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Science News Archive January 2016 - Page 25


Page 25 of 31

Xistential crisis: Discovery shows there's more to the story in silencing X chromosomes

Scientists discover that Xist RNA is insufficient to silence one of the two X chromosomes in every female cell, suggesting a complex interplay between molecules. This finding could lead to new ways to fight X-linked diseases in females, including those linked to autism, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2016

Risk taking across life span: The effects of hardship

Researchers found that risk-taking propensity decreases with age in most countries, but remains high in countries with poverty and inequality. The study, published in Psychological Science, analyzed data from 77 countries and showed a clear connection between country standards of living and citizens' willingness to take risks.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 8, 2016

Quiet quasar has apparently eaten its fill

Astronomers discovered a distant quasar that has apparently run out of gas, leading to a significant decrease in its brightness. The quasar, SDSS J1011+5442, was found to have consumed all the glowing-hot gas in its vicinity, causing it to dim drastically.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 8, 2016

New work on knee cartilage structure to aid better replacements and injury treatments

A new study by Penn and Delaware researchers sheds light on the mechanics and biology of natural and engineered tissue, informing ways to treat injuries like knee meniscus tears and age-related tissue degeneration. The team developed micro-engineered models that replicate key features of degenerating native tissue, enabling testing of ...

Valuing your time more than money is linked to happiness

New research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found an almost even split between people who value their time or money, with prioritizing time associated with greater happiness. The study, which included over 4,600 participants, also found that older people were more likely to prioritize their time.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 7, 2016

Saliva test to detect GHB and alcohol poisonings

Researchers developed a saliva-based test detecting methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, propan 1,3 glycol and γ-hydroxybutyric acid. The test uses gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry for accurate detection of toxic levels in saliva samples.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateJan 7, 2016

'Window of recovery' can reopen after stroke

Studies show that inducing a second stroke nearby in the brains of mice can help them regain motor function to pre-stroke efficiency. This suggests that the optimal recovery window after a stroke may not be permanently closed and can reopen under certain conditions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateJan 7, 2016

Negotiation tip: Gain sympathy and gain the advantage

Research by Laura Kray at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that sympathy can motivate stronger parties to help weaker ones, leading to more compassionate solutions. Being transparent about misfortune is more effective when initiated by a low-power negotiator or someone in the weaker position.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJan 7, 2016

Tiny 'flasks' speed up chemical reactions

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have created miniature 'flasks' that can accelerate chemical reactions by trapping molecules in a highly selective manner. The dynamic and reversible clusters can be reused multiple times, making them useful for applications such as drug delivery and industrial manufacturing.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 7, 2016

Overcoming hurdles to climate change adaptation in the Arctic

Researchers found that Arctic communities' ability to adapt to climate change is hindered by non-climatic factors such as resource availability, local governance, and economic disparities. However, with the right policies and practices, these communities can overcome these hurdles and successfully adapt to projected changes in climate.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 7, 2016