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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 7


Page 7 of 41

Obesity is shifting cancer to young adults

A meta-analysis by Case Western Reserve University researcher Nathan Berger reveals that obesity increases risk of 13 different cancers in young adults, with certain cancers now reported in people under 50. Obesity can alter cellular mechanisms promoting cancer and increase cancer rates as it rises among younger demographics.

How to make a good impression when saying hello

A computer program called CLEESE enables researchers to visualize the mental representations of others' personalities according to acoustic qualities of their voices. The study found that a descending pitch with emphasis on the second syllable makes a hello sound sincere, while a rising pitch inspires trust.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2018

The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology: Almost 300 million people have hepatitis B virus worldwide, but just 1 in 20 of those eligible receive treatment

The study highlights the significant burden of hepatitis B virus globally, with 292 million individuals living with the virus in 2016. Only 5% of eligible patients received antiviral therapy, and less than 1% of expectant mothers with high viral load received prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateMar 26, 2018

New study finds younger aged children with symptoms of ADHD have reduced brain size

Children as young as four years old with ADHD symptoms showed reduced brain volumes in regions essential for behavioral control. The study provides an indication that anomalous brain structure is evident in the early stages of development and could help predict which children are most at risk for developing ADHD.

SourceGolinHarris DC·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateMar 26, 2018

A new way to find better battery materials

Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to designing battery materials that could lead to improved ion mobility and reduced reactivity. By analyzing the lattice properties of solid materials, they found a correlation between vibrational frequency and conductivity, allowing for accurate predictions of material properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 26, 2018

Study finds hospital quality report cards and readmission penalties may not tell whole story

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that hospital quality report cards and readmission penalties may not tell the whole story. The research revealed that when non-Medicare patients and unreported conditions are taken into account, half of hospitals would be subject to a change in their financial penalty status.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 26, 2018

New method speeds up development of medication

A new method has been developed to determine the crystal structures of organic salts, significantly speeding up the development of medications. This breakthrough is expected to reduce the time and cost associated with screening organic salts, leading to a faster discovery of effective pharmaceutical ingredients.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalChemical Science·DateMar 26, 2018

Chance is a factor in the survival of species

A recent study by Lund University found that chance plays a significant role in local species survival, sometimes overriding conservation initiatives. The researchers also discovered negative frequency-dependence, which counteracts the role of chance and helps rare species recover.

SourceLund University·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateMar 26, 2018

Blowin' in the wind -- A source of energy?

Scientists at Linköping University have developed a method to generate electricity from the natural fluctuations in temperature caused by sunlight and shade. By combining plasmonic antennas with pyroelectric materials, they can harness energy from light fluctuations. This innovative technology has the potential to be used in various ap...

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMar 26, 2018

Vocalization in nonhuman primates

Research on marmoset monkeys found that both internal states, such as arousal levels, and external factors, like timing of another monkey's vocalizations, impact vocalization changes. The study suggests a complex relationship between vocal production in nonhuman primates, with potential implications for understanding human communication.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2018

Tetrahedrality is key to the uniqueness of water

Researchers from The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science discovered that water's tetrahedral structure is key to its unique properties. The study found that the delicate balance between order and disorder in water allows it to exhibit high structural flexibility, resulting in unusual behavior such as expansion upon fr...

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2018

Rapid adaptation

A new study by UC Santa Barbara marine biologists shows that female purple sea urchins can condition their offspring to withstand stress induced by low pH levels, commonly caused by ocean acidification. The researchers found that the females' exposure to stressful conditions resulted in harder and larger offspring.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 26, 2018

Caribou drone study finds 'enormous variation' within herd

A new study using drones to track caribou movement found significant variation in sociality within herds, challenging the classic assumption of uniform behavior among group members. The research also showed that caribou follow isotropic interaction rules, with individuals influenced more by those in front of them than beside them.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 26, 2018