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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 13


Page 13 of 41

Study: Brain metabolism predicts fluid intelligence in young adults

A new study published in Cerebral Cortex found that brain metabolism is a significant predictor of fluid intelligence in young adults. The research used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure concentrations of the molecule N-acetyl aspartate in different regions of the brain, revealing a link between NAA levels and fluid intelligence.

A new-structure magnetic memory device developed

A new-structure magnetic memory device utilizing spin-orbit-torque-induced magnetization switching has been successfully developed by Tohoku University researchers. The device boasts ultrafast magnetization reversal timescales and potential benefits for power-efficient integrated circuits.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 22, 2016

How to spot elder abuse and neglect in the ER: Things are not always as they seem

Emergency physicians face a growing challenge as the Baby Boomer generation ages; they need to balance documenting findings and referring patients with their obligations to prevent misunderstandings. Two studies highlight the importance of a team-based approach, including social workers and law enforcement, to identify elder abuse.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMar 22, 2016

Lymphoma overrides a key protein's quadruple locks

Researchers discovered that lymphoma cells break through four 'locks' on the CARD11 protein, a key component of the immune system. The protein has four redundant repressive elements that normally keep it in check, but mutations in certain regions can disable these locks and lead to cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 22, 2016

Fish bond when they eat the same food

Researchers found that fish from different species associate with each other when they share the same food, suggesting a role for chemical cues in group bonding. This study suggests that shared dietary preferences may be a key factor in promoting social learning and information transfer among fish.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 22, 2016

Calcium waves in the brain alleviate depressive behavior in mice

Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation causes synchronized calcium surges from astrocytes, reducing depressive symptoms and increasing neural plasticity. This effect is absent when blocking astrocytic calcium surges, highlighting their importance in therapeutic outcomes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2016

Forensic researchers set standards for X-ray identification of bodies

Researchers have developed location-specific standards for identifying human remains based on X-rays of the spine, upper leg, or skull. These standards provide a consistent approach to identification with high accuracy and reduced misclassification rates. The study's findings have significant implications for forensic experts and can h...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Forensic Medicine & Pathology·DateMar 22, 2016

Tiny water flea, big cost: Scientists say invasive species impacts much worse than thought

A new study reveals that invasive species in the Great Lakes have a much greater economic and ecological impact than previously thought. Researchers found that a single non-native species can rack up millions of dollars in damages, highlighting the need to recalculate the cost of invasive species.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2016

Grass and flowers sourced locally

A joint study by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that using locally sourced seed from the same region as the future grassland improves plant growth and flowering. The researchers tested seven common grassland plants across eight German regions, discovering a correlation between genetic differences and regional climate...

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 21, 2016

Free pap screening did not increase participation

A study from Sahlgrenska Academy found that free gynecological pap test screenings did not increase participation among women in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Despite a low fee of SEK 11, the results showed only a slight difference in participation rates between those offered free screening and those who paid the usual fee.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 21, 2016

Skin regeneration in technicolor

Researchers have developed a system called Skinbow that labels individual skin cells in zebrafish with different colors, allowing for real-time tracking of cell populations. This technology enables the study of skin regeneration and cellular behavior in high resolution, providing insights into the dynamics of wound healing.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 21, 2016

New international research reinforces the link between public policy and life expectancy

A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals that policy changes in three countries led to significant declines or gains in life expectancy. The research found that effective substance use policies can reverse declining trends, while failed policies can lead to abrupt and drastic drops in life expectancy.

The weight of rejection

Research reveals anticipated rejection due to weight stigma negatively impacts heavier women's emotional well-being. Participants who expected rejection experienced lower self-esteem, increased feelings of shame and embarrassment, and greater stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 21, 2016

Global warming pushes wines into uncharted terroir

A study finds that global warming has largely removed drought from the centuries-old early-harvest equation, pushing French grape growers to adapt to hotter climates. As a result, some regions may no longer be suitable for traditional wine varieties, forcing vineyards to change their methods or relocate.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 21, 2016