Angling for gold
A new model provides an alternative description of atomic-level gold bonding, taking into account bond directionality. The Tersoff potential model allows for reliable covalent bonds between gold atoms and other materials.
Springer
Seeing fewer older people in the street may lead low-income adults to fast-track their lives
A study by Newcastle University found that witnessing fewer older people in the street can lead to faster life strategies among younger generations. In deprived neighborhoods, more young adults were observed on the streets, despite actual age distribution indicating a higher proportion of residents over 60.
US underestimates costs of carbon pollution and climate change
A new study reveals that the US federal government significantly underestimates the economic damages caused by climate change. The current model ignores the impacts on future generations, resulting in underestimated costs for carbon pollution. Adopting cleaner energy sources can provide significant economic benefits and pave the way fo...
No proof that patients lose weight after joint replacement surgery
A review of twelve studies on joint replacement surgery found no conclusive evidence for weight loss after the procedure. In fact, some patients even gained weight due to improved mobility and reduced pain.
Twitter data crunching: The new crystal ball
Researchers from Northeastern University used Twitter data to analyze voting patterns in American Idol, predicting the outcome of votes with high accuracy. The study also identified geographical influences on voting patterns, suggesting that a different outcome might have occurred if voting had been open to international fans.
HIV home testing kits prove their worth
A recent study published in the journal AIDS and Behavior found that HIV home testing kits are a cost-effective and acceptable tool for preventing HIV transmission among men who have sex with men. The kits were found to be particularly effective in encouraging individuals to disclose their HIV status, leading to reduced risk of transmi...
Noise down, neuron signals up
A new biologically accurate model of background noise in the nervous system has been developed to explain how noise induces delays in neuron responses. The researchers found that modulating two factors can help neurons encode information more accurately.
Hope for patients with HIV-associated cognitive impairment
Researchers discovered that catechins, found in green tea and cocoa, can protect neurons from damage and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. This could lead to new hope for patients with HIV-associated cognitive impairment.
Banks' cash stash: No shield against bankruptcy
A recent study published in European Physical Journal B found that imposing minimum capital levels for banks may trigger a widespread banking system collapse. The researchers' model showed that the effect of a single insolvency can trigger an avalanche in the banking system, leading to larger crises.
He/she, him/her – a sign of women's place in society?
A study by Jean Twenge and colleagues found that the use of female pronouns in books increased as women's status rose, particularly after 1968. The analysis revealed a correlation between the frequency of female pronouns and women's educational attainment, labor force participation, and delayed marriage.
Scientists discover the truth behind Colbert's 'truthiness'
Researchers found that people agree more with claims when a photo is displayed, regardless of its accuracy. This phenomenon, known as 'truthiness,' has important implications for situations where people are influenced by visual cues.
Too cool to follow the law
Researchers found that glass-former materials don't follow standard dynamics below a sub-melting point threshold, contrary to recent reports. The study highlights the need for precise viscosity data to accurately analyze their behavior.
Ecosystems reveal radiation secrets
A new study challenges conventional models assessing radiation's impact on human health, revealing a non-linear transfer of radioactive compounds in ecosystems. The research found that levels of these compounds are three times higher in fish-eating species than in non-fish-eating species.
Telling the tale of the wealth tail
Researchers propose a mechanism of individual interaction to understand collective macroscopic behavior, finding power-law tails in some models. The diversity of saving propensity among individuals plays a role in shaping the distribution of wealth.
Turbulences at a standstill
Theoretical physicist Dima Shepelyansky found that energy flows from large to small scales can be prevented under specific conditions, similar to the way electron currents are stopped in disordered solids. This discovery links chaos theory and turbulence, highlighting a phenomenon where energy threshold plays a crucial role.
Carnivores: Beware of ticks
Researchers discover tick bites trigger alpha-gal antibodies in patients, leading to delayed anaphylaxis after eating red meat. The study highlights a previously unknown food-induced severe allergic reaction due to a carbohydrate, not protein.
Female money doesn't buy male happiness
A new study by Patrick Coughlin and Jay Wade found that macho men who accept their partner's higher income have better quality relationships. Conversely, those with traditional masculinity ideologies report low-quality relationships due to the disparity in income.
