to a massive galaxy cluster, providing a rare opportunity to test Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The discovery also offers clues about the strength of gravity, dark matter, and dark energy in the universe.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

Video reveals acrobatic feats of praying mantises

Researchers observed young praying mantises jumping to a target with precision and accuracy, rotating their bodies at 2.5 times per second. The insects' unique ability to maintain stability and control during flight has implications for the development of tiny robots.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 5, 2015

Reliance on smartphones linked to lazy thinking

Research suggests that smartphone users who rely on gut feelings tend to use their device's search engine rather than their own brainpower. Highly analytical thinkers spend less time using smartphones, indicating a possible link between heavy smartphone use and lowered intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 5, 2015

The price of protection

A new study by University of Pittsburgh sociologists reveals that women who petition for restraining orders against abusers typically experience decreased earnings due to financial instability and hardship. The researchers found that the period of petitioning is accompanied by serious losses, which are not recouped later.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 5, 2015

Understanding how the stomach responds to injury could help target therapy against gastric damage

Researchers have found that IL-33 is a critical messenger triggering changes in the stomach's inflammatory response to H. pylori infection, potentially leading to new therapies targeting gastric damage. Elevated IL-33 levels may be associated with chronic infection and metaplasia.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMar 5, 2015

Mars: The planet that lost an ocean's worth of water

Scientists have estimated that Mars once had a massive ocean covering 19% of its surface, which would have made the planet habitable for longer. The new research uses detailed observations of water in Mars' atmosphere to determine the amount of water lost over time.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

From chick to bedside: Removing the Wnt barrier

By disabling the Wnt signaling pathway, researchers may be able to repair damaged white matter in the brain, a potential breakthrough in treating cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that targeting the Daam2/PIP5K interaction could accelerate oligodendrocyte differentiation and promote myelination.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 5, 2015

An explosive quartet

Astronomers spot four images of a distant supernova in a massive galaxy cluster, bending light due to gravitational lensing. The discovery provides insights into dark matter's distribution and helps refine estimates of its amount.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

How rain is dependent on soil moisture

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that rain falls most frequently in areas with lower soil moisture, which warms air and allows water vapor to rise higher. High soil moisture, on the other hand, can lead to more evaporation and precipitation, but the relationship is complex and still not fully understood.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2015

No link between psychedelics and mental health problems

A study of over 135,000 people found no correlation between psychedelic use and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. The researchers suggest that psychedelics may even be linked to fewer mental health problems, with benefits including deeply meaningful experiences and lasting positive effects.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateMar 5, 2015