Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 40


Page 40 of 41

Less connectivity improves innovation

In this experiment, participants were asked to discover successive innovations to produce a virtual remedy and stop the spread of a virus. The results show that fully connected groups performed well in the short-run but rapidly converged toward the same solutions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2016

Hey boss: Workers prefer consistent jerk to loose cannon

A recent study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that employees who work for consistently unfair supervisors are less stressed and more satisfied than those with erratic bosses. The researchers suggest that prioritizing self-discipline and careful thinking can help deliver leaders who treat employees fairly most of t...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMar 1, 2016

New research helps solve the riddle of the ocean carbon conundrum

Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the ocean's role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Using satellite and ship measurements, they found that around a quarter of the CO2 released into the atmosphere ends up in the oceans, equivalent to two million double-decker buses or 72,000 Boeing 747s annu...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateMar 1, 2016

Low vitamin D predicts aggressive prostate cancer

A new study by Northwestern University research found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with aggressive prostate cancer in men. Men with dark skin or limited sun exposure should get their vitamin D levels checked and supplement if necessary to reduce the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 1, 2016

Vitamin D supplements in pregnancy do not improve bone health

A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D supplements during pregnancy have no significant effect on the bone density of babies. However, further analysis suggests that supplementation may counteract the seasonal drop in vitamin D levels caused by lack of sunlight, potentially improving bone health in winter-born babies.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 1, 2016

New discovery opens doors to manipulating fat production in the body

Scientists have discovered that some human fat cells originate from stem cells in bone marrow, which could lead to new strategies for preventing and reversing fat-related chronic diseases. By manipulating the production of these cells, researchers hope to reduce the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease and obesity.

First gene for grey hair found

Researchers identify IRF4 as the first gene associated with greying hair, revealing a genetic link to human aging. The study analyzed 6,000 people from diverse ancestry, uncovering additional genes influencing hair shape, curliness, and density.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2016

Air pollution linked to higher risk of preterm birth for mothers with asthma

Pregnant women with asthma may be at greater risk of preterm birth due to exposure to high levels of traffic-related air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Early exposure, particularly in the months leading up to conception and during early pregnancy, was found to increase preterm birth risk by nearly 30%.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 1, 2016

Around a third of workers fear for jobs and pay, research says

Research shows that 32% of workers feared losing their jobs, while 38% were anxious about pay cuts. The study found that working in the public sector made staff more likely to fear job losses, while being over 35 and working in routine or semi-routine jobs increased fears of worsening working conditions.

SourceSAGE·JournalWorld Allergy Organization Journal·DateMar 1, 2016

Link between ADHD and academic expectations identified by University of Miami researchers

A new study by University of Miami researchers identified a potential connection between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and increased academic expectations in young children. The study found that rising academic demands since the 1970s may have contributed to the doubling of ADHD diagnoses over the past four decades.

Pharmaceutical company performance improves when innovation and execution align

A study by Temple University researchers found that pharmaceutical companies can improve their performance by investing in commercial innovation and aligning their culture of execution. The study, published in the Journal of Medical Marketing, analyzed data from 26 large and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Medical Marketing Device Diagnostic and Pharmaceutical Marketing·DateMar 1, 2016

Celestial bodies born like cracking paint

A Duke University theorist proposes that the universe's varied body sizes are a result of internal tension release through hierarchical formation. This concept is rooted in Bejan's constructal law, which states that flowing systems will tend towards easier architecture by releasing tension through smaller, more numerous bodies.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 1, 2016

Screening for impaired vision in older adults

The USPSTF found convincing evidence that visual acuity testing can identify refractive errors, but inadequate evidence on the benefits of screening and detection. Early treatment of refractive error, cataracts, and AMD improves or prevents loss of visual acuity, with small harms from early treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 1, 2016

What you know can affect how you see

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that expertise influences how people process visual information, with novices faster to identify letter pairs but less accurate. The study used the Arabic alphabet and showed participants 2,000 pairs of letters, revealing biases in expert perception that went beyond visual features.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateMar 1, 2016