Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Springer


Chinese researchers further develop adenine base editing system

Chinese researchers have improved the adenine base editing (ABE) system to generate mouse or rat models for human genetic disorders, such as DMD and Pompe disease. The ABE system allows for efficient alteration of genetic codes with minimal undesired outcomes, making it a promising technology for therapeutic applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalProtein & Cell·DateJul 31, 2018

Hate speech from women is judged harsher than that from men

A new study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that women who make hateful remarks on social media are more likely to be flagged and judged severely. Women's reactions to hate speech are also less accepted than those made by men, highlighting the need for online moderators to be sensitive to gender stereotypes.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJul 31, 2018

Lynchings of the past affect health today

A new study by researchers from the University of South Carolina shows that US counties with a history of lynching events have higher contemporary mortality rates for both white and black populations. The study found significant associations between past lynchings and increased mortality rates, especially among African American females.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJul 26, 2018

Homing pigeons use local natural odors to find their way

Researchers confirm that pigeons rely on familiar smells to find their way home, not artificial odors. A study published in Journal of Comparative Physiology A found that pigeons exposed to natural environmental odorants performed significantly better at homing.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology A·DateJul 25, 2018

Empathetic dogs lend a helping paw

Research shows that dogs that remain calm and exhibit empathy during their owner's distress help out faster. Therapy dogs performed as well as other dogs in opening doors, highlighting the importance of traits like obedience over human-animal bonding.

SourceSpringer·JournalLearning & Behavior·DateJul 24, 2018

Wait, just a second, is your doctor listening?

A study found that patients are given little time to explain their concerns before being interrupted by doctors. Primary care doctors tend to interrupt less than specialists, who may skip the introductory step due to familiarity with the condition. The pressure to rush consultations affects patient-centered care.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 19, 2018

Voters do not always walk the talk when it comes to infidelity

An analysis of Ashley Madison user data found that conservative voters were more likely to use an adultery dating website, while liberal Democrats were least likely. The study, published in Springer's Archives of Sexual Behavior, suggests a discrepancy between reported and actual behavior on sexual matters.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJul 12, 2018

Centenary of cosmological constant lambda

The cosmological constant was first introduced by Einstein in 1917 to make the static universe model work. However, after the discovery of cosmic expansion, it became marginalized until recent observations and experiments revived its relevance as a key component of dark energy theory.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateJul 11, 2018

Scoping magnetic fields out for prevention

Physicists develop mathematical formula to approximate magnetic field circulation around a closed path or loop, based on Biot-Savart's law. The study provides a new approach to evaluate the effects of magnetic fields on human health and prevent exposure.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJul 11, 2018

Want an expensive engagement ring? Looks count

Research suggests that men will purchase more expensive engagement rings when imagining themselves with an attractive woman, while women prioritize larger rings with their less attractive partner. Women who rate themselves as physically attractive also opt for pricier rings.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateJul 10, 2018

Is the Bitcoin network an oligarchy?

Researchers found a circle-type structure within Bitcoin transactions, revealing hidden communities of interconnected owners. A small fraction of users holds the majority of the network's wealth.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 2, 2018

Team sports have ancient roots

Researchers found evidence of coalitional play fighting among hunter-gatherer societies, suggesting it was a universal feature of human psychology. This type of play involved coordinated action and non-lethal physical force, mirroring skills used in lethal raiding.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateJun 28, 2018

What nipple size means for evolutionary biology

Researchers found female nipple sizes vary significantly due to functional use in breastfeeding, contradicting previous claims. The study's findings support the idea that highly variable features result from weak evolutionary selection.

SourceSpringer·JournalAdaptive Human Behavior and Physiology·DateJun 26, 2018

Rush hour metro crowd governed by people's eagerness to go home

A new model examines the relative role of random interactions between individuals in a crowd compared to interactions stemming from their eagerness to be on their way. The study reveals that internal interactions between pedestrians can be negligible, and external factors such as crowd pressure drive the flow of people toward exits.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJun 19, 2018

Futuristic data storage

A new model of nanometric square material's changing magnetic state could be the basis for future ultrahigh density data storage. By controlling the interactions between individual nanomagnets, researchers aim to improve data storage in electronic and medical applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 19, 2018

When photons spice up the energy levels of quantum particles

A team of mathematical physicists has developed a new theoretical calculation that predicts new possible states for quantum particles that have received a photon. These states are distinct from conventional coherent states and can be applied to various models satisfying shape-invariance conditions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 19, 2018

Plants open their pores and scientists strike gold

Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University have identified gold nanoparticles in two plant species, B. nivea and E. Canadensis, collected from their natural environments. The particles were found to be similar in characteristics to artificial ones, suggesting they may have been absorbed through plant pores directly.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateJun 14, 2018

How can patients be protected from post-surgery opioid addiction?

A recent study found that up to seven percent of patients develop a persistent habit after being prescribed opioids following surgery. To address this issue, experts recommend enhanced care coordination between surgeons and primary care physicians to identify patients at risk of developing opioid addiction.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 12, 2018

African-Americans still disproportionately affected by HIV

Despite recent drops in HIV diagnoses across all US populations, African-Americans continue to be overrepresented among those diagnosed with HIV. The disparity has worsened, with Black males being 8.4 times more likely to be diagnosed than whites.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJun 5, 2018

Unzipping graphene nanotubes into nanoribbons

Researchers have developed a method to analyze electron flow in graphene nanoribbons using a simplified physics model. This approach uses a matching method to calculate transmission properties of electrons through the junction.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 5, 2018

Men take shortcuts, while women follow well-known routes

A study published in Springer's journal Memory & Cognition found that men tend to take shortcuts and navigate more efficiently than women in known environments. Women, on the other hand, follow learned routes and are more likely to wander, leading to slower navigation times.

SourceSpringer·JournalMemory & Cognition·DateMay 23, 2018

Remote control of transport through nanopores

Scientists have developed a way to alter external factors like voltage to control the transport of molecules through biological channels. The study, published in EPJ E, shows that applying an electric current can overcome energy barriers and facilitate molecule transfer.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 22, 2018

Intimacy in later life does not slow memory loss

A recent study published in Springer's Archives of Sexual Behavior suggests that older adults who engage in regular intimate activities and emotional closeness do not experience a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who are less active. However, this relationship is only observed on short-term memory tests, not over time.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMay 16, 2018

Women see through flashy cars and bling

A study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science found that women prioritize practical qualities over flashy displays of wealth when evaluating potential partners. Men who conspicuously display their wealth are perceived as less committed to long-term relationships and more interested in short-term sex.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateMay 7, 2018