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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 12


Page 12 of 39

Inspirational managers may harm workers' health

Researchers found that transformational leadership can increase sickness absence levels among employees who ignore their ill-health and frequently show up for work while ill. The study suggests that managers should strike a balance between encouraging staff to perform well and prioritizing their health and well-being.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalWork & Stress·DateApr 21, 2016

Mechanism behind plant withering clarified

Researchers have reproduced the reaction behind plant withering, revealing a mechanism involving reactive oxygen species during photosynthesis. This discovery could help ensure stable food supplies by cultivating plants resistant to global warming.

SourceKobe University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateApr 21, 2016

The atom without properties

Researchers have observed Bell correlations for the first time in a large system of 480 atoms, indicating that properties may exist independently but not deterministically. This finding opens up new possibilities in quantum technology and basic research.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2016

New development tool based on 'software quality information needs' and 3 case studies

A new development tool is being proposed based on the concept of 'software quality information needs'. The tool aims to provide developers with the right kind of information about the current state of and the effect of changes on software quality. Three case studies will be conducted to develop metrics and measurement techniques to det...

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalResearch Ideas and Outcomes·DateApr 21, 2016

Blood pressure targets for individuals with kidney disease should consider patients' age

A study of over 300,000 patients with chronic kidney disease found that higher systolic blood pressure is linked to poor outcomes, but this association diminishes with advanced age. The findings support current clinical guidelines for younger patients, but suggest a more cautious approach for very elderly patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 21, 2016

2+1 is not always 3

Researchers measured critical Casimir forces with two and three particles to demonstrate nonadditivity and show that these forces are crucial for designing micro-machines. The study used colloids immersed in fluid and optical tweezers to measure the effects of many-body interaction.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2016

Discovery could lead to better asthma treatment

Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a signaling molecule that can alleviate asthma symptoms such as mucus production and airway constriction. The study found that blocking this molecule can help regulate the allergic immune response, potentially leading to improved treatment options for asthma sufferers worldwide.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 21, 2016

Columbia Engineering-led team advances single molecule electronic DNA sequencing

Researchers have developed a complete system to sequence DNA in nanopores electronically at single molecule level with single-base resolution. The system uses a protein nanopore array and polymer-tagged nucleotides to perform single molecule electronic DNA sequencing, enabling real-time and parallel sequencing of multiple DNA molecules.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2016

The importance of resting phases in B cell development

Researchers discovered that B cells rely on RNA binding proteins ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 to induce quiescence, allowing them to 'rest up' between developmental events. This mechanism is crucial for proper B cell development, as seen in mice where a 98% reduction of mature B cells was observed when these proteins were absent.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2016

DNA proves mammoths mated beyond species boundaries

A new DNA analysis suggests that North American mammoths interbred more frequently than previously thought, blurring the lines between species. The study found that woolly and Columbian mammoths could produce fertile offspring, contradicting historical notions of separate species.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 21, 2016