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Looks are all important for girls on tween TV

Research on tween television programs found that girls are portrayed as more attractive and concerned about their appearance, while boys are stereotypically depicted as brave in action-adventure genres. This can shape children's self-concepts and conceptions of gender roles.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateDec 4, 2013

Head out to the ski slopes, for happiness' sake

A study by Hyun-Woo Lee and colleagues found that skiing and snowboarding experiences enhance happiness and satisfaction. Flow, or losing oneself in the activity, had the greatest direct impact on satisfaction, followed by involvement. The research supports positive psychology's benefits of physical activity in enhancing well-being.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateDec 2, 2013

No qualms about quantum theory

A colloquium paper reviews selected issues with quantum theory, clarifying the distinction between mathematical tools and physical phenomena. The author debunks myths surrounding Schrödinger's cat state, measurement problem, and other misconceptions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 26, 2013

A step closer to composite-based electronics

A new study demonstrates that electrical resistivity in composite materials follows a staircase-like pattern with increasing conducting particle concentration. The findings, published in European Physical Journal B, use percolation theory to explain the discrete series of resistances observed.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 25, 2013

The reality behind Europe's response to climate change

A study of 200 urban areas in eleven European countries found that one in every three cities has no plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while seven in ten have no formal adaptation plans. Cities are crucial in addressing climate change due to their significant emission contributions and vulnerability to climate hazards.

SourceSpringer·JournalClimatic Change·DateNov 25, 2013

Boredom research has now become more interesting

Researchers identify five types of boredom, including apathetic boredom, which resembles learned helplessness or depression, in a study published in Motivation and Emotion. The findings show that people tend to experience one type of boredom at a time, rather than randomly switching between different types.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateNov 18, 2013

Revisiting quantum effects in MEMS

Researchers found that quantum effects on MEMS operating conditions have been overestimated, affecting device stability. The study's results indicate changes in stability based on metal coatings and silicon doping levels.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 15, 2013

Green poison-dart frog varies mating call to suit situation

A study found that green poison-dart frogs vary their mating calls according to the availability of potential mates, adjusting their behavior to balance the risk of predation and securing a mate. In certain contexts, green males appear more conspicuous to females than red males, but less visible to predators.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 11, 2013

Qigong can help fight fatigue in prostate cancer survivors

A pilot study shows that older patients who practiced Qigong experienced significant declines in fatigue and distress. The mind-body activity, which combines slow movements with deep breathing and meditation, was found to be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for managing prostate cancer-related fatigue.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateOct 30, 2013

Virtually numbed: Immersive video gaming alters real-life experience

A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that spending time immersed as a virtual character in role-playing video games can numb people to realizing important body signals in real life. Participants who played immersive video games showed reduced sensitivity to pain and were more indifferent to others' displeasure.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateOct 28, 2013

Numerical validation of quantum magnetic ordering

Researchers used numerical simulations to validate previous theoretical predictions for antiferromagnetic materials, confirming a universal law relating the Néel temperature and staggered magnetisation density. However, discrepancies were found, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateOct 22, 2013

Uncovering liquid foam's bubbly acoustics

Researchers discovered liquid foams have low effective sound velocities, ranging from 20 to 60 meters per second, lower than its constituents. The type of foaming solution influences acoustic properties, with shaving foam showing a higher effective sound velocity.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 17, 2013

Weighing up blood-thinners: Is warfarin always the best choice?

A new study by Joyce You found that newer anticoagulants are more cost-effective than warfarin when patients' therapeutic ranges drop below 60%. Warfarin is most cost-effective when patients are within the successful range for more than 70% of the time. The study's results have implications for clinicians and policymakers.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 17, 2013

Uniformity: The secret of better fusion ignition

Theoretical physicists use numerical simulations to analyze the uniformity of irradiation at thermonuclear fusion reaction, with potential applications to the Orion facility's high-power laser beams. The approach demonstrates a reduction in non-uniformity by 50% and 35% for elliptical and circular intensity profiles respectively.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 11, 2013

A 'yes' to 1 drug could become 'yes' for other drugs

A study of 29,054 high school seniors found that those who use marijuana are less judgmental of other socially acceptable drugs like LSD and amphetamine. Conversely, youths from urban areas and those with strong religious beliefs tend to disapprove of harder drugs like cocaine and heroin.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrevention Science·DateOct 8, 2013

Greater desertification control using sand trap simulations

Researchers have developed a numerical simulation to study wind-sand movement in straw checkerboard barriers (SCB) and their surrounding area. The results show that SCBs can decrease sand transport rates and reduce the strength of wind-sand flow eddies, leading to increased sand fixation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateSep 27, 2013

Movies that push our cognitive limits

Researchers found that hyperlink films follow conventional social patterns, with an average of 31.4 characters important for plot development, similar to the size of an affinity group in contemporary society. This challenges the idea that these films can create a more complex and interconnected world.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateSep 23, 2013

