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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 8


Page 8 of 31

Nonfriction literature

The National Science Foundation has funded a project to develop ultralow-wear composite materials for industrial applications, with the goal of reducing friction and wear costs. The research will explore material structures, composition, processing, and operating conditions to improve tribological performance.

Anticipating temptation may reduce unethical behavior, research finds

A study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology suggests that anticipating ethical temptations can decrease the likelihood of unethical behavior. Participants who anticipated temptation were less likely to engage in dishonest behavior and more likely to maintain consistency with their long-term goals and moral se...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMay 22, 2015

BAMS article outlines 20-year process to create meteorological partnership between US and Cuba

The US and Cuba have formed a groundbreaking meteorological partnership after a 20-year process, enabling the sharing of critical weather data and GPS monitoring equipment. This collaboration marks a significant improvement in forecasting accuracy for hurricanes and tropical storms, benefiting both countries.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateMay 22, 2015

An evolutionary heads-up

A study by the University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna found that larger brain size confers a survival advantage to female guppies, but not males. The research, which released large- and small-brained guppies into semi-natural streams, revealed that large-brained fish are better at evading predators, leading to higher survival rates.

Faster heart rate linked to diabetes risk

A four-year study of 73,357 Chinese adults found that faster heart rates were positively associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. Participants with faster heart rates had a 23% increased risk of diabetes for every 10 beats per minute, similar to the effects of a 3 kilogram per meter square increase in body mass index.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 22, 2015

Subconscious learning shapes pain responses

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that people can be conditioned to associate images with specific pain responses without conscious awareness. This study suggests that unconscious learning may have a significant impact on higher cognitive processes, including pain perception.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2015

Study uses farm data to aid in slowing evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds

Farmers using multiple herbicides per application (83 times less likely to have resistance) and rotating herbicide mixing are the most effective tools in managing herbicide resistance. Management factors, not environmental or landscape variables, play a crucial role in preventing resistance.

Mosquito sex-determining gene could help fight dengue fever

Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Life Science Institute have discovered a genetic switch called Nix that underlies the difference between male and female mosquitoes. By harnessing this trait, they hope to develop mosquito control strategies by converting females into harmless males or eliminating deadly females.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2015

Raising a glass to the holidays

A new study published in BMC Medicine found that people in England consume an additional 12 million bottles of wine each week due to holidays and special occasions. This increase in alcohol consumption can lead to health issues, highlighting the need for more accurate measurement and targeted interventions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMay 21, 2015

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in baby teethers

Researchers at Goethe University found that two out of ten plastic rings in baby teethers release chemicals with hormone-like effects. These additives can inhibit the effects of androgens such as testosterone and act like natural oestrogen in the body. The study highlights the need for manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and scientists...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Applied Toxicology·DateMay 21, 2015

Lowly 'new girl' chimps form stronger female bonds

A new study of social relationships in wild apes reveals that low-ranking female chimpanzees form stronger bonds with other females of similar status. The researchers analyzed daily records for 53 adult females over 38 years and found that these low-ranking pairs were more likely to seek each other out than those from higher social ranks.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMay 21, 2015

Time is muscle in acute heart failure

Joint recommendations from the Heart Failure Association, European Society of Emergency Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine emphasize urgent diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure. The guidelines outline tests, treatments, and management strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 21, 2015

Lawrence Livermore researchers use seismic signals to track above-ground explosions

Researchers created a method to determine source characteristics of near-earth surface explosions using seismic stations in Turkey. They found the Syrian tunnel bomb blast was likely around 40 tons, contradicting initial claims of 60 tons. The technique serves as a forensic tool for investigators and governmental agencies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 21, 2015

Premature aging: Scientists identify and correct defects in diseased cells

Researchers have identified and corrected defects in diseased cells, restoring normal activity in Cockayne syndrome patients. The study reveals the role of an enzyme, HTRA3 protease, in mitochondrial defects that contribute to premature aging. Therapeutic strategies using HTRA3 inhibitors or antioxidants may soon be tested in patients.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2015

Simulations predict flat liquid

Researchers have predicted a liquid phase in atomically thin golden islands that patch small pores of graphene, where gold atoms flow and change places in the plane. The liquid state is possible when the edge of graphene pore stretches the metallic membrane.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNanoscale·DateMay 21, 2015

Workplace intervention improves sleep of employees' children

A workplace intervention designed to reduce work-family conflict and increase schedule flexibility has a positive influence on the sleep patterns of employees' children. Children whose parents participated in the STAR intervention showed improved sleep quality compared to those in a control group, according to researchers at Penn State.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 21, 2015