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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 43


Page 43 of 44

Environmental impact of electric vehicles in China? It depends on how they are charged

Researchers found that private electric vehicles can reduce CO2 emissions by incentivizing slow charging, while electrifying buses and taxis is the most effective option for improving air quality in Beijing. The study's strategy aims to maximize the benefits of renewables by managing vehicle charging.

Acupuncture possible treatment for dental anxiety

Researchers have found evidence that acupuncture could be an effective treatment for dental anxiety, reducing anxiety scores by eight points in patients. While more research is needed to confirm the findings, early indications suggest that acupuncture may be a promising option for tackling this common condition.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEuropean Journal of Integrative Medicine·DateMay 1, 2018

Real-time coverage of inside of the brain made possible

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new analytical system for real-time monitoring of metabolites in the brain, overcoming previous limitations in sensitivity and invasiveness. The system, combining probe electrospray ionization (PESI) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), successfully monitored cerebrum metabolites with ...

SourceNagoya University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 1, 2018

Mosquitoes bite when thirsty, too

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that female mosquitoes bite not only to get protein but also to quench their thirst during a drought. Dehydration prompted as many as 30 percent of female mosquitoes to seek a blood meal, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 1, 2018

Study links 'good' brown fat and exercise

A new study by Ohio State University reveals that a lipid released from brown fat, called lipokine, surges in the bloodstream after exercise. This finding suggests that burning of brown fat and this lipid play an important role in the metabolic benefits of exercise.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 1, 2018

New diagnostic technique picks up the S in vision

A new diagnostic technique has been successfully tested at the University of Bradford, allowing for the isolation of responses from S-cone photoreceptors. This breakthrough could help in the diagnosis of diseases such as Types 1 and 2 diabetes, glaucoma, and high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalJournal of the Optical Society of America·DateMay 1, 2018

Curves or angles? Shapes in businesses affect customer response

Researchers found that angular shapes increased customer satisfaction when businesses were busy, while circular shapes focused attention on server warmth and friendliness. This study explores the impact of shape on consumer response in service industries, offering insights for businesses to maximize customer satisfaction through design.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateMay 1, 2018

A surprising new superconductor

Researchers have created a new superconductor with a critical temperature over 6 Kelvin, which could enable the development of ultrafast and powerful computers. The electroplated rhenium material is non-toxic, easy to work with mechanically, and melts at high temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 1, 2018

NIST/NASA study shows one detector doesn't 'fit all' for smoke in spacecraft

A NASA and NIST study found that traditional smoke detectors may not effectively detect smoke particles in space due to unique microgravity properties. The study investigated five common materials used on spacecraft and found that some detectors struggled to detect smaller particles, posing a concern for fire safety.

A reimagined future for sustainable nanomaterials

Researchers have created a database to screen for environmentally sustainable nanomaterials, allowing designers to weigh performance characteristics like toxicity and antimicrobial activity before developing products. The tool aims to reduce unintended consequences and promote sustainable nanotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 1, 2018

Blueprint for the skull

A study published in Cell Reports has mapped the genetic regulators of facial development, revealing thousands of previously unknown enhancers linked to craniofacial abnormalities. The researchers found that these enhancers contribute to many cases of cleft palate and provide new insights into the causes of this birth defect.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 1, 2018

The macabre world of mind-controlling parasites

Parasites have evolved to 'hack' their host's nervous system, controlling behavior and decision-making. Researchers explore the mechanisms involved, discovering compounds that act on neural circuitry, offering insights into neural control of animal behavior.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 1, 2018

Communication difficulties linked to increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behavior

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that children with difficulties in social communication have a higher risk of suicidal self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide plans by age 16. Depression in early adolescence partially explains this association.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2018

Fracking the immune system

A study published in Toxicological Sciences suggests that exposure to fracking chemicals during pregnancy may impair female offspring's ability to fend off diseases. Fracking chemicals have been found in ground water near fracking sites and are linked to reproductive and developmental defects, hormone disruption, and immune system damage.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateMay 1, 2018

Shivering and exercise both trigger same fat-burning effect

Researchers identified a lipid that circulates in the blood after exercise and exposure to cold, which may help reduce triglyceride levels and improve cardiovascular health. The lipid, called 12,13-diHOME, is produced by brown fat and promotes the uptake of fatty acids into working muscles during exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 1, 2018