Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 18


Page 18 of 36

What predicts the quality of children's friendships? Study shows cognition, emotion together play

Research suggests that children's attribution biases and emotional intensity are linked to the quality of their friendships. Children with hostile biases may engage in negative interactions, while those with benign biases may exhibit pro-social behavior when emotions are intense.

Geophysicists and atmospheric scientists partner to track typhoons' seismic footprints

A team of geophysicists and atmospheric scientists has discovered a new way to identify the movement and intensity of hurricanes, typhoons, and other tropical cyclones using seismometers. By analyzing 13 years of data from the northwest Pacific Ocean, they found statistically significant correlations between seismic data and storms.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 15, 2018

Amyloid protein transmission through neurosurgery

Researchers found four cases of amyloid beta pathology in brain blood vessels after childhood neurosurgery, sparking concerns over potential transmission of protein pathology. The study's findings were supported by a review of medical literature and suggest that neurosurgical instruments may be responsible.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateFeb 15, 2018

Efforts are needed to help pregnant women with diabetes

Research highlights shortcomings in pregnancy preparation and prenatal care for women with diabetes, calling for improved care coordination and technology use. A nationwide commitment is needed to deliver integrated reproductive and diabetes healthcare interventions to enhance pregnancy outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2018

Catching up to brain cancer

Researchers create a computer program that predicts glioblastoma tumor growth with high accuracy, focusing on the role of L1CAM in accelerating cell spread. The model offers new opportunities for researchers to simulate various scenarios and test potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 15, 2018

The neuroscience of cuttlefish camouflage

Researchers discovered that cuttlefish can maintain dynamic 3D skin shape for over an hour through a unique muscle tension mechanism. This physiology is thought to conserve energy while camouflaging from predators or waiting for prey.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateFeb 15, 2018

Research compares mouse and human kidney development

Recent studies have compared human and mouse kidney development, revealing deep conservation of certain processes but also significant differences in gene expression and cell structures. The findings provide new insights into the processes directing cells to form functional kidney structures and may help guide emerging stem cell techno...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 15, 2018

Student research team accelerates snow melt with 'Melt Mat'

A Virginia Tech student research team has discovered the Melt Mat, a thermally absorptive blanket that increases melting rates by threefold without any effort or energy input. The product can be used on residential driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and athletic fields to save municipalities millions and homeowners from snow shovel duty.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalLangmuir·DateFeb 15, 2018

University of Pennsylvania researchers conduct comprehensive evaluation of patients with concussion-like symptoms following reports of audible phenomena in Cuba

Penn researchers have identified a neurological syndrome in US government personnel serving in Havana, Cuba, who reported hearing unusual noises and experiencing memory and thinking dysfunction, vision and balance problems. Rehabilitation interventions appear to improve symptoms.

Researchers find existing drug effective at preventing onset of type 1 diabetes

Researchers discovered that a common blood pressure medication, methyldopa, can prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes in up to 60% of those at risk by blocking a specific molecule. The study used a supercomputer and found that methyldopa not only blocks the DQ8 molecule but also doesn't harm other immune cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2018

Eye exams linked to kids' reading levels

A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that children with reading challenges may have lower than expected binocular vision test results, which could be compounding their academic difficulties. The study suggests that full eye examinations can be a valuable tool for identifying and addressing these issues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Optometry·DateFeb 15, 2018

Australian fire beetle avoids the heat

The Australian fire beetle uses its heat sensors to detect hot spots and avoid them when approaching a freshly burnt branch. The IR organs are relatively insensitive, and the beetles seem to rely on their sense of smell to detect forest fires.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateFeb 15, 2018