Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 5


Page 5 of 40

No detectable limit to how long people can live

A new study by McGill University biologists Bryan G. Hughes and Siegfried Hekimi found no evidence for a limit to human lifespan, challenging previous research that suggested an upper age limit of around 115 years. The study analyzed the lifespan of centenarians from various countries since 1968 and extended trend lines to predict pote...

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2017

Hoarding symptoms moderately stable during adolescence

A study found that hoarding symptoms are heritable and moderately stable between 15-18 years old, suggesting genetic effects play a significant role. The findings could help inform treatments development for young people experiencing hoarding symptoms, preventing potential progression into Hoarding Disorder as adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2017

How 'The Gruffalo' helped academics boost youngsters' motor skills and language ability

A six-week study found that pre-school children who took part in a combination of movement and language activities showed significant improvements in their motor skills and vocabulary, outperforming other groups. The researchers believe physical activity can enhance academic performance by increasing oxygen circulation in the brain.

SourceCoventry University·JournalEuropean Physical Education Review·DateJun 28, 2017

Nanostructures taste the rainbow

Researchers created nanostructures with varying widths that absorb different wavelengths of light, generating an electric current corresponding to the absorbed wavelength. The new detectors operate faster and detect a wider range of electromagnetic spectrum than traditional devices.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 28, 2017

The value of nature

Researchers developed a modeling framework that quantifies the economic value of nature's ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, food, and paper. The framework helps determine how to protect biodiversity by managing ecosystem services, balancing current costs with future risks of losing critical species.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 28, 2017

Ancient antiviral defense system could revolutionize a new class of RNA-based medicine

Researchers discovered an ancient antiviral defense system in human cells that could be used to deliver targeted therapies using engineered viruses or simple self-replicating RNAs. This system, which dates back billions of years, was originally designed to defend against viral infection and may hold the key to new treatments for diseases.

Now or later: How taste and sound affect when you buy

New research finds that advertisements highlighting more proximal sensory experiences (touch/taste) lead to earlier purchases, while those emphasizing distal sensory experiences (sight/sound) delay them. This study, published in the Journal of Consumer Research, suggests new ways for marketers to differentiate their products and services.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 28, 2017

Discovering, counting, cataloguing proteins

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have discovered over 900 mitochondrial proteins in baker's yeast using quantitative mass spectrometry and bioinformatics methods. This extensive dataset provides a foundation for understanding the biology of mitochondria in various organisms, from yeast to humans.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 28, 2017

E-cigarettes increase risk of cigarette smoking in youth

A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies found strong evidence that e-cigarette use increases the risk of subsequent cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults. E-cigarettes may mimic smoking behavior through similar hand-to-mouth movements and contain nicotine, potentially enhancing addiction.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 28, 2017

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy under real ambient pressure conditions

Researchers successfully improved an ambient-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy instrument using hard X-rays to measure samples under real atmospheric pressure for the first time. This achievement broadens the range of applications for photoelectron spectroscopy, enabling direct examination of reactions between solids and gases.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 27, 2017

Leaping lizards!

Researchers found that geckos are subjected to impact forces that approach the safety factor of a single foot, leading to the possibility of injury or failed landing attempts. The study provides insight into the evolution of adhesion and may help understand the phenomenal adhesive power exhibited by these lizards.

Seeing the forest through the trees with a new LiDAR system

Researchers from the Naval Research Laboratory have created a new LiDAR system that can survey obscured ground using gated digital holography methods. This technology allows for 3D topography surveys through foliage or other obstacles, with potential applications in disaster relief and self-driving cars.

SourceOptica·DateJun 27, 2017