Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Springer


The key to ion beams' polarizability

Theorists Volker Koch and Dirk Andrae have devised formulas to calculate the polarizability of atomic ions as a function of their total charge number. This breakthrough enables accurate calculations for series of multi-electron ions, with implications for applications such as semiconductor manufacturing and planetary atmosphere modeling.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJul 17, 2013

Owner to dog -- 'Just do it!'

Researchers found dogs can reproduce familiar and novel actions after different delays, even when distracted. The ability to imitate human actions suggests the presence of a specific type of long-term memory in dogs.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJul 16, 2013

When diffusion depends on chronology

Researchers found that temporal characteristics, particularly bursts of activation events, significantly impact diffusion processes. This new understanding can help build more accurate metrics for analyzing real-world network data.

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

Acceptance predicts satisfaction in later life

A new study found that acceptance of what cannot be changed is crucial for older adults' happiness after losing independence. The ability to exert control was also linked to satisfaction, but secondary control - adapting to environment changes - played a more significant role in care residents.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJul 11, 2013

Losing weight over the phone

A new study by Drs. Paula Trief and Ruth Weinstock found that obese patients with metabolic syndrome who participated in conference call weight loss interventions lost more weight over two years compared to those receiving individual calls. The SHINE model, a telephone adaptation of the DPP intensive lifestyle program, was effective in...

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 9, 2013

Semantics on the basis of words' connectivity

Brazilian physicists Thiago Silva and Diego Amancio devised a method to disambiguate words with multiple meanings by analyzing their connections in literary classics. Their approach, based on deterministic tourist walks, showed significant accuracy rates comparable to traditional semantic-based methods.

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

Music to a gambler's ears

Researchers found that winning sounds on slot machines make gambling more exciting and cause players to overestimate their number of wins. Sounds also contribute to the 'disguise' in losses disguised as wins, causing players to think they have won more often than they actually have.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateJul 2, 2013

Pneumonia revealed in a cough

A new technique uses cough sound analysis to diagnose pneumonia in children, with over 90% sensitivity and a low false positive rate. This method has the potential to revolutionize childhood pneumonia diagnosis in resource-poor regions.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 27, 2013

Songbirds turn on and tune up

Researchers found that bullfinches memorize melody sequences in smaller subunits, anticipating the next note sequence when their human partner stops. The study suggests that songbirds have complex brain processes to learn and recall human melodies accurately.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJun 26, 2013

Averting worse economic collapses

A new study published in EPJ B suggests that specific parameters can help avert economic collapses. By optimizing macro-economic parameters, economists can move an economy around a tipping point, thus averting disaster.

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

Making a beeline for the nectar

A new study by Levente Orbán and Catherine Plowright found that bumblebees prefer radial patterns over concentric patterns when searching for nectar. The researchers tested flower-naive bees using radio-frequency identification technology and video recordings, exposing them to two types of patterns: concentric and radial.

Are we pushing animals over the edge?

The study found that human population density is a significant threat to extinction, with a 3.3% increase in threatened mammals and birds over the next decade. Conservation efforts should consider human population density to mitigate biodiversity loss.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateJun 19, 2013

Medical assessment in the blink of an eye

Researchers found that medical specialists can identify abnormality in breast and cervical cancer images with high accuracy, outperforming random guessing. However, localizing the issue proves challenging even for experts.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJun 17, 2013

Predicting collective online behavior

A team of Chinese scientists found that small websites with high user interaction have a significant impact on traffic generation and influence. The study analyzed clickstream networks of the 1,000 most popular websites and revealed that smaller sites have a greater chance of acquiring popularity than larger ones.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 14, 2013

Helping to restore balance after inner ear disorder

A new study has designed and tested a vestibular prosthesis to help restore balance in individuals with Meniere's disease. The prosthesis uses electrical stimulation to activate the vestibular nerve, aiming to alleviate symptoms such as vertigo and tinnitus. However, further research is needed to fine-tune the device for individual cal...

SourceSpringer·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateJun 13, 2013

Resilience in trying times -- a result of positive actions

A new study by John Helliwell and colleagues found that communities with better social capital and pro-social behaviors are more resilient during crises, leading to improved happiness. The research suggests that social trust and quality social networks play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of economic shocks.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJun 12, 2013

How cells get a skeleton

A study found that high levels of contractile stress in animal cells can lead to the formation of a condensed layer of filaments beneath the cell membrane. This new understanding provides insight into the cortical layer's structure and function.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJun 10, 2013

Alpine lakes reflect climate change

A new study forecasts higher surface water temperatures in Austrian lakes by 2050 due to climate change, posing risks to water quality and ecosystems. Warmer waters could lead to enhanced nutrient loads and algal blooms.

SourceSpringer·JournalHydrobiologia·DateJun 6, 2013

Coupled particles cross energy wall

Researchers have demonstrated a new type of quantum phenomenon called Klein tunnelling for two interacting particles. By crossing an energy barrier together, the particles can tunnel through what would otherwise be impassable to individual particles.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 29, 2013

Bees tell birds to buzz off

A new study reveals that bumblebees use a 'buzz' warning signal to scare away birds from their freshly built nests. The researchers observed that the birds were distressed and often flew out of the nest when exposed to the buzzing sound.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 28, 2013

People on higher incomes are happier with new knees

A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research found that people on higher incomes are more satisfied with their knee replacement surgery results. In contrast, those from lower-income households reported higher levels of dissatisfaction and poorer function.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateMay 21, 2013

Promising doped zirconia

Researchers have explored iron-doped zirconia, bridging the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements. The study found that oxygen vacancies play a crucial role in providing its unique electronic and magnetic properties.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 17, 2013

Cancer survivors battle with the blues

Depressive symptoms observed in cancer survivors between one and ten years after diagnosis increase the risk of premature death. Cancer survivors with depression are twice as likely to have died early compared to those without depression.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateMay 16, 2013

Do bats know voices of friends they hang out with?

