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Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 17


Page 17 of 40

When photons spice up the energy levels of quantum particles

A team of mathematical physicists has developed a new theoretical calculation that predicts new possible states for quantum particles that have received a photon. These states are distinct from conventional coherent states and can be applied to various models satisfying shape-invariance conditions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 19, 2018

Teachers view immigrant, minority parents as less involved in their children's education

Research from the University of Pennsylvania and New York University found that teachers perceive immigrant and minority parents as less involved in their children's education. This perception affects students' grades and academic honors. The study analyzed data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002, revealing a disparity betwe...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Science Research·DateJun 19, 2018

Responses of the tropical atmospheric circulation to climate change

Climate change-induced tropical circulation slowdowns are linked to poleward Hadley cell expansion and intertropical convergence zone shifts. Regional precipitation redistribution involves complex thermodynamic and dynamical processes, including surface warming effects over oceans and land.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAnnual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences·DateJun 19, 2018

Why being left-handed matters for mental health treatment

A study by Daniel Casasanto at Cornell University reveals that left-handed individuals' emotions are housed in the right side of their brains, contradicting traditional models. This suggests a revised approach to treating anxiety and depression, with strong left-handers potentially benefiting from an opposite treatment.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 18, 2018

Human impacts and coral reef conservation

A study evaluating human pressures on coral reefs found that high human pressure decreases effectiveness of conservation strategies, while low pressure preserves fish biomass and top predator populations. Conservation gains were highest in areas with moderate human pressure, highlighting the need for targeted management approaches.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Hunting molecules to find new planets

An international team of astronomers detected molecules on an exoplanet, allowing it to be visualized. The technique reveals the planet's surface composition and temperature, providing new insights into planetary atmospheres. Future spectrographs will enhance this method, enabling more accurate characterization of planets.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJun 18, 2018

Nature programs could put a spring in your step

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University finds that watching short films set in natural environments can improve body appreciation, while urban settings have no effect. This suggests a potential low-cost solution for promoting healthier body image, especially for those with limited access to real natural environments.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateJun 18, 2018

Odors are perceived the same way by hunter-gatherers and Westerners

A recent study found that Jahai speakers and Dutch individuals have similar emotional responses to odors, indicating universal perception. Despite their distinct vocabularies for smelling, both groups showed the same facial reactions to unpleasant smells, highlighting the universality of olfactory experience.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 18, 2018

When consumers don't want to talk about what they bought

A study by Ohio State University found that when consumers feel financially constrained, they are less likely to discuss their purchases with others. This holds true regardless of income level or type of purchase. Researchers suggest this may be because discussing purchases reinforces negative feelings about one's financial situation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 18, 2018

New method to preserve boy cancer patient fertility being developed at Ben-gurion U.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a cell culture system that can change testicular stem cells into sperm-like cells, potentially enabling future fertility for boys with prepubertal cancer. The study found that biologically active spermatogonial cells can develop in vitro to different stages of spermatogen...

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJun 18, 2018

In the gaping mouth of ancient crocodiles

A new study explores the mouth of ancient crocodilians, shedding light on their evolution and behavior. The discovery of a closed secondary palate in early shartegosuchids, a group thought to be extinct, has significant implications for understanding the purpose of this feature in modern crocodiles.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalAmerican Museum Novitates·DateJun 18, 2018

Mechanical logic for soft robots

Soft robots are enabled by origami mechanisms that transform environmental stimuli into mechanical signals, allowing for basic Boolean logic operations and locomotion. The design uses a polymer actuator that changes shape in response to humidity, paving the way for environmentally responsive soft robotics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

First delivery episiotomies may require repeat procedures -- Ben-Gurion U. researchers

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that mothers who have an episiotomy during their first delivery are more likely to require the procedure in subsequent deliveries. The study of over 43,000 deliveries found a higher likelihood of perineal tissue tears and repeat procedures among women who had an episiotomy.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalArchives of Gynecology and Obstetrics·DateJun 18, 2018

Blue gene regulation helps plants respond properly to light

Scientists at RIKEN have identified a key mechanism by which plant genes are regulated in response to light. The research found that blue light triggers a shift in the start site of gene expression, allowing plants to carry out photosynthesis and grow.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018