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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 23


Page 23 of 41

Aerial insect trap network describes life in the skies

Scientists have been collecting soybean aphids in the Midwest for 18 years using an aerial insect trap network, revealing valuable insights into spatial and temporal migration patterns. The traps also capture other insects, including those expanding their range due to climate change or habitat suitability.

Vaping chemical creates toxic ketene gas, RCSI research

Researchers from RCSI University have discovered that heating up vitamin E acetate in vaping products produces highly toxic ketene gas, which can cause serious lung damage and impair the central nervous system. The study highlights the potential risks of vaping and calls for further investigation into the chemicals found in vape mixtures.

SourceRCSI·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2020

Zoology: Western gorillas may be territorial

A study in Scientific Reports suggests western gorillas may be territorial, with groups defending the centers of their home ranges against neighboring groups. The authors monitored eight groups across a 60 km2 area and found that gorillas tend to avoid feeding areas visited by other groups the previous day.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

Robots popular with older adults

A study by psychologists at Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena found that older people are more open to robots, particularly those resembling humans. The researchers tested participants with varying levels of autistic traits and found that older individuals with stronger autistic tendencies were more accepting of machines.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 12, 2020

Separations between earthquakes reveal clear patterns

Researchers found a strong 'cross-correlation' between inter-earthquake distances and times, especially after large earthquakes. The study's results could help seismologists better understand earthquake patterns and inform policymakers about disaster preparedness.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 12, 2020

Study finds gorillas display territorial behavior

A new study by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Cambridge has found that gorillas recognize and respect 'ownership' of specific regions, influencing their movement patterns and behavior. The discovery provides important clues for understanding human evolution and social cooperation.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

To protect your brain, don't be (too) kind!

A new study by the University of Geneva reveals that elderly individuals with low agreeableness are better protected against Alzheimer's disease. Brain imaging and psycho-cognitive evaluations showed that these individuals have preserved brain regions damaged in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateMar 12, 2020

A new record of deglaciations in last million years shows persistent role of obliquity pacing

A new record of deglaciations reveals the persistent influence of obliquity and insolation in pacing Earth's glacial-interglacial cycle. The study presents a high-resolution record of the last 11 deglaciations, showing that Earth's obliquity remained the main driver of glacial cycles throughout the Quaternary period.

Facebook users change their language before an emergency hospital visit

Researchers found that patients' Facebook posts showed a shift to more formal language and descriptions of physical pain before their ED visit, reliably predicting hospital visits. The study provides evidence that social media can be an unseen signal of medical distress and could potentially be used to trigger health care interventions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

Hero proteins are here to save other proteins

Researchers discovered a new group of heat-resistant proteins called Hero proteins, which can protect other proteins from clumping and aggregation. The Hero proteins have unusual shapes and abilities to prevent protein instability and promote longevity, extending the life span of fruit flies by 30 percent.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 12, 2020

Hair in 'stress': Analyze with care

Researchers found that commonly used hormone analysis method in animal hair can overestimate cortisol levels by up to ten times. A more comprehensive mass spectrometry analysis revealed significant discrepancies and suggested the need for careful validation of each enzyme immunoassay before using it on hormone analysis from hair samples.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalConservation Physiology·DateMar 12, 2020