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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 8


Page 8 of 47

Earth's dust cloud satellites confirmed

Researchers have confirmed the existence of two elusive clouds of dust in semi-stable orbits around the Earth, known as Kordylewski clouds. The observations were made using a linearly polarising filter system attached to a camera lens at Judit Slíz-Balogh's private observatory in Hungary.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 26, 2018

Five out of five? Study reveals psychological influences in online reviews

A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that the length of time between product consumption and posting affects review quality, with early reviews being more negative and later ones more positive. The study also discovered that geographical and cultural distances influence how reviewers rate experiences.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateOct 26, 2018

Baby's tears and mom's libido

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that a substance in young mice's tears makes female mice more likely to reject male sexual advances. The study aims to develop a natural mouse birth control method by adding a specific pheromone molecule to drinking water, which could reduce mouse populations and alleviate pest control issues.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2018

Shielded quantum bits

A team of physicists at the University of Konstanz has developed a theoretical concept to shield electric and magnetic noise, extending the coherence time of spin qubits. This enables thousands of computer operations to be carried out in fractions of a second, paving the way for more efficient quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 26, 2018

Cappuccino made with jackfruit seed flour has chocolate aroma

A study conducted in Brazil found that roasted jackfruit seeds can replace between 50% and 75% of cocoa powder in milk and coffee used to make cappuccino without impairing flavor or aroma. The researchers developed an instant powder containing coffee with milk and chocolate, which can be a potential substitute for traditional cappuccino.

Two-pronged approach -- Novel combined therapy tackles excess fatty tissue

Researchers develop a novel combined therapy using icilin, a cold-mimicking molecule, and DMPP, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activator, to reduce excess adipose tissue and improve glucose metabolism. The combination is more effective than individual treatments alone.

Novel insights into the heart health benefits of cocoa flavanols and procyanidins

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that cocoa flavanols, especially (−)-epicatechin, improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. Flavanol-only groups experienced all benefits, while procyanidin-enriched extracts showed reduced cholesterol without improvements in vascular effects.

SourceCNC Communications·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 26, 2018

Turning cells against pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified molecular signals that can convert tumor-promoting fibroblasts into beneficial ones in pancreatic tumors. By manipulating these signals, they aim to recruit tumor-restricting cells into the anticancer fight and develop a combination therapy approach.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 26, 2018

Large cells for tiny leaves

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have discovered a protein called LMI1 that regulates leaf growth and shape. The study found that LMI1 limits cell division, preventing cells from developing into other types and reducing the size of organs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 26, 2018

SibFU scientists simulated the intracellular environment of a luminescent bacteria cell

The study investigated the effect of viscosity on enzymatic reactions in a simulated intracellular environment. Scientists found that sucrose limited enzyme mobility more efficiently than glycerol, affecting reaction rates and mechanisms. The approach to constructing metabolic chains inside luminescent bacteria cells was proposed.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalMolecular Catalysis·DateOct 26, 2018

Parent-child bond predicts depression, anxiety in teens attending high-achieving schools

Research at Arizona State University found that high-achieving schools, despite being less risky than poverty or racism, still pose pressure on teens to excel, affecting their mental health. The quality of the parent-child relationship plays a significant role in predicting depressive symptoms and anxiety levels among adolescents.

SourceArizona State University·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateOct 25, 2018

Can we limit global warming to 1.5 °C?

A special issue published in Energy Efficiency Journal outlines how carbon emissions can be reduced through demand-side approaches, including transport sector strategies such as telecommuting, public transport, and vehicle electrification.

SourceLund University·JournalEnergy Efficiency·DateOct 25, 2018