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Science News for October 25, 2016


How friendship networks at college impact students' academic and social success

A Dartmouth study categorizes college students into three friendship networks: tight-knitters, samplers, and compartmentalizers. These networks impact academic and social success, with tight-knitters facing potential negative influence from peers. Samplers often transition to tight-knit groups after graduation.

SourceDartmouth College·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateOct 25, 2016

Customer-oriented firms are environmental leaders

A study by Hubert Gatignon found that customer-oriented firms are more likely to adopt environmental management practices, such as environmental audits and ISO14001 certification. The extent of a firm's customer orientation determines its environmental innovation, with values and information-gathering capabilities playing a crucial role.

SourceINSEAD·JournalJournal of Business and Industrial Marketing·DateOct 25, 2016

Researchers find weakness in common computer chip

Researchers from Binghamton University have found a vulnerability in the Haswell CPU component that allows hackers to gain control of individual, company, and government computers. The team identified a weak point in address space layout randomization (ASLR) software that can be exploited by manipulating a CPU's branch predictor.

Can a brain-computer interface convert your thoughts to text?

A recent study published in Frontiers presents a brain-to-text system that decodes speech from brain signals with high accuracy. The technology uses electrocorticography and language models to match patterns of neural signals to spoken words, offering potential benefits for individuals with speech disorders or locked-in patients.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateOct 25, 2016

The current state of psychobiotics

Psychobiotics examines emerging strategies for planting brain-altering bacteria in the gut to provide mental benefits. Researchers agree that key players, including the nervous system and immune system, are involved in the gut-brian axis.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateOct 25, 2016

A complete waste of energy

Researchers have created a new type of switch that can instantly connect and disconnect electrical flow, reducing power waste by up to 50% in devices like smartphones and laptops. This technology has the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency and prolong battery life.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSolid-State Electronics·DateOct 25, 2016

3-D-printed magnets

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a method to produce permanent magnets using a 3D printer, enabling precise customization of magnetic fields. The process involves depositing tiny magnetic particles into a polymer matrix, which is then exposed to a strong external magnetic field to create a permanent magnet.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 25, 2016

Why some dental implants work and others don't

Researchers at McGill University found that taking beta blockers can increase the success rate of dental implants by up to 89%, while avoiding heartburn medication may also improve results. The study involved over 700 patients and confirmed its findings in rat studies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·DateOct 25, 2016

The gene of autumn colors

Hokkaido University researchers have identified a key enzyme involved in chlorophyll degradation and the formation of autumn colors. By understanding this process, scientists may uncover novel mechanisms for photosynthesis and discover new enzymes with potential applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 25, 2016

Many kids not ready for kindergarten

A study by Michigan State University found that many children enter kindergarten unprepared for self-regulation, a critical skill for academic success. Around 20% of preschoolers showed little improvement in self-control, leaving them behind their peers.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateOct 25, 2016

To help divorced parents, programs should address financial and parenting barriers

A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that co-parenting concerns differ by gender, impacting parents' ability to work together. The study found that fathers' parenting behaviors are most affected by financial and legal concerns, while mothers' co-parenting is influenced by concerns about their ex-spouse's mental instabil...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFamily Relations·DateOct 25, 2016

Towards better metallic glasses

Metallic glasses have the potential to revolutionize many commercial applications due to their toughness and hardness. The researchers uncovered the mechanism by which fivefold symmetry inhibits crystallisation, making it an important step in developing metallic glasses for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2016

STAT2: Much more than an antiviral protein

STAT2, a protein associated with viral infections, also inhibits cell growth and regulates cellular processes. This discovery offers insights into overcoming limitations of interferon therapies and developing novel tools for studying STAT2 functionality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2016

Lessons learned from the Fukushima accident

The Fukushima Nuclear Power Station accident in Japan 2011 had significant societal impacts and raised questions about risk management. The article compares Fukushima to the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident in Ukraine, highlighting key differences and similarities.

SourceWiley·JournalIntegrated Environmental Assessment and Management·DateOct 25, 2016

Stem cells also rust

A Lund University research team identified high levels of reactive oxygen species in newly generated blood stem cells from pluripotent stem cells, damaging their function. The researchers developed a cocktail to reduce oxidative damage, resulting in over twenty times more blood stem cells that could grow.

SourceLund University·JournalStem Cells·DateOct 25, 2016

State partnerships can promote increased bio-energy production, reduce emissions

A new study by the University of Missouri identifies effective ways for states to partner and share resources to boost renewable energy production through woody biomass. By working together, states can maximize energy output and reduce carbon emissions, providing policymakers with flexible options for meeting emission reduction targets.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalComputers & Industrial Engineering·DateOct 25, 2016

After blindness, the adult brain can learn to see again

A new study published in PLOS Biology shows that the adult brain retains residual capacity to process restored or artificial visual inputs. Blind individuals who received a prosthetic implant were able to recognize unusual visual stimuli and improve their perception over time with extensive training.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2016

Indian roadside refuse fires produce toxic rainbow

A Duke University study found that roadside garbage fires in India produce a toxic rainbow of pollutants, with concentrations 1,000 times greater than ambient air. The variability in emissions stems from the diverse trash materials and smoldering combustion, highlighting the need for improved waste management practices.

SourceDuke University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateOct 25, 2016