Researchers at Indiana University found significant levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the blood of pet dogs, with average concentrations about five to ten times higher than those found in humans. The study suggests that dogs may serve as 'biosentinels' for monitoring human exposure to flame retardants.
Scientists have discovered two new genes that could help control Staphylococcus aureus, a drug-resistant bacterium. The genes encode copper- and sulfur-binding repressors that regulate the expression of copper resistance genes.
A study by Indiana University sociologists found that Americans have varying beliefs about college access, with some perceiving minority and low-income students as having more opportunities than middle-class students. Qualified students from low-income families were perceived as having less opportunity than other groups.
A study by Indiana University found that primary and state-secular schools in Israel adopted environmental education changes more likely than secondary and religious schools. Community-based grassroots efforts played a key role in this adoption.
Scientists have discovered algae living inside the cells of developing spotted salamanders, marking the first known example of a eukaryotic algae endosymbiont in vertebrates. This finding highlights the complexity of animal-algae interactions and raises questions about the evolutionary origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Researchers from Indiana University have identified serious logic flaws in third-party payment services like PayPal and Amazon Payments. The team exploited these flaws to receive electronic products at significantly reduced prices or for free.
The 125 million-year-old fossil find suggests an earlier origin for eudicots and flowering plants. The newly discovered species, Leefructus mirus, exhibits characteristics similar to those of modern buttercups and Ranunculaceae family members.
A new study by Indiana University professor Evan Ringquist finds that emissions trading programs do not create heavily polluted areas in minority and low-income communities. The study analyzed data from the sulfur dioxide allowance trading program and found no evidence of 'hot spots' or increased pollution in these areas.
A recent Indiana University study found that a smoke-free air law implemented in an Indiana community did not harm business at the local off-track betting facility. The research suggests there is no economic reason to exclude OTB facilities from smoke-free legislation, contradicting previous mixed findings in the gaming industry.
Researchers found that increased carbon dioxide has led to a 34% decrease in stomata density, restricting water vapor release. A model predicts doubling CO2 will halve water loss by plants, altering the hydrological cycle.
A study of 19th century Mormon polygamy found that more sister-wives led to fewer children per woman, due to a 'Bateman gradient' effect. The practice reduced the strength of sexual selection on males by 58%, bringing their reproductive success closer to women's.
A study found that genetic factors influence callous-unemotional traits in boys, while environmental factors are more significant for girls. High levels of CU traits and conduct problems were associated with negative child and family factors.
The freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex has the most genes, with approximately 31,000, which is three times greater than that of humans. Its genome sequenced, providing new insights into environmental stress and gene functions.
A new report by Indiana University School of Dentistry calls for quick and creative solutions to address the decline in US dental faculty. The report cites widening pay gaps between private practice dentists and clinical professors as a factor in fewer dentists committing to careers in teaching. To reverse the trend, the report recomme...
Researchers found that humans' unique throwing ability is tied to the size-weight illusion, which primes children to learn throwing. This skill enabled early humans to hunt effectively and survive, contributing to their species' success.
Researchers at Indiana University found that using lubricant during sex significantly increases women's ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction. The study also showed that water-based lubricants are associated with lower rates of genital pain and fewer genital symptoms overall.
A study by Indiana University found that runners who continue despite exhaustion change their form, increasing the risk of injury. The study showed that at the end of a normal run, runners' mechanics start to change when they reach fatigue levels, typically indicated by RPEs between 13-15.
A multi-tiered effort to stem binge drinking at Indiana University reduced average drinks consumed and percentage of students engaging in binge drinking. The study's results indicate an ecologically guided approach is critical for success, but highlight the need for further research.
College students experience a gradual decrease in moderate and vigorous physical activity as they progress through their studies, resulting in increased body mass index and weight. The transition period can lead to weight gain, emphasizing the importance of colleges providing programs and choices to support healthy lifestyle changes.
A recent study by Indiana University found that the state spends significantly more on health care-related consequences of substance abuse compared to its prevention initiatives. This means that for every dollar invested in treatment and intervention programs, only a small fraction is dedicated to preventing substance abuse.
The article discusses how health-care reform can impact people with disabilities, and the importance of their active participation in shaping regulations. Experts emphasize that individuals must make their voices heard to ensure they receive the type of reform promised in the legislation.
Researchers propose using oil-field brine and carbon dioxide to reduce the pH of bauxite residue, making it less toxic. The process involves dissolving carbon dioxide in water-based brine, which counteracts alkalinity and forms a less-toxic compound.
A nationwide survey of over 5,800 individuals ages 14 to 94 found diverse patterns of sexual acts, condom use, and same-sex encounters. Condoms were used by one in four men and one in three women, with increased usage among some groups.
A researcher at Indiana University has been awarded $2.27 million to study the environmental effects on gene copy number, which can influence disease susceptibility. The project aims to understand how genetic differences between individuals are affected by environmental factors.
A joint Indiana University and Columbia University study found no change in prejudice and discrimination toward people with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse problems despite increased public acceptance of neurobiological explanations. Key findings include increased support for treatment but generally unrelated stigma reduction.
The completed cacao genome project provides genetic information to improve planting stocks and protect fragile incomes of West African, Asian, and South American cocoa farmers. The dataset is publicly available, enabling breeders and researchers around the world to share tools and fight disease in their crops.
