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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 22


Page 22 of 44

How humans repress prejudices

Research by Dr Beate Krickel suggests that people can hold unconscious biases despite professing tolerant views. These biases can be detected using psychological tests, but may be masked by repression of negative emotions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhilosophical Psychology·DateMay 16, 2018

The mystery of lime-green lizard blood

Researchers have discovered four separate lineages of green-blooded lizards, each with unique evolutionary history. The study suggests that high levels of biliverdin in these lizards may have adaptive value, potentially leading to new approaches to treating human diseases such as malaria.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 16, 2018

Intimacy in later life does not slow memory loss

A recent study published in Springer's Archives of Sexual Behavior suggests that older adults who engage in regular intimate activities and emotional closeness do not experience a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who are less active. However, this relationship is only observed on short-term memory tests, not over time.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMay 16, 2018

Our brains are obsessed with being social

A Dartmouth-led study found that the brain consolidates new social information during rest, demonstrating increased connectivity between medial prefrontal cortex and tempoparietal junction regions. The findings suggest that engaging these regions during rest may help learn about one's social environment.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 16, 2018

An electronic rescue dog

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a device that combines multiple gas sensors to detect entrapped people. The device, the size of a small computer chip, can identify specific chemical compounds emitted by humans and distinguish them from other sources.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2018

Plug-and-play diagnostic devices

The MIT researchers developed modular blocks that can be assembled to produce diagnostic devices for diseases such as cancer, Zika virus, and tuberculosis. These 'plug-and-play' devices are inexpensive, easy to use, and can perform multiple biochemical functions, potentially improving access to medical technology in developing countries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 16, 2018

A laser from a space ant

Astronomers have detected a unique laser emission from the heart of the Ant Nebula, indicating the presence of a double star system. The phenomenon was discovered using European Space Agency's Herschel space observatory and is connected to the death of a star.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 16, 2018

Re-assessing organ availability

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital are re-assessing organ availability by considering previously deemed 'unfit' organs. The study aims to expand the donor pool and improve transplant outcomes, with the potential to save more lives.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 2018

Space cloud discovery

Case Western Reserve University astronomers detected a massive cloud of ionized hydrogen gas spewed from a nearby galaxy and consumed by its central black hole. The discovery provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the behavior of a black hole and associated galaxy as it consumes and 'recycles' hydrogen gas.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 16, 2018

Cannabidiol significantly reduces seizures in patients with severe form of epilepsy

A new study found that cannabidiol significantly reduces seizures in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. The trial showed a 41.9% reduction in drop seizures for the 20 mg/kg/d CBD regimen, highlighting the potential effectiveness of Epidiolex as an treatment option.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 2018

Elevated homocysteine identified as metabolic risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that high homocysteine levels in mice lead to increased tau tangles, nerve cell death, and impaired learning and memory. The study suggests a potential link between hyperhomocysteinemia and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the need for further investigation into the role of 5-lipoxygenase in disease progression.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 16, 2018

Recent trends of marriage in Iran

Declining formal marriages in Iran may be attributed to economic factors and changing attitudes towards marriage, according to recent studies. Researchers have linked the trend to a lack of well-paid jobs and high housing costs, suggesting complementary explanations for the shift.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Family Studies Journal·DateMay 16, 2018