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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 10


Page 10 of 42

Infants understand that more desirable rewards require more effort

A new study found that infants attribute more value to rewards that are harder to attain, indicating they can grasp concepts of reward and cost. Infants gaze longer at scenarios where the character chooses a less desirable reward over a more accessible one, suggesting they understand that greater effort is needed for better outcomes.

Scientists find key to regenerating blood vessels

A new study by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute identifies a crucial signaling pathway for angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. The findings may improve current strategies to increase blood flow in ischemic tissues associated with atherosclerosis and diabetes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2017

Climate change could increase volcano eruptions

Scientists at the University of Leeds warn that climate change could lead to more frequent volcanic eruptions in Iceland as glaciers melt. The study found a time lag of roughly 600 years between climate events and decreased volcanic activity, suggesting a similar delay may occur with warming temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeology·DateNov 23, 2017

When friends become objects

Researchers found that Facebook users with strong materialistic values use the platform more frequently and engage deeper, objectifying their friends. The Social Online Self-Regulation Theory proposes self-regulation as the key to social media usage, aiming for a neutral attitude towards platforms.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalHeliyon·DateNov 23, 2017

Lightning, with a chance of antimatter

A team of Japanese researchers from Kyoto University used gamma-ray detectors to study the effects of lightning on atmospheric elements. They found that lightning emits positrons, a form of antimatter equivalent to electrons, through interactions with nitrogen and other elements in the atmosphere.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateNov 22, 2017

Sclerosis medicine can fight multi-resistant bacteria

Researchers have discovered that glatiramer acetate, a widely used multiple sclerosis treatment, can also effectively kill certain multi-resistant bacteria. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for treating cystic fibrosis patients and may even provide insight into the underlying causes of multiple sclerosis.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2017

Cool lizards are better at learning socially

Researchers found that bearded dragons incubated in colder temperatures learned to open a sliding door faster than those from warmer temperatures. This ability is crucial for adapting to changing environments and may offer a potential buffer against human-induced environmental change.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 22, 2017

Certain popular cigars deliver more nicotine than cigarettes

Researchers at Penn State found that popular cigar brands deliver more nicotine than commonly used cigarettes. The study suggests that small cigars, often perceived as safer alternatives, are just as addictive and harmful. The researchers plan to explore further comparisons between the toxins released by cigars and cigarettes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 22, 2017

Big data creates family tree of constitutions

Researchers at Dartmouth College created an evolutionary taxonomy of world constitutions using big data and machine learning. The study identifies surprising relationships and unexpected information about constitutional inspirations.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateNov 22, 2017