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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 34


Page 34 of 37

When is the right time to start infants on solid foods?

A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that over half of US infants are introduced to complementary foods before six months, while 16.3% are introduced before four months. This deviation from current recommendations may lead to nutrient deficiencies, allergies, and poorer diets later in ...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJan 4, 2018

Aversion to holes driven by disgust, not fear, study finds

A new study published in PeerJ found that individuals with trypophobia exhibit a physiological response more associated with disgust than fear. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to measure pupil size and found that images of clusters of holes elicited greater constriction of the pupils, a response linked to feelings of disgust.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPeerJ·DateJan 4, 2018

Pretty in pink and boisterous in blue?

A recent study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that preschoolers' ideas about what is appropriate for their gender can be easily influenced by colour labels. The researchers, Sui Ping Yeung and Wang Ivy Wong, recruited 129 Chinese children aged 5-7 from two kindergartens in Hong Kong and showed them cards and toys in di...

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 4, 2018

Tick exosomes may aid transmission of viruses to vertebrates

Exosomes from tick cells can transmit viral proteins and genetic material to vertebrate host cells, enabling the spread of brain-infecting viruses. This discovery suggests that tick-borne Flaviviridae viruses may use exosomes to drive transmission and dissemination within the vertebrate host.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 4, 2018

A look into the fourth dimension

Researchers from ETH Zurich, USA, Germany, Italy, and Israel create a four-dimensional physical phenomenon in two dimensions using the quantum Hall effect. The team, led by Oded Zilberberg, demonstrates a virtual fourth dimension through topological pumping, enabling the observation of four-dimensional quantum Hall effect characteristics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2018

Bonobos prefer jerks

A Duke University study found that bonobos are more attracted to jerk-like behavior than helpful actions, challenging the idea that humans have a unique preference for kindness. The researchers observed bonobos preferring individuals who hinder others over those who help, suggesting that having powerful allies may be key to their socia...

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 4, 2018

Unlike people, bonobos don't 'look for the helpers'

A study on bonobos reveals they consistently prefer hinderers over helpers, unlike human infants who naturally favor helpers. This finding suggests that the motivation to cooperate may be uniquely human and could have evolved after our species diverged from other apes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 4, 2018

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, January 2018

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant advancements in identifying microbes linked to endometriosis, a condition that causes painful lesions and infertility. The lab has also developed a low-power neuromorphic device capable of quickly analyzing complex data sets, promising applications in scientific research.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalMacromolecules·DateJan 3, 2018

Arctic clouds highly sensitive to air pollution

A University of Utah study finds Arctic clouds highly sensitive to air pollution, with particulate matter spurring cloud formation and amplifying the warming effect. The research suggests controlling airborne pollutants could ease Arctic cloud cover and slow down warming.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 3, 2018

Specially timed signals ease tinnitus symptoms in first test aimed at condition's root cause

Researchers have developed a new approach to treating tinnitus by targeting unruly nerve activity in the brain with precisely timed sound and skin stimulation. Human participants reported improved quality of life after four weeks of daily device use, while sham treatment did not produce similar effects.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 3, 2018

Agricultural parasite takes control of host plant's genes

Researchers discovered that a parasitic plant called Dodder can silence the expression of genes in its host plants, including those involved in defense against parasites. By targeting specific regions of the gene sequence, Dodder regulates the flow of nutrients to itself while preventing the host from producing defensive proteins.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJan 3, 2018

Total-body PET: Maximizing sensitivity for clinical research and patient care

The new total-body PET/CT scanner will advance clinical research and patient care by providing better imaging data from the whole body, reducing radiation exposure and increasing sensitivity. This technology has the potential to change cancer detection and staging methods, as well as improve diagnosis for other systemic conditions.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 3, 2018

Dancing backwards in high heels

A new study shows that female professors experience more demands and requests for special favors from students, particularly those with high academic entitlement. These requests can be emotionally taxing and affect career advancement opportunities.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 3, 2018

Could sugar be responsible for the obesity and diabetes epidemics?

Experts argue that sugar may play a key role in obesity and type 2 diabetes due to its unique metabolic effects, potentially beyond just excess calories. The World Health Organization describes the twin epidemics as a 'slow-motion disaster,' but critics say current recommendations targeting only calories are insufficient.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 3, 2018

Making solar energy more efficient

Two doctoral students at the University of Kansas have demonstrated methods to improve the capture of sunlight in experiments at the Center for Design Research. By analyzing data from a year-long study on rooftop materials, they found that panels installed over green roofs performed best, generating an average of 1.4% more energy compa...

Tailoring cancer treatments to individual patients

A team of researchers is developing complex computer models to predict how cancer will progress in individual patients. They use advanced computing resources, including those at the Texas Advanced Computing Center, to analyze patient-specific data from imaging tests and biopsies, as well as other factors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalComputer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering·DateJan 3, 2018

Physicists build muscle for shape-changing, cell-sized robots

Researchers have developed a robot exoskeleton that can rapidly change its shape in response to chemical or thermal changes, enabling the creation of autonomous micron-scale machines. The graphene-based bimorph technology allows for the production of tiny robots with electronic, photonic and chemical payloads.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2018

New lithium-rich battery could last much longer

A new lithium-rich battery developed by Northwestern University can cycle more lithium ions than its common counterpart, enabling higher capacity batteries that could extend the lifespan of smartphones and cars. By leveraging both iron and oxygen to drive the chemical reaction, the battery's capacity is significantly increased.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 3, 2018

Study uncovers key to preventing back pain in runners

A new study from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center suggests that weak deep core muscles increase the risk of low back pain in runners. By analyzing muscle movements and pressure on joints, researchers found that planks and stabilizing exercises are essential for preventing back pain.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateJan 3, 2018

Stem cell transplant for severe scleroderma improves survival, quality of life

A new clinical trial has shown that a stem cell transplant regimen can improve survival and quality of life for people with severe scleroderma. The study found myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant to be superior to treatment with the immune-suppressing drug cyclophosphamide, offering significantly greater long-te...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 3, 2018