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Sac with spiral surface patterns facilitate substance delivery

Researchers have found that spiral surface patterns on liquid crystal sacs facilitate the delivery of molecules to specific locations within the body. The unique structure of these sacs, with its faceted tetrahedron shape and defects at four vertices, allows for controlled release of substances, enabling potential biomedical applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 19, 2018

How bullying affects the brain

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that chronic peer victimization during adolescence can lead to structural changes in the brain, including decreased volume in areas related to anxiety and depression. The research suggests that early intervention may help mitigate these effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 12, 2018

The physics of extracting gas from shale formations

A new study reviews current knowledge on flow processes during shale gas extraction, outlining how pore distribution and geometry affect gas transport. The authors present a model that matches experimental evidence, revealing the impact of rock bottlenecks on gas production.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 30, 2018

Fullerene compounds made simulation-ready

Researchers developed a method to simulate fullerene complexes, which can help understand their electron acceptor properties and electrostatic potential energy. The new model provides a better understanding of the relationships between electrons and fullerenes.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 15, 2018

Doubly-excited electrons reach new energy states

Physicists have characterised higher energy levels reached by electrons in resonance with positronium ions, a complex three-particle system. The new model provides guidance for experimentalists to observe these resonant structures, potentially leading to breakthroughs in atomic and nuclear physics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 13, 2018

Freshwater turtles navigate using the sun

A recent study published in Springer's journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that freshwater turtle hatchlings use the sun as their primary navigational cue. When released into a circular field arena with simulated daylight six hours earlier than usual, the turtles shifted their course by approximately 90 degrees.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 9, 2018

Factors affecting turbulence scaling

Researchers investigate turbulence scaling in fluids at critical points, finding anisotropy and compressibility impact scaling behavior. Four types of scaling regimes identified, with anisotropy key to determining emerging behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 8, 2018

Prejudice against women in power is greater than we think

A new study by Adrian Hoffmann and Jochen Musch found that people are significantly more prejudiced against women (37%) than initially thought (23%), as indirect questioning methods reveal honest responses. The study suggests that women are more reluctant to express prejudice, possibly due to societal expectations.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateNov 5, 2018

Could bariatric surgery make men more virile?

A review of 28 studies found that bariatric surgery increased testosterone levels and improved erectile function in obese men, but had no impact on sperm parameters. However, nutritional malabsorption may counterbalance these hormonal changes.

SourceSpringer·JournalObesity Surgery·DateOct 31, 2018

Can tiny doses of magic mushrooms unlock creativity?

A study suggests that microdosing psychedelics can improve creative problem-solving abilities by enhancing divergent and convergent thinking. Participants who took a tiny fraction of a normal dose of psychedelic substances showed improved performance on tasks requiring alternative solutions and convergent thinking.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateOct 25, 2018

Asian elephants could be the maths kings of the jungle

Researchers found that Asian elephants possess numerical skills comparable to those in humans, unaffected by distance, magnitude, or ratios. The study used a touch-panel task to train an Asian elephant named Authai to judge relative quantities, with a success rate of 66.8%.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Ethology·DateOct 22, 2018

Going to bed with your ex might not be as bad you think

A study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that having sex with an ex does not necessarily hinder breakup recovery. In fact, those who continued to pine after their ex-partner more often sought out sexual activity as a way to foster closeness and connection.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateOct 17, 2018

Teachers' views on LGBQ students are changing

A new study published in Springer's journal Social Psychology of Education reveals that American teachers have become more acceptant of homosexuality in recent years. However, many still hold negative attitudes towards LGBQ students, with a significant portion of educators viewing them unfavorably.

SourceSpringer·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·DateOct 4, 2018

Attosecond pulse leads to highest molecular level probe resolution

Researchers have developed a way to convert low-intensity infrared beams into high-intensity X-ray beams, enabling ultra-fast probes for molecular dynamics studies. By enhancing higher-order oscillations in laser sources, they achieved attosecond-level resolution, opening the door to new insights into electron behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 1, 2018

Is student debt keeping Americans away from marriage?

Research shows that modern couples are delaying marriage to focus on paying off student loans and saving. The study highlights how attitudes towards marriage, living together, and debt have changed over two generations, suggesting that debt is becoming a barrier to marriage.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateSep 26, 2018

Fish-rich diets may boost babies' brain development

Research suggests that consuming fatty fish during pregnancy can enhance babies' brain function and visual development. The study analyzed 56 mothers and their children, finding that those who ate fish three or more times a week had better test results for visual functioning and maturational changes.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateSep 20, 2018

Premature brains develop differently in boys and girls

A study found that premature baby boys' brains are affected more severely than girls', with significant sex differences in gray matter and white matter. The research used MRI scans to analyze the brains of 33 infants, showing that even at one year old, there are major sex differences.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateSep 19, 2018

Better chemo drug adsorption onto targeted delivery capsules

Scientists have demonstrated that adding aluminium atoms to active carbon delivery capsules increases the adsorption of chemotherapy drugs, like 5-Fluorouracil, onto targeted delivery devices. This could lead to more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects by encapsulating chemo drugs into active carbon.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateSep 18, 2018

Newborns with congenital heart disease have enlarged kidneys

A study by Gemma Scholes and colleagues found that newborn babies with congenital heart disease tend to have significantly enlarged kidneys. This contradicts previous assumptions about organ development in these infants. The type of congenital abnormality also influences kidney size, with some having larger or smaller than normal kidneys.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateSep 11, 2018

Why leaf-eating Asian monkeys do not have a sweet tooth

A genetic study reveals that Asian colobine monkeys have a poor sense of taste, particularly in regards to natural sugars. This is attributed to their diet consisting mainly of leaves, which are easily digestible and fibre-rich, rather than energy-rich fruits containing simple sugars.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrimates·DateSep 6, 2018

Switching DNA and RNA on and off

Scientists find that DNA and RNA have memory properties, with two stable states, making them suitable for storing data. The minimum electric field required for switching is inversely proportional to the ratio of topological polar surface area to total surface area.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateAug 21, 2018

Men still upstage women on screen -- but things are getting better

A study analyzed 50 top-grossing US films and found that women are now more often cast as characters holding positions of power. Despite this improvement, women are still under-represented on screen. The researchers also found that female lead characters were more likely to hold high-ranking positions and display physical aggression.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateAug 14, 2018

Researchers call for comprehensive transformation of food systems

A group of international researchers calls for a comprehensive transformation of food systems to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement on climate. The proposed four-pillar strategy prioritizes nutritious food access, sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation, and rural renaissance.

SourceSpringer·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·DateAug 9, 2018