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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 6


Page 6 of 38

Ben-Gurion University study examines the 'gray divide' regarding mobile phone use

A Ben-Gurion University study found that most seniors use mobile phones for basic functions like calling and texting, but struggle with more advanced features. Researchers suggest improving mobile literacy can help older adults reap the benefits of mobile technology for better mental and physical health.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalMobile Media & Communication·DateMay 25, 2016

Brit accents vex US hearing-impaired elderly

A study from the University of Utah finds that older Americans with hearing loss have more trouble understanding British accents when there is background noise. The study also explores how transgender women can adopt a clearer speaking style to sound more feminine and how fast-talking affects speech intelligibility.

What can Pavlov's dogs tell us about drinking?

A study by Concordia University researchers found that cues associated with alcohol can trigger behaviors leading to addiction. The study used lab rats conditioned to associate a visual cue with ethanol, showing the rats began interacting with the cue rather than waiting for the reward.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2016

Clouds provide clue to better climate predictions

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have discovered a new process behind the formation and evolution of small atmospheric particles free from pollution, key to creating accurate models for global climate change. The findings suggest that up to half of the warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions may be masked by aerosol cooling.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2016

Following tricky triclosan

A study found triclosan in nearly 58% of freshwater streams, contaminating crops and potentially harming humans. Triclosan degrades quickly but breaks down into more harmful compounds, affecting soil microbial communities and plant growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 25, 2016