Disentangling information from photons
Researchers develop tool to decompose photon pairs' superimposed states, enabling access to their information even with imperfect measurements. The findings suggest that higher entanglement levels can reveal more information, leading to more resilient quantum info applications.
Vertebroplasty reportedly provides better pain relief and function
A study analyzing published data found that vertebroplasty provides better pain relief and function for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures compared to nonoperative treatments. Vertebral stabilization technique also offers benefits over other treatments despite conflicting results to date.
The parenthood paradox
A recent study found that women who believe in intensive parenting are more likely to experience stress, depression, and lower life satisfaction. Mothers who endorsed these attitudes had moderate levels of stress and depression, with approximately 23% showing symptoms of depression.
Giraffes are living proof that cells' pressure matters
Physicists developed a two-component model accounting for cell expansion and fluid dynamics. The model revealed that homeostatic pressure, not fluid pressure, drives cell division in biological tissues. This discovery could help understand cancer growth by disrupting homeostasis.
APA task force recommends treatment guidelines and position statements on transgender persons
The American Psychiatric Association Task Force on Treatment of Gender Identity Disorder recommends clinical practice guidelines for psychiatrists caring for transgender patients. The report concludes that the quality of research evidence is not robust, but clinical consensus supports treatment recommendations.
Life span of ovarian grafts longer than expected
A new study shows that ovarian grafts can maintain hormonal function for more than seven years in some women, providing a long-term solution for fertility preservation. This breakthrough could benefit young cancer survivors with premature ovarian failure, enabling them to retain reproductive health for an extended period.
Countering crowd control collapse
Researchers found that crowd disasters are not caused by individual panic, but rather amplifying feedback and cascading effects. They introduced a new scale to assess criticality of conditions in the crowd, aiming to prevent disasters before they occur.
Long-term cancer survivors struggle to keep regular work hours
A study by Steffen Torp and colleagues found that long-term cancer survivors take significantly more sick leave than their non-cancer counterparts. Socio-demographic factors, such as education level and family status, were key predictors of sick leave, rather than the type or severity of cancer.
Neutrons escaping to a parallel world?
Researchers suggest mirror particles could be responsible for the missing mass of the universe due to an anomaly in neutron behavior. The loss rate of slow neutrons appears to depend on magnetic field strength, which could indicate a parallel world with invisible mirror twins.
Thomas Elsaesser and Horst Weller receive the Julius Springer Prize for Applied Physics 2012
Researchers Thomas Elsässer and Horst Weller recognized for detailed understanding of elementary processes on the sub-nanoscale. Their work has led to applications in photovoltaics, fuel cells, and drug delivery systems.
Sexual minority women are often victims of abuse
A new study reveals that lesbian and bisexual women, particularly those who identify as more butch or femme, are at higher risk of childhood abuse and adult sexual assault. The research highlights the importance of considering gender identity and expression in targeted assessments and interventions for this vulnerable population.
Sending sexually explicit photos by cell phone -- more common among teens than you might think
A significant number of teenagers engage in sexting despite being unaware of the potential consequences. Nearly 20% of students surveyed had sent a sexually explicit image via cell phone, with over a third doing so despite believing there could be serious legal and other consequences.
Are feminism and attachment parenting practices compatible?
A new study by Miriam Liss and Mindy Erchull found that feminist mothers support time-intensive, hands-on parenting practices associated with attachment parenting. The researchers surveyed 431 American women and found that feminists were more likely to endorse attachment parenting than non-feminists.
Modeling the demise of migrating brain tumor cells
A theoretical model simulates brain tumor cell evolution under treatment, revealing that peripheral cells need to be targeted. The model suggests enhancing TTF treatment by applying specific frequencies, leading to increased plasma membrane permeability and cancer cell demise.
Many physicians recommend unnecessary cancer screening for the old and sick
A new study suggests that some physicians would recommend colorectal cancer screening for 80-year-old patients with advanced lung cancer who would not benefit from the procedure. Physicians were found to be more likely to recommend invasive tests like colonoscopy rather than non-invasive ones.
Online tool to quit smoking
The new web-based smoking cessation program, StopAdvisor, offers expert advice to help smokers prepare for and overcome the challenges of quitting. The platform uses a combination of interactive menus and personalized sessions to support users in their journey to quit smoking.
