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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 26


Page 26 of 42

Who swims where?

A global research team developed a new Web app to compare and align marine species occurrence maps from two extensive databases, improving the basis for ecological studies and policy decisions. The updated maps include 24,586 species, with some discrepancies found in the IUCN and AquaMaps datasets.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2017

Disentangling chloroplast genetics

Japanese researchers isolated a protein essential for chloroplast nucleoid segregation, improving understanding of chloroplast DNA dynamics. The moc1 gene functions as a 'Holliday junction resolvase', untangling DNA structures crucial for cell health.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2017

Smiling makes you look younger? Not according to a new Ben-Gurion University study

According to a new study, people with smiling faces are perceived as older than those with neutral or surprised expressions. Researchers suggest this is due to wrinkle lines forming around the eyes when smiling. This finding challenges conventional wisdom about the effect of smiling on age perception.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 11, 2017

Low heart rate linked to stalking behaviors in men in SHSU study

A recent study published in Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that males with low resting heart rates were at significantly greater risk of engaging in stalking behavior. Males with heart rates one standard deviation below the mean or lower had nearly three times the odds of having engaged in stalking compared to other participants.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateMay 11, 2017

More natural dust in the air improves air quality in eastern China

Reduced natural dust from the Gobi Desert leads to increased man-made pollution over eastern China due to reduced temperature differential between sea and land, resulting in weaker winds and air stagnation. This has a profound effect on climate and air quality, with cleaner air observed two to three days after wind-borne dust arrives.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2017

Can crab shells provide a 'green' solution to malaria?

A non-toxic mixture of chitin-rich crab shell powder and silver nanoparticles effectively inhibits the growth of mosquito larvae and prevents bacterial species from multiplying. The eco-friendly solution shows promise in controlling the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes, including those responsible for malaria.

SourceSpringer·JournalHydrobiologia·DateMay 11, 2017

Baleen whales' ancestors were toothy suction feeders

Researchers have discovered a 36.4-million-year-old whale fossil that suggests baleen whales' ancestors were toothy suction feeders, diverging from their hunting lifestyle to filter-feed tiny marine animals. The study also reveals that whales likely lost hind limbs more recently than previously estimated.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 11, 2017

Certain medical diagnoses may increase hospitalized patients' risk of kidney injury

A new study has identified various medical diagnoses that may elevate an individual's risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) while in the hospital. AKI is often associated with medical or surgical conditions that deprive the kidneys of normal blood flow, and previous studies have only identified certain risk factors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 11, 2017

Learning styles -- A once hot debate redshifts

A recent study of 114 academics in the UK found that while 58% believe Learning Styles is beneficial, only 33% use it. The study also revealed that most faculty consider the approach fundamentally flawed and prefer evidence-based techniques instead. Promoting these effective methods could be a more productive focus for education research.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 11, 2017

Cornell researches black bear boom in New York

A new study by Cornell University researchers estimates the densities of black bears in southern New York, finding an average density of about 13 bears per 38.6 square miles. The findings provide clues for how bears might continue to use landscapes farther north as their ranges expand.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateMay 11, 2017

Beauty requires thought, neuroscientists find

A team of neuroscientists confirms Immanuel Kant's 18th-century claim that experiencing beauty requires thought. The study found that adding a distraction to the experience reduces feelings of pleasure and beauty in viewing beautiful images, but not those from non-beautiful things.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 11, 2017