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Science News Archive November 2015 - Page 13


Page 13 of 35

Dark matter dominates in nearby dwarf galaxy

Astronomer Evan Kirby measures high concentration of dark matter in small dwarf galaxy Triangulum II, potentially making it a leading candidate for direct detection. The galaxy's unique characteristics and minimal background noise make it an ideal location to search for gamma-ray signals from colliding dark matter particles.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 18, 2015

Weekday sleep changes may raise risk of diabetes, heart disease

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that weekday sleep changes may raise the risk of developing metabolic problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Researchers discovered a link between social jetlag, which refers to the mismatch between an individual's biological...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 18, 2015

Whale sharks in Gulf of Mexico swim near the surface, take deep dives

Researchers tracked whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, revealing they use both near-surface and deeper waters for feeding, with some staying at depth greater than 50 meters continuously for over three days. The study found complex patterns of habitat utilization likely driven by shifting ocean conditions and prey distribution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2015

Cereal science

Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a new phenomenon in materials science using puffed rice cereal. They found that highly porous, brittle materials can deform differently depending on compaction velocity, with three distinct deformation patterns emerging at low, medium, and high velocities.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 18, 2015

New study suggests more than 8 percent of children with cancer have genetic predisposition

Researchers analyzed genomic data from 1,120 pediatric cancer patients and found that 8.5% had pathogenic germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes. This study suggests that comprehensive genomic screening may be necessary for all pediatric cancer patients, not just those with a family history of cancer.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2015

Vanderbilt study finds erectile dysfunction drug may benefit patients at risk for diabetes

A Vanderbilt study found that sildenafil improves insulin sensitivity in people at risk for diabetes, potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers discovered that sildenafil inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5, resulting in relaxation of smooth muscle and increased blood flow.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 18, 2015

Strategy based on human reflexes may keep legged robots and prosthetic legs from tripping

A robotic prosthetic control strategy based on human reflexes has shown promise in simulation and laboratory testing, producing stable walking gaits over uneven terrain and improved balance recovery from trips. The technology will be further developed and tested using volunteers with above-the-knee amputations over the next three years.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 18, 2015

Parents' top fears about teen cellphone use

While parents' fears about teens' digital habits are often overstated, there are valid concerns about cyberbullying and sleep disruption. Teens' online lives mirror their offline experiences, but excessive screen time can lead to negative effects for vulnerable adolescents.

SourceDuke University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateNov 18, 2015

Forming planet observed for first time

Researchers from the University of Sydney and other institutions have directly observed a planet in formation for the first time. The planet, located 450 light years away, is surrounded by a vast disc of dust and gas, and its presence has been confirmed through images and spectral fingerprint analysis.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2015

A focus on fairness

A new study from Harvard University found that children globally quickly reject unequal distributions of rewards, but in three countries (U.S., Canada, and Uganda), they also accept deals that favor themselves. This suggests that fairness behaviors may vary across cultures.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2015

Bringing the chaos in light sources under control

A study investigates how to control noise in quantum dot LEDs by modulating bias current, leading to stabilized light sources suitable for optical telecommunications. The researchers found that spiking competition of quantum dots enhances self-feedback and affects noise perturbation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 18, 2015

One very brainy bird

A new study finds that pigeons can accurately categorize digitized microscope slides and mammograms of benign and malignant human breast tissue. With training, they perform as well as humans in this task, demonstrating a remarkable ability to perceive and process visual cues.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2015

New urban heat island study shows surprising variation in air temperatures across Twin Cities

A new study from the University of Minnesota used a network of 180 sensors to capture detailed temperature patterns across the Twin Cities metropolitan area, highlighting the strength and variability of the urban heat island effect. The research provides valuable insights into efforts to reduce heat-related harm in metro areas globally.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateNov 18, 2015

Nondrug interventions improve quality of life for Chinese cancer patients

A meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicine and nonpharmacological interventions found that they alleviate symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and pain in Chinese cancer patients. These interventions include acupuncture, therapeutic massage, stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical training.