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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 225


Page 225 of 486

'Racist police officer' stereotype may become a self-fulfilling prophecy

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that officers worried about appearing racist report lower confidence and increased support for coercive policing. The research suggests a vicious cycle where officers' concerns about stereotype threats lead to decreased moral authority and more aggressive policing tactics.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateJul 15, 2019

DNA analysis of Gibraltar Neanderthals

Researchers analyzed DNA from Gibraltar Neanderthal remains found in 1848 and 1926, finding that some sequences were deaminated due to damage, while others showed significant human DNA contamination. The study suggests it is possible to analyze ancient DNA in highly contaminated specimens using a specific preparation method.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2019

Scientists explore blood flow bump that happens when our neurons are significantly activated

Researchers studying functional hyperemia found that blood flow to brain cells increases when neurons are activated, and this response may be beneficial for the health of neurons. The study aims to clarify the link between neural activity and blood flow changes, which could improve our understanding of brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

Myth-busting study reveals that gamblers can't detect slot machine payout percentages

A recent study by UNLV researchers found that players cannot reliably detect differences in how much and often a slot machine pays, despite common perceptions. The study used two identical machines with varying payouts over nine months, showing no statistically significant indication of play migration from higher to lower payout games.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateJul 15, 2019

Is obesity associated with risk of pediatric MS?

A single-center study of 453 children with multiple sclerosis found a significant association between obesity and increased risk of pediatric MS. The study also explored the response of first-line therapy in obese children with MS, but no conclusive findings were reported.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 15, 2019

Strange new species of duck-billed dinosaur identified

A new species of primitive hadrosaurid, Aquilarhinus palimentus, has been identified from a complete skull found in Big Bend National Park, Texas. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of duck-billed dinosaur snouts and suggests that there may have been multiple lineages before the main radiation of hadrosaurids.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateJul 15, 2019