Psychopathic traits in teenagers not cast in stone

Researchers found a small group of youths with high and stable psychopathic traits had the most difficult relationships with their parents and reported higher levels of delinquency. Despite this, developmental tracks are not cast in stone and effective therapeutic intervention can change the course of development.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment·DateSep 19, 2013

Green photon beams more agile than optical tweezers

Romanian scientists have discovered a novel approach for the optical manipulation of macromolecules and biological cells using green photon beams. This method enables precise control over macrostructures, such as biological proteins, outperforming traditional optical tweezers.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 18, 2013

Clean energy least costly to power America's electricity needs

A new study finds that replacing coal-fired power plants with wind turbines is the most cost-effective way to cut carbon pollution and reduce health impacts. The switch can also lead to lower electricity generation costs, making clean energy a more economically viable option for powering America's electricity needs.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Environmental Studies and Sciences·DateSep 17, 2013

Pulsating dust cloud dynamics modeled

Researchers propose a new spatio-temporal model to investigate molecular cloud fluctuations and their pulsational dynamics. The model takes into account nonlinear gravito-electrostatic coupling, helping elucidate basic features of cloud collapse, star formation, and galactic structures.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateSep 12, 2013

Dogs' behavior could help to design social robots

A study found that dogs react sociably to robots that behave socially towards them, even if the devices look nothing like a human. The research suggests that designers of social robots should consider how their designs interact with users and animals.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateSep 12, 2013

Atom-based analogues to electronic devices

Scientists have developed an atom-based analogue for electronic devices using ultra-cold bosonic atoms and quantum dots. The transport of single particles through the chain of quantum dots enables current production in systems with reduced dimensionality.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 3, 2013

Better management of free time ensures happier retirement

A study published in Springer's journal Applied Research in Quality of Life found that effective management of free time has a far greater impact on a retiree's quality of life than the amount of time available. By planning and scheduling their free time, retirees can improve their overall well-being and happiness.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateAug 22, 2013

Shorter working hours do not guarantee happier workers

A study by Robert Rudolf of Korea University found that reducing working hours has no significant impact on overall job and life satisfaction for married couples with children. Despite cutting work weeks by four hours, women face higher work-family role conflicts and rising work intensity demands, offsetting any positive effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateAug 21, 2013

Trust thy neighbor

A study by Jordan Smith found that residents in growing communities trust information from family members, churches, and local newspapers more than elected officials or national news sources. This shift can lead to conflicts over values and ideologies, complicating long-term environmental and community planning.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateAug 7, 2013

Novel beams made of twisted atoms

Physicists have built a theoretical construct of twisted atom beams, which can have potential applications in quantum communication and atomic processes. These beams were created by solving the non-relativistic Schrödinger equation for atoms driven by a laser field.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 7, 2013

Heterogeneous nanoblocks give polymers an edge

Researchers have discovered that using heterogeneous nanoblocks can alter the morphological structure of polymers at the nanoscale. This effect can lead to improved properties in materials like refractive surfaces and computer chips.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateAug 5, 2013

Studying the emotions which cause opinions to change

A physicist has developed a model to study the dynamics of opinions, combining information with emotions to understand how opinions form and change. The study reveals that minority groups can persist despite being surrounded by enemies and that many elections have close results.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 31, 2013

Protein surfaces defects act as drug targets

Researchers have discovered that protein surface defects, called dehydrons, allow water molecules to become unstable and easily expelled. This finding provides a novel strategy for designing drug candidates that can dislodge these water molecules upon association with the protein.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 30, 2013

Veeries very quiet when owls are about

Research shows that Veeries eavesdrop on owls and adjust their evening songs to minimize risk of predation. The study found a significant reduction in extended singing bouts at dusk after playback of recorded owl vocalization.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJul 30, 2013

Cells move as concentration shifts

Researchers found that cells displace due to changing morphogen concentration levels, attracting cells through chemotaxis. This understanding can improve wound healing and artificial tissue engineering.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 29, 2013

Removing complexity layers from the universe's creation

Physicists propose that Einstein's special relativity emerges from a combination of quantum dynamics and gravity. This theory predicts the formation of charge asymmetry between particles and anti-particles at ultra-minute fractions of seconds after the Big Bang, in agreement with recent cosmological observations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJul 26, 2013

Trust in physician eases talks about medical expenses

A study found that strong doctor-patient relationships facilitate conversations about healthcare costs, particularly when patients feel trust their physician. Patients are more willing to discuss personal out-of-pocket costs than insurer costs, and older and sicker individuals are more receptive to discussing costs.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 24, 2013

Teen eating disorders increase suicide risk

A new study found that adolescent girls who experience depressive and anxious symptoms, and have a history of binge eating behaviors, are more likely to report suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that prevention programs targeting individuals at high risk of psychiatric problems could be effective in reducing suicide attempts.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrevention Science·DateJul 22, 2013