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Science News for September 25, 2015


A different type of 2-D semiconductor

Researchers successfully grew atomically thin 2D sheets of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites from solution, exhibiting efficient photoluminescence, color-tunability, and unique structural relaxation. The ultrathin sheets have square-shaped geometry, high quality crystallinity, and large size, facilitating their integration into futu...

Plants with jobs

Two University of Toronto scientists developed a new research framework to measure agricultural impacts using functional trait-based ecology. The approach focuses on how plants respond to and affect changes in their environment, providing insights into crop diversity, nutrient cycling, pest repellence and drought mitigation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 25, 2015

Deep-diving whales could hold answer for synthetic blood

Researchers found that deep-diving whales have ultra-stable versions of myoglobin, a protein that holds oxygen in muscle cells. This stability allows them to pack more myoglobin into their cells, enabling them to remain active while holding their breath. The discovery could lead to creating synthetic blood for human trauma patients.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 25, 2015

Researchers' model helps predict consumer spending

Researchers developed a new methodology to predict consumer spending at competitors, using share-of-wallet as a key metric. The model reveals segments of customers, including those influenced by income and habit, allowing businesses to target high-potential customers and optimize cross-selling strategies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateSep 25, 2015

Having the 'right' connections only gets you so far

A study of 1,298 NFL coaches found that junior coaches with connections to highly reputable head coaches are more likely to receive promotions. However, these connections do not lead to superior career outcomes in the long term, and instead favor those who missed out on initial advantages but excelled through merit.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 25, 2015

Study links US polarization to TV news deregulation

A Washington State University study links US political polarization to the deregulation of television news following the 1996 Telecommunications Act. The researchers found that increased use of TV news is associated with higher levels of polarization, highlighting the role of media consolidation in perpetuating partisan divisions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Public Opinion Research·DateSep 25, 2015

Reproducible neuroscience with real tango

Researchers replicate previous finding on how the brain processes music using a naturalistic free listening context, demonstrating reliable results and ecologically valid findings. The study fine-tunes previous findings, concluding which brain areas are involved in processing different musical elements.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 25, 2015

What powers the pumping heart?

Scientists have identified 500 novel membrane proteins that play a critical role in normal heart function and may help uncover new information about heart failure and arrhythmias. The research focuses on protein Tmem65, which regulates communication between cardiac contractile cells.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2015

Breaking the anxiety cycle

A new study by UConn Health psychiatrist Golda Ginsburg found that family-based intervention works to prevent anxiety in children. The study, published online September 25 in The American Journal of Psychiatry, found only 9% of children who participated in a therapist-directed family intervention developed anxiety after one year.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 25, 2015

Bravo to biomass

Researchers found significant environmental and public-health benefits from co-firing oat hulls with coal, including 90% reduction in filterable particulate matter. Burning oat hulls also reduced hazardous air pollutants by 41% and heavy metals by 51%.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalFuel·DateSep 25, 2015

Root microbiome engineering improves plant growth

Researchers have found that artificially selected microbiomes can improve plant growth in genetically identical plants. This method of root microbiome engineering uses bacteria from the roots of large plants and transfers them to other plants, leading to improved growth over time.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateSep 25, 2015

War's greatest picture

Seventy-five years after the start of the WWII Blitz, Herbert Mason's portrait of St. Paul's Cathedral stands as an enduring symbol of Britain's resilience amidst destruction. The iconic image has been widely reproduced and continues to have a lasting impact on visual shorthand for momentous events.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Modern History·DateSep 25, 2015

Breakthrough study demonstrates survival advantage with immune checkpoint inhibitor for advanced kidney cancer patients

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated a significant median overall survival benefit with nivolumab, increasing it to 25 months compared to 19.6 months for everolimus. The study also showed a higher objective response rate and fewer treatment-related adverse events with nivolumab.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 25, 2015

Opening new doors

The University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded a $2.6 million grant from the US Department of Education to strengthen student success and retention. The grant will focus on two main areas: first-year experiences and faculty professional development, targeting underrepresented students in specific majors and courses.