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Science News for May 25, 2018


Infantilism as a norm

According to the study, people are preserving signs of infantilism due to various factors such as delayed self-identity, changing socialization conditions, and traditional roles being devalued. This phenomenon is often accompanied by emotional immaturity, lack of confidence, and a tendency to delay important decisions.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalRussian Education & Society·DateMay 25, 2018

Shine bright like a nanoaggregate

Researchers develop a method to prepare aggregated, highly luminescent nanostructures from copper-iodine cluster molecules. These nanoaggregates can be used as luminescent inks for invisible paintings and color coatings for LEDs, emitting light in various colors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 25, 2018

Study finds that weight loss after obesity surgery can rapidly restore testosterone production and sex drive in morbidly obese men

A recent study found that rapid weight loss following sleeve gastrectomy can rapidly reverse obesity-related hypogonadism in morbidly obese men, restoring normal levels of testosterone and sex drive. The study showed a significant increase in testosterone levels after one month, while estradiol levels fell.

Implications of targeted observation for ENSO prediction

Researchers studied targeted observation for ENSO prediction, finding that observing central equatorial Pacific improves skill by 25%, while eastern Pacific observations during April-October boost accuracy by 62%. Implementing targeted observation weakens the spring predictability barrier, significantly improving prediction skill.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 25, 2018

New link found between alcohol, genes and heart failure

Researchers have discovered a genetic link between alcohol consumption and heart failure, specifically in individuals with a faulty titin gene. The study found that even moderate amounts of alcohol intake can worsen the condition by reducing heart output in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy caused by the faulty gene.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 25, 2018

'Deforestation-free' palm oil not as simple as it sounds

A new study by Imperial College London highlights the difficulties in guaranteeing 'deforestation-free' palm oil products, citing complex supply chains and a lack of consensus on what constitutes deforestation. Researchers suggest that certification schemes like RSPO can help, but more effective solutions are needed to ensure sustainab...

SourceImperial College London·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMay 25, 2018

Organic light-emitting diodes become brighter and more durable: layers made as ultrastable glasses improve device performance

Ultrastable glass layers significantly increase OLED efficiency and stability by up to 15%. This breakthrough allows for better competition in markets like automotive lighting and head-mounted displays. The research was carried out jointly by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Technische Universität Dresden.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 25, 2018

OLEDs become brighter and more durable

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and Technische Universität Dresden demonstrate the use of ultrastable film formation to improve OLED performance. This breakthrough leads to significant increases in efficiency and operational stability, with improvements tracked back to differences in exciton dynamics.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 25, 2018

Turning up the heat on thermoelectrics

MIT physicists have found a way to boost thermoelectricity's potential, with a theoretical method that could produce five times more efficient materials and potentially double the amount of energy generated. The new approach uses topological semimetals under strong magnetic fields, enabling electrons and holes to move in opposite direc...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 25, 2018

Scientists discover new magnetic element

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a new ferromagnetic material, ruthenium (Ru), which is the fourth single element to exhibit unique magnetic properties at room temperature. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in sensors and devices in the computer memory and logic industry.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2018

New map shows many old-growth forests remain In Europe

A new study has mapped over 3.4 million acres of Europe's last wild forests, revealing that primary forests are widely distributed throughout the continent. The study highlights the importance of preserving these remaining fragments of primary forest, which provide exceptional ecological values and habitat for biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateMay 25, 2018

Goal conflict linked to psychological distress

Research at the University of Exeter and Edith Cowan University found that goal conflict and ambivalence are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study involved over 200 young adults aged 18-35, who reported experiencing psychological distress due to conflicting goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 25, 2018

Aggression neurons identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a previously unknown group of brain cells responsible for initiating and organizing aggressive behavior in mice. By stimulating or inhibiting these cells, the team was able to control aggression and even invert hierarchical status between dominant and submissive males.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2018