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Science News Archive July 2017


Page 1 of 37

Among gun owners, culturally tailored suicide prevention messages work best

A study by Oregon State University found that gun owners are more likely to engage in gun safety behaviors when given culturally tailored suicide prevention messages. The research suggests that messaging should respect the values and rights of gun owners, rather than using language that may inadvertently promote anti-firearm bias. Cult...

SourceOregon State University·JournalArchives of Suicide Research·DateJul 31, 2017

People find it difficult to judge how good their intuitions are

A study by psychologists at the University of Kent found that people's confidence in their intuitions does not necessarily reflect their actual ability to perform well in tasks that require intuitive thinking. Despite claiming to be intuitive, participants did not exhibit superior performance or grasp of underlying rules.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 31, 2017

Metal instability achieves energy-efficient nanotechnology

Scientists at Osaka University and Italian researchers have created freestanding nanowires that can convert small levels of electrical power into mechanical oscillations at high frequencies. The design achieves unprecedented low power consumption, making it a significant step towards energy-efficient technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJul 31, 2017

Glaciers may have helped warm Earth

A new study suggests that glaciers may have played a role in releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, potentially warming the planet. The research found that glacial weathering increased the rate of carbon dioxide release, with oscillating glaciers changing atmospheric levels by up to 25 parts per million over 10,000 years.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017

What does trophy hunting contribute to wild lion conservation?

The article highlights significant 'unknowns' about trophy hunting's contribution to lion conservation, including the causes of lion mortality and the extent to which hunting affects land use. Innovative funding methods are needed to reverse species loss due to the income shortfall from hunting compared to other forms of tourism.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateJul 31, 2017

New MRI contrast agent tested on big animals

Researchers developed a new non-toxic contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), surpassing gadolinium's limitations. The agent, PEG-IONCs, demonstrated high biocompatibility in rabbits, beagle dogs, and macaque monkeys, showing promise as a next-generation diagnostic tool.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 31, 2017

Bold new approaches needed to shrink Gulf of Mexico dead zone and meet elusive goals

A new study predicts that shrinking the Gulf of Mexico dead zone will require a 59% reduction in nitrogen runoff, primarily through changes to agricultural practices. The study suggests that bold new approaches are needed to achieve this goal and meet the longstanding objective of reducing the dead zone by two-thirds.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017

Stanford researchers identify biomarkers associated with chronic fatigue syndrome severity

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified biomarkers associated with chronic fatigue syndrome severity by analyzing 17 immune-system signaling proteins. These findings suggest that inflammation is a powerful driver of the disease and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017

Internet searches for suicide after '13 Reasons Why'

Researchers found that internet search volumes for suicide increased by 19% after the series release, with 17 of 20 common queries showing higher-than-expected increases. Searches focused on suicidal ideation, such as 'how to commit suicide,' were particularly concerning.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 31, 2017

How camouflaged birds decide where to blend in

A recent study by Exeter and Cambridge universities found that individual wild birds adjust their nest choices based on their specific markings. These adjustments enhance the birds' camouflage in relation to their predators, highlighting the link between behavior and appearance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 31, 2017

Picture perfect

A new system called Computational Zoom enables photographers to compose images post-capture by controlling object positions and sizes. This allows for novel image compositions, including automatically combining wide-angle and telephoto perspectives into a single multi-perspective image.

Study finds promise in new tactic to curb obesity: Address physician bias

A new educational initiative at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine has significantly reduced medical students' negative attitudes toward people with obesity. The program emphasizes the complexities of obesity and focuses on attaining health instead of weight loss, leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJul 31, 2017

Materials emitted by water pipe-repair method may pose health risks

A recently conducted study revealed that the cured-in-place pipe repair (CIPP) method can emit hazardous chemicals into the air, posing potential health hazards to workers and the public. The research found a complex mixture of organic vapor, water vapor, and liquid droplets of water, which can cause short- and long-term health impacts.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 31, 2017