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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 21


Page 21 of 35

Sweat bees on hot chillies: Native bees thrive in traditional farming, securing good yield

A study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that traditional farming practices on the Yucatán Peninsula create attractive habitats for native sweat bees, improving pollination services. The researchers discovered that moderate farming with slash-and-burn practices has no direct negative impact on native bee populations.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 16, 2017

Retail therapy for jealous partners

Researchers found that feelings of jealousy increase the desire for products that will attract someone's attention. Participants who were experiencing jealousy opted to buy eye-catching products even in public, indicating a strong motivation to regain their partner's focus.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJan 16, 2017

Protein research: The computer as microscope

Using infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations, researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum discovered a magnesium atom contributes significantly to switching G-proteins on and off. This finding has implications for understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted drugs.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 16, 2017

Frankly, do we give a damn...?

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that people who frequently curse are less likely to be associated with lying and deception. The research also showed that those who use more profanity tend to use language patterns related to honesty, such as using pronouns like 'I' and 'me'.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 16, 2017

Key cardiovascular risk factors for Chinese Australians uncovered

Diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity are identified as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Chinese Australians. The study found a 25% higher prevalence of diabetes, a 22% higher prevalence of smoking, and a 45% higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to non-Chinese Australians.

SourceSax Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateJan 15, 2017

Seeing the quantum future... literally

Researchers from the University of Sydney have demonstrated a technique to predict and prevent the randomization of quantum systems, or decoherence, which destroys their useful quantum character. This achievement could help bring powerful quantum technology closer to reality.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2017

Adaptive management of soil conservation is essential to improving water quality

A new study found that increased levels of soluble phosphorus in rivers entering Lake Erie may be linked to conservation measures, despite their success in reducing soil erosion and nutrient losses. The research highlights the need for adaptive management approaches to tackle both soluble and particulate phosphorus losses from farmland.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJan 13, 2017

3-D scans for the automotive industry

The automotive industry is shifting towards more frequent model changes and smaller volumes, requiring increased flexibility in production. Researchers are using 3D scans to generate virtual three-dimensional images of production facilities, simulating how to convert lines for new models.

Nigeria: Clean-burning stoves improve health for new mothers

A clinical trial in Nigeria replaced biomass and kerosene cookstoves with ethanol stoves, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in pregnant women. The study found a significant decrease in high blood pressure among women who cooked with ethanol, with risks reduced by 97% compared to those using traditional...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 13, 2017

Reducing the radioresistance of cancer

Researchers at Kumamoto University find that interleukin-6 (IL-6) helps cancer cells survive radiation therapy by suppressing oxidative stress through the Nrf2-antioxidant pathway. This discovery offers new potential therapies targeting IL-6 to combat radioresistant cancers.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJan 13, 2017

How to be a winner in the game of evolution

Researchers found that the most successful phyla have a skeleton, live on land, and are parasites. This suggests that traits like having eyes or complex organs may not be primary drivers of species diversification. The study sheds light on why some groups have branched into many species while others remain relatively few.

Depression as hard on the heart as obesity and cholesterol

A study published in Atherosclerosis journal reveals that depression poses a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases, comparable to high cholesterol levels and obesity. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,400 male patients, finding that depression accounts for roughly 15% of cardiovascular deaths.

Workouts with fewer reps could yield better results

A University of Stirling analysis found that doing fewer repetitions of high-intensity cycle sprints on a bike can lead to greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. The optimal number of repetitions appears to be just two, allowing for shorter workouts without compromising results.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJan 13, 2017