Misuse of over-the-counter pain medication is potential health threat
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that nearly a quarter of adults at risk of overdosing on single OTC acetaminophen products by exceeding the dose of four grams in a 24-hour period. Additionally, nearly half were at risk of overdosing by 'double-dipping' with two acetaminophen-containing products.
Positive words: The glue to social interaction
A study published in EPJ Data Science found that words with positive emotional content are more frequently used in online communication, enhancing social relations and facilitating interaction. This positive bias is linked to the use of less informative words for emotional expression.
Make no mistake - male bosses' errors matter
A new study reveals that male leaders who make mistakes are viewed as less competent and effective than female leaders in the same situation, with a greater impact on followers in masculine work domains. The researchers found that male leaders' errors are perceived more negatively, leading to decreased follower desire to work for them.
Cyber partners help you go the distance
A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that virtual exercise partners can significantly improve motivation and performance. Women who exercised with a more capable virtual partner cycled an average of two minutes longer than those who worked out alone, and reported no decline in motivation to exercise.
Make or break for cellular tissues
Researchers developed a model to study the behavior of cellular tissues, finding that they can split into disjointed patches when subjected to unfavorable substrates. This phenomenon, known as dewetting, is governed by the cells' sensitivity to substrate stiffness.
Spurious switching points in traded stock dynamics
A study by Vladimir Filimonov and Didier Sornette challenges the existence of power laws governing stock market volatility, volume, and intertrade times. They found that 'switching points' are actually caused by biased interpretation of market data statistics.
To get the full flavor, you need the right temperature
A new study by Dr. Gary Pickering and colleagues from Brock University found that changes in food temperature alter the intensity of sour, bitter, and astringent tastes but not sweetness. The research involved 74 participants who tasted sweet, sour, bitter, and astringent solutions at varying temperatures.
Free-floating planets in the Milky Way outnumber stars by factors of thousands
Research suggests hundreds of billions of free-floating, Earth-sized life-bearing planets exist between stars in the Milky Way. These 'missing mass' planets could mix cosmic primordial life on a galaxy-wide scale.
Self-worth needs to go beyond appearance
A study published in Springer's Sex Roles journal found that high family support and low pressure to achieve a 'thin ideal' are linked to a positive body image in young women. The research identified five key factors that promote resilience, including evaluating expectations, effective coping skills, and promoting holistic well-being.
Mitigating disasters by hunting down Dragon Kings
Researchers aim to predict Dragon Kings, statistical anomalies in natural disasters, using advanced statistical analysis. They have identified empirical evidence in abnormal rainfall, hurricanes, and sudden events.
Dry heat increases bark beetle bite
A new study found that rising temperatures and reduced rainfall in European Alpine spruce forests led to more frequent and severe bark beetle attacks. The study suggests that sustainable forest management strategies are necessary to mitigate the impact of climate change on these ecosystems.
Electric charge disorder: A key to biological order?
Researchers discovered that random patches of disordered electric charges can induce a twisting force strong enough to affect biological objects at nanometers or micrometers away. This phenomenon could help understand patterns in biology, such as lock and key interactions.
Superconducting strip could become an ultra-low-voltage sensor
Researchers observed an intermittent motion of magnetic flux in a superconducting strip, resulting in alternating static and dynamic phases with zero and non-zero voltage peaks. The study's findings have potential applications for gate devices controlling on/off states in electrical systems.
Artificial hips find some sports wearing
Patients who engage in high-impact sports like football and skiing experience better function and quality-of-life scores than those with lower activity levels. However, this comes at the cost of reduced durability of hip implants, with a 15-year follow-up showing an 80% implant survivorship rate compared to 94% for low-activity patients.
Your left side is your best side
Researchers found that images of the left side of the face are rated as more pleasant than those of the right side, possibly due to increased emotion intensity. The study also showed a strong preference for left-sided portraits in real-life photographs and confirmation from pupil size measurements.
Multitasking – not so bad for you after all?
A study by Kelvin Lui and Alan Wong found that frequent media multitaskers outperformed light multitaskers in integrating visual and auditory information. This improvement was attributed to their ability to routinely take in information from multiple sources.
Why are action stars more likely to be Republican?
A study by Aaron Sell explores how fighting ability drives men's behavior and attitudes, including political orientation. Physically strong men are more likely to support the Republican position on foreign policy.