Researchers aim to understand how networks of creatives in WoW and Etsy can benefit scientists, corporations, and IT designers. By studying machinima videos and Etsy vendors' processes, they hope to develop software tools for supporting massive creative collaborations.
Researchers at Indiana University have designed a molecule that binds chloride ions but can be compelled to release them in the presence of ultraviolet light. The 'light switch' properties of this foldamer could be valuable tools for biochemists, allowing them to adjust the availability of chloride in their experiments.
The Low Energy Neutron Source at Indiana University Bloomington has received a $5 million grant from the National Institute for Standards and Technology to support collaborative neutron research. This funding will enable scientists to develop new techniques and applications in neutron-scattering research, furthering our understanding o...
Researchers found that human behavior adapts to varying levels of uncertainty, trading off between input and output. This study demonstrates the existence of input-output trade-offs in human information processing.
Researchers at Indiana University found that terminology and framing efforts had no effect on public opinion concerning the ongoing debate over legalizing same-sex marriage. Beliefs and values held sway, not rhetoric or word choice, according to the study.
A study by Kristin Jordan found that low-income students are overrepresented in community colleges due to limited access to college preparation programs. Access to such programs is crucial for increasing the chances of attending a more selective college, regardless of academic ability or SAT scores.
A new study found that praying for another person's healing can be effective, especially when the prayerer is physically near the person. The study, which measured improved hearing and vision in rural Mozambican subjects, revealed statistically significant benefits after proximal intercessory prayer (PIP) was administered.
Indiana University has been awarded $9.2 million from the National Science Foundation to lead two high-speed international network services: TransPAC3 and ACE. These connections will facilitate direct U.S.-Asia research interactions and provide significant economies of scale in trans-Atlantic connectivity.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology finds that tools assessing bias in standardized tests are flawed, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals. The research, led by Indiana University's Herman Aguinis, used a massive simulation to reveal biases in test scores that were missed by top experts.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that negative stereotypes can inhibit actual learning, not just performance, in math and science. Women who experience stereotype threat may have reduced learning and struggle to learn complex skills, which could worsen over time.
Researchers found that bacteria release extracellular DNA (eDNA) when relatives die, which inhibits the sticky holdfasts of living cells from adhering to surfaces. This allows surviving cells to escape established colonies and outcompete each other for better conditions.
A six-week hip strengthening regimen significantly reduced patellofemoral pain (PFP) in female runners, with most participants experiencing no pain. The study suggests that stronger hips can correct running form errors contributing to PFP.
A study by Indiana University found that inspiratory muscle training can reduce the oxygen required by breathing muscles during exercise, making more oxygen available for other muscles. This improvement in whole-body endurance performance was previously reported following IMT.
Two studies by Indiana University researchers found little influence of compression garments on running mechanics and economy in highly trained distance runners. While some subjects experienced improvement in their oxygen consumption, it was largely attributed to a psychological component rather than the garment itself.
Research by NiCole Keith highlights the need for physicians to consider physical activity levels a vital sign, similar to height and blood pressure. Regular discussions about exercise habits can help reduce stigma and promote healthy behaviors, leading to better weight management outcomes.
A new Indiana University study reveals that the inside of a person's home has a significant impact on their physical activity levels. Researchers found that home conditions, such as dusting and cleaning, were more strongly linked to physical activity than external factors like sidewalks and lighting.
Researchers have identified a small RNA molecule that controls social behavior in Myxococcus xanthus, a soil bacterium. The mutation of interest, 'Pxr', had previously been found to give an evolved mutant of M. xanthus a competitive edge over both the mutant's immediate parent and its ancestor.
An Indiana University study found that more physical activity leads to less obesity, with the greatest decline seen in white women who met minimum national guidelines. However, racial and ethnic differences were observed, particularly among Hispanic and African American women.
Research by Indiana University scientists reveals that lake shape is a powerful factor controlling fungal disease epidemics. U-shaped lakes are more prone to epidemics due to the presence of Chaoborus, an invertebrate predator that spreads spores and catalyzes epidemics.
A field study found that intermediate testosterone production is associated with increased survival and reproductive success in male dark-eyed juncos. The researchers also discovered that high and low testosterone levels lead to decreased survival rates, contradicting previous expectations.
Physicist Hans-Otto Meyer's experiment reveals unexpected behavior of cryogenic electron emission at extremely low temperatures. Electron emissions increase in bursts as the temperature decreases, challenging current understanding of physics.
Researchers at Indiana University have found that the world's largest antimony mine has extremely high levels of antimony in its water, making it a significant source of environmental pollution. The study's lead author notes that antimony is an emergent contaminant and people have not paid enough attention to it.
Indiana University chemists have developed an unusual solution to create large, stable graphene sheets by attaching a 3D bramble patch to each side. This allows for the creation of uniform-sized graphene sheets that can efficiently absorb sunlight, paving the way for cheaper and more sustainable solar cells.
A team of scientists, including Indiana University's Kristian J. Carlson, announces the discovery of a new species of early man, Australopithecus sediba, which shares attributes with Homo but also retains some characteristics of earlier ancestors like Australopithecus africanus.