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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 431


Page 431 of 486

To tool or not to tool?

Researchers studied tool-related decision-making in orangutans and found they carefully considered factors like tool functionality and food quality. The apes chose the tool when it worked with the apparatus, but prioritized immediate food rewards if the tool was non-functional.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 14, 2019

Study affirms self-reported sleep duration as a useful health measure in children

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that self-reported sleep parameters reported by children and their parents are relatively accurate compared to objective measures. Children overestimated their sleep duration by a median of 32 minutes, while parents overestimated it by 36 minutes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2019

Super-light, super-insulating ceramic aerogel keeps the hottest temperatures at bay

Researchers developed a near-weightless material with exceptional structural stability and superinsulation, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. The unique ceramic aerogel features unusual double-negative-index properties, demonstrating robustness against high-temperature exposure and rapid temperature swings.

US older women three times as likely to be treated for osteoporosis as men

Research published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that US older women are three times more likely to receive treatment for osteoporosis than men of similar age. Men aged 80+ were particularly under-screened and undertreated, with only 10-13% having a bone density scan and fewer than 1 in 10 treated with bisphosphonates.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2019

The ways of wisdom in schizophrenia

Researchers found that nearly one-third of persons with schizophrenia had 'normal' wisdom scores, which correlated with fewer psychotic symptoms, improved cognitive performance, and enhanced everyday functioning. Assessing and enhancing wisdom may help improve the quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateFeb 14, 2019

Molecular Lego blocks

A team of researchers from TUM used computational screening and data mining to analyze 64,000 organic compounds, identifying key structural frameworks and functional groups that facilitate favorable charge transport. The study reveals the importance of molecular design in creating efficient electronic components.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 14, 2019

Study on measles transmission in China have implications for controlling the epidemic worldwide

Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School used a new model-inference system to estimate population susceptibility and demographical characteristics in three key locations in China. The study found that catch-up vaccination targeting migrant populations may be an efficient means of controlling current epidemics in big cities, wh...

Teens living in US states allowing medical marijuana smoke less cannabis

A large-scale study of American high school students found that legalizing medicinal marijuana has led to a drop in cannabis use among teenagers. The study, which used data from over 800,000 students across 45 states, found a 1.1% reduction in teen cannabis smokers in states with medical marijuana laws compared to those without.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateFeb 14, 2019

Diet could help runners beat stomach issues

A new study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that a low FODMAP diet reduces exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms and improves perceived ability to exercise. The research involved a group of healthy recreational exercisers who followed two eating plans with varying FODMAP content.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateFeb 14, 2019

Brain pathways of aversion identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped brain networks that control the habenula, a structure linked to feelings of discomfort and aversion. The study suggests a specific pathway that can be modulated using optogenetics, offering hope for developing new treatments for depression and anxiety disorders.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 14, 2019