Researchers found that bats react strongly to all contact calls, regardless of familiarity. However, when presented with a call from a known bat multiple times, they showed a stronger response to other partners from their social group. This suggests individual evaluation of the voice, indicating recognition of conspecifics by sound.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateMay 7, 2013

Reversal of the black widow myth

Researchers found that male spiders of the Micaria sociabilis species are more likely to consume female spiders than be consumed by them. This behavior is linked to male size and age, suggesting a possible type of male mate choice.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 6, 2013

Is the humble fig more than just a fruit?

This study explores the global nature of figs' association with humans, revealing their importance as a food source, animal fodder, and traditional medicine. Fig trees provide barkcloth, handicrafts, and other materials, emphasizing the consistent similarities in human values.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateMay 2, 2013

Microgels' behavior under scrutiny

Researchers explored the flow of a polymer microgel in confined microchannels, finding its behavior is influenced by neighboring forces. The study challenges existing theories on fluid and solid states, revealing complex interactions between local and dynamic forces.

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

Will green tea help you lose weight?

Green tea extract was shown to reduce body weight gain and insulin resistance in mice, especially when combined with polyethylene glycol. This compound prolonged gallated catechin absorption, limiting glucose uptake and improving glucose tolerance.

Starting with 2 health behaviors may be better than 1

The study found that delivering physical activity and dietary interventions simultaneously may result in the most positive sustained outcomes across two important health behaviors. Participants who received simultaneous advice successfully increased both their dietary and physical activity levels to national recommendations by 12 months.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 21, 2013

A shortcut to timely, cost-effective interventions for HIV

A mathematical model developed by Yale researchers predicts that combining multiple interventions could prevent up to two-thirds of future HIV infections and reduce prevalence from 19% to 10% in 10 years. The study suggests increasing male circumcision, more frequent screening, and antiretroviral therapy as the most effective strategies.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 15, 2013

Lady flies can decide who will father their young

A study by Christian Rodriguez-Enriquez and colleagues found that female flies can expel and consume male ejaculate after copulation, potentially biasing paternity. The researchers also discovered that well-fed females were more likely to consume ejaculate, which may have positive health benefits in arid environments.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 11, 2013

Beavers use their noses to assess their foes

A study by Helga Tinnesand and her colleagues found that beavers use anal gland secretions to assess their foes, with older sons detected as a greater threat. This allows established territory owners to accurately gauge the level of response required.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 9, 2013

Birds find ways to avoid raising cuckoos' young

A new study suggests that swallows and martins in Europe build their nests close to humans to reduce the risk of cuckoo parasitism. By breeding indoors, these birds can avoid ejecting model cuckoo eggs from their nests, thus reducing the likelihood of cuckoo parasitism.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 8, 2013

Could playing 'boys' games help girls in science and math?

Research suggests that playing traditionally masculine activities can improve girls' performance in subjects requiring spatial ability. Gender-roles play a significant role in shaping individual differences in spatial ability, with both masculine and feminine identification leading to better performance in mental rotation tasks.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateApr 4, 2013

Physicists decipher social cohesion issues

A new study uses computer simulation to explore how directional migration influences cooperation levels and population structure. The results show improved cooperation among individuals in dense clusters resembling social cohesion.

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

Telling tales can be a good thing

A recent study found that mothers tend to elaborate more and use more emotional terms when reminiscing with their children than fathers. This increased interaction helps mothers communicate the importance of their child's feelings and experiences, leading to better emotional well-being.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 27, 2013

How proteins read meta DNA code

Researchers developed a basic computer model of the nucleosome to identify the sliding mechanism of nucleosomes along the DNA. This mechanism supports the idea of a second genetic code, previously suggested in 2006, which consists of a mechanical code written within the base pair sequence.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 19, 2013

Swarm intelligence

Researchers found that globally ordered motion breaks down in overcrowded swarms, and a power law describes the average alignment in the direction of motion. Computer simulations revealed new features of individual animal behavior when confronted with high densities and close neighbors.

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

Mystery of 'zombie worm' development unveiled

A new study elucidates the reproductive strategy of bone-eating worms, shedding light on their postembryonic development and sexual maturation. The researchers observed the duration of the larval stage, male dwarfism, and rapid female spawning, enabling effective reproduction in a food-rich but isolated habitat.

The side effects of statin ads

Exposure to statin TV ads was linked to higher rates of high cholesterol diagnosis and statin use, especially among those at low risk for heart disease

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 7, 2013

Shadows over data sharing

The human genome sequencing project's experience highlights current challenges in accessing data, particularly in social sciences and personalized medicine. Researchers often withhold data due to competitive advantages or confidentiality agreements, hindering open access.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateMar 5, 2013

Unlocking fuel cell conductivity

Researchers have devised a model of oxygen-ion dynamics that contribute to the conductivity of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ), a material of great interest in electrochemical devices. By understanding oxygen-ion diffusion, scientists aim to reduce fuel cell operating temperatures from above 700°C to room temperature.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 27, 2013

New taxonomy of platinum nanoclusters

Researchers have catalogued the structural diversity of metallic nanoclusters into families using a new numerical simulation method. This breakthrough enables tailoring of specific properties and has potential applications in nanocatalysis and magnetic storage.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 20, 2013

We know when we're being lazy thinkers

Researchers found that participants are conscious of substituting harder questions with easier ones, but still uncertain about their answers. This suggests they are not 'happy fools' who blindly answer incorrectly.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateFeb 19, 2013