Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 8


Page 8 of 38

Like Angelina Jolie, study pinpoints genetic cause of increased leukemia risk

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found a heritable genetic cause of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), similar to the BRCA mutation that affects breast and ovarian cancer risk. The ETV6 gene mutation is present at birth and increases the development of ALL, with the potential for future strategies to prevent the disease.

Does your password pass muster?

Researchers from Concordia University found that password strength meters are inconsistent and may confuse users. They recommend using robust meters like Dropbox's, which analyze passwords for common dictionary words and highlight weak phrases.

SourceConcordia University·JournalACM Transactions on Information and System Security·DateMar 25, 2015

Morphing wings help drones manage collisions

Researchers at Stanford University have created a robotic wing that can recover from mid-air collisions using a passive morphing mechanism inspired by bird wings. The mechanism allows the wing to fold and unfold without actuation, making it lighter and more reliable.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateMar 25, 2015

Study announces a durable vaccine for Ebola

A new study reveals a cytomegalovirus-based vaccine provides protection against Ebola virus for over 14 months after a single dose, offering hope for preventing ebolavirus infection in African apes and reducing future human outbreaks. The innovative approach could help stabilize endangered ape populations and protect humans from the de...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalVaccine·DateMar 25, 2015

Just right: A spider's tale

A new study by University of Missouri biologist James E. Carrel found that southern house spiders prefer holes and cavities that are three to four times as big as their own body size for building nests. The spiders select nest sites based on their size, similar to how hermit crabs trade up for bigger shells as they grow bigger.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFlorida Entomologist·DateMar 25, 2015

Will you ever pay off your student loan?

A recent report highlights the need for transparent financial counseling before students accumulate debt, which can have long-lasting consequences. The average US graduate has $28,400 in student loan debt, with many struggling to repay due to low salaries and job insecurity.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education·DateMar 25, 2015

Education may not improve our life chances of happiness

A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that all levels of educational attainment have similar odds of high mental wellbeing. High mental wellbeing is defined as feeling good and functioning well, with surprising results including increased odds among Afro-Caribbeans, particularly men.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 2015

Damselfly war games

Male damselflies employ various strategies to decide whether to fight, including assessing wing pigmentation and choosing non-contact aerial display fights. Stronger males use aggressive tactics like chasing and biting to wear down weaker opponents.

Researchers find promising new biomarkers for concussion

Researchers at Brown University have identified four blood proteins that can accurately signal mild traumatic brain injury within hours after a concussion. These biomarkers, which include copeptin, galectin 3, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and occludin, show significant changes in the bloodstream of patients shortly after a concussion.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateMar 25, 2015

Mitigating reptile road mortality

A study published in PLOS ONE found that fence failures can negate the effectiveness of ecopassages in reducing reptile road mortality. Despite the use of ecopassages, turtle abundance on roads remained unchanged, and dead snakes and turtles increased after mitigation measures were implemented.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 25, 2015

Just slip out the back, Jack

A Saint Louis University research review article suggests people are hardwired to fall out of love and move onto new romantic relationships. Brain imaging studies show an increase in neuronal activity in pleasure areas that become active with cocaine use, implying a similar attachment process.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalReview of General Psychology·DateMar 25, 2015