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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 36


Page 36 of 48

'Playing hard to get' really works; here's why

Researchers found that making the chase harder increased a potential mate's desirability, as those who are selective in their partner choices are perceived as more valued. Participants who exerted efforts to see a potential partner were also rated as more sexually desirable than those with little effort.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJun 8, 2020

Weird science

A new study found that primary school students' perceptions of science and scientists are influenced by media stereotypes, with many feeling that a career in science is too difficult or high-pressure. Despite this, most students do not see gender as a barrier to becoming a scientist, showing progress in normalizing women in STEM.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Inclusive Education·DateJun 8, 2020

Recycling old genes to get new traits -- How social behavior evolves in bees

A team of researchers found that sweat bees switch from solitary to social behavior by repurposing ancient genes, challenging the long-held assumption that new genetic variants are always necessary for evolution. The study provides evidence that environmental influences can drive the evolution of complex traits like social behavior.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Gender gap in postsecondary education

Research by Gijsbert Stoet and David Geary found that men are less likely to pursue tertiary education due to weaker reading abilities and negative attitudes towards women attending college. The study analyzed data from 18 countries, predicting a significant drop in male representation if discriminatory attitudes were eliminated.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Drug researcher develops 'fat burning' molecule

Researchers have identified a small mitochondrial uncoupler called BAM15 that decreases body fat mass in mice without affecting food intake or muscle mass. The molecule also shows promise in reducing insulin resistance and oxidative stress associated with obesity and related diseases.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2020

Sharing of tacit knowledge is most important aspect of mentorship, study finds

The most successful protégés studied under mentors who demonstrated unique skills in ideating and publishing celebrated research, breaking away from their mentors' lines of research. These mentors were future scientific prizewinners. The study reveals that face-to-face interaction is essential for transferring tacit knowledge.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Addressing sexual violence in sport: American Medical Society for Sports Medicine issues position statement

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) has issued a position statement on sexual violence in sport, defining it as an egregious violation of an athlete's right to safety. The statement outlines key principles for reducing sexual violence, including mandated reporting, training, and background checks.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalCurrent Sports Medicine Reports·DateJun 8, 2020

International Consortium of Scientists Propose New Naming System for Uncultivated Bacteria and Archaea

A new consensus statement by 119 microbiologists proposes updating the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to include uncultivated bacteria and archaea represented by DNA sequence information. This would enable researchers to create a unified list of all discovered species and implement universal quality standards for nam...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 8, 2020

Appetite can be increased by cells in the brain

Researchers at University of Warwick discover that tanycytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, can increase appetite by delivering signals to neurons. The study found that stimulating tanycytes leads to an increase in food intake due to the activation of two pathways involved in feeding behavior.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Tai chi lifts spirits of people with heart disease

Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that tai chi was linked to a boost in both mood and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and stroke. The study also found that tai chi was associated with better mental health quality of life and reduced depression.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateJun 8, 2020

Zero rates preferable to negative rates for investors' risk-taking -Ben-Gurion U study

Research at Ben-Gurion U found that zero interest rates motivate individuals to borrow money and take risks, while negative rates have a lesser impact on investment decisions. The study suggests that savers might prefer holding cash over accepting negative rates due to associated risks.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateJun 8, 2020