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Folding biomolecule model shows how form dictates function

Researchers developed a theoretical method to calculate biomolecule conformations and demonstrate consistency with experimental results. The model sheds light on the role of amino acid structures in protein functions, revealing potential for extrapolating properties to larger systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateSep 13, 2017

Improved model of energy highway along protein strands

A new mathematical model describes how polarons can be displaced in a directed way with minimum energy loss in linear peptide chains, accounting for the energy transport mechanism in proteins. The model predicts that a constant electric field can initiate and sustain polaron motion along polypeptide chains.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 13, 2017

How well electron transport works in furfural biogas

Researchers studied electron beam interactions with furfural gas to establish benchmark evaluation of low-energy electron scattering cross-sections and energy loss estimates. The analysis provided valuable insights into the energy characteristics of furfural biogas, a promising candidate for alternative biofuels.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateSep 13, 2017

A new method provides better insights into real-world network evolution

Chinese scientists develop a new algorithm that leverages network structure characteristics to improve link prediction accuracy and robustness. Their experimental testing in various real-world networks yields better results than existing methods, leading to the creation of a novel method for predicting missing links.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 13, 2017

Why high-fiber diets do not always lead to weight loss

A new study published in International Journal of Obesity suggests that the effectiveness of high-fiber diets depends on the type of bacteria in a person's intestine. The research found that participants with a specific combination of Prevotella and Bacteroides bacteria lost more weight and body fat when following a high-fiber diet.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 12, 2017

What role do genome variations play in tuberculosis?

A genome-wide association study identified the CD53 gene as a susceptible locus for tuberculosis. Increased CD53 expression was observed in active TB patients, supporting its biological role in disease susceptibility. This research lays the foundation for identifying individuals at high risk of developing tuberculosis.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateSep 7, 2017

Want your question answered quickly? Use gestures as well as words

A study published in Springer's Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that incorporating gestures into conversations leads to faster turn transition times and quicker responses. Gestures appear to provide a visual component that helps speakers convey additional information, enabling listeners to process and respond more efficiently.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateSep 7, 2017

When not to eat your kids

Researchers found mangrove rivulus fish recognize single embryos as related to themselves despite hunger, suggesting a chemical cue role. The study's results demonstrate an early-stage embryonic kin recognition ability in this species.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 5, 2017

A slam dunk for women head coaches -- so drop the bias

A new study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that female basketball coaches face more biases than male coaches, despite performing equally well. The research analyzed data from 1,522 players over two seasons and concluded that individual player performance was not linked to the gender of their head coach.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateAug 30, 2017

New green solvent could help clean our air

French researchers have developed a new green solvent that can trap harmful volatile organic compounds from the air. The non-flammable mixture, made from choline salt and urea, was found to dissolve up to 500 times more chemicals than water at 30°C.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateAug 24, 2017

Opioid misuse can be tracked using Twitter

A study found that tweets about opioid misuse on Twitter were strongly correlated with state-by-state information from the National Surveys on Drug Usage and Health. The research used a list of keywords to extract relevant tweets, which were then clustered based on semantic distance and verified by medical toxicologists.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Medical Toxicology·DateAug 22, 2017

Gender norms are still important for women's choice of college major

A study suggests that women's conformity to traditional feminine norms affects their choice of college majors. Women conforming more closely to these norms are less likely to pursue STEM fields or arts/humanities, while those who align with caregiving and domesticity norms are more likely to choose STEM or clinical fields.

SourceSpringer·JournalGender Issues·DateAug 17, 2017

Chimpanzees learn rock-paper-scissors

A study shows that chimpanzees can learn the rock-paper-scissors game, but takes longer to grasp the third pair. The research team also taught the game to preschool children, who learned it quickly and accurately, especially as they aged.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrimates·DateAug 10, 2017

Small streams have a big influence on our lives

Headwater streams, often overlooked due to their small size, have a significant impact on river ecosystems. Research highlights the importance of improved mapping, understanding resistance and resilience, and assessing impacts from human alterations to land use and climate.

SourceSpringer·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateAug 7, 2017

The Gulf of Mexico before the spill

The Gulf of Mexico's unique flora and fauna are detailed in two open-access books compiled by editor C.H. Ward, covering topics such as water quality, oil seepage, and commercial fisheries. These studies provide an extensive baseline assessment of the Gulf's state and health before the devastating 2010 spill.

Child abuse and neglect linked to gender inequality

Researchers found a significant association between gender inequity and increased child physical abuse and neglect. The study analyzed data from 57 countries and found that higher scores on measures of discrimination against women were linked to higher rates of child maltreatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Family Violence·DateJul 27, 2017

What do Trump's tweets say about his personality?

Researchers analyzed Trump's 3200 tweets to find that he exhibits strong features of a Schumpeterian personality, characteristic of successful entrepreneurs. He shows creative and change-oriented behavior, but also struggles with emotional stability.

SourceSpringer·JournalSmall Business Economics·DateJul 25, 2017

Sibling bonding is stronger when dad's around

A study published in Springer's Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that paternal half-siblings in olive baboons develop stronger bonds when their shared father is present. This challenges the long-held assumption that maternal kin dominate primate social behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJul 18, 2017

Granular media friction explained: Da Vinci would be proud

Researchers have solved the equation describing solid friction on granular materials for an arbitrary number of dimensions. Their results are in excellent agreement with numerical solutions in 2 and 3 dimensions, making the model applicable to various industries such as construction and pharmaceuticals.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 12, 2017

Pulse rate monitoring before a C-section can improve maternal health

A new study suggests that tracking pulse rate can help determine whether a woman needs blood pressure regulating medication after a spinal block before a Caesarean section. The research recommends considering factors such as pulse rate variability, pulse transit time, and body mass index to identify patients at risk of hypotension.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 11, 2017

Oil spill impacts may perturb entire food webs

A new study reveals oil spills can alter the structure of aquatic food webs, leading to increased fish populations like menhaden in the Gulf of Mexico. The research found that the loss of top predators reduced predation on forage fish, resulting in a surge in their abundance after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon blowout.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·DateJul 10, 2017

Are we still jealous? Infidelity in the age of social media

Men feel more distressed by sexual infidelity, while women are upset by emotional messages, with women generally more upset than men regardless of message content. The study supports evolutionarily derived theories that suggest differences in what triggers jealousy among men and women.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateJul 6, 2017

Bumble bees make a beeline for larger flowers

Researchers found that bumble bees create more efficient foraging routes when larger flowers are available, as they can quickly recognize and navigate to the next nearest flower. This study suggests that learning is a choice that foragers make based on the cost-benefit balance of learning, depending on circumstances.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 29, 2017

Tech company video ads still dominated by white males

A recent study found that video advertisements from top tech companies feature predominantly white males, reinforcing traditional gender roles and perpetuating a lack of diversity in the tech industry. The researchers analyzed 54 videos featuring products and services, highlighting the underrepresentation of women, racial/ethnic minori...

SourceSpringer·JournalGender Issues·DateJun 27, 2017

Body contouring is only for the rich and insured

A study published in Obesity Surgery found that only 2,112 out of 37,806 patients (5.58%) underwent subsequent body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery. The majority of these patients had higher incomes or health insurance, and the procedures usually occurred within two years after the initial bariatric procedure.

SourceSpringer·JournalObesity Surgery·DateJun 13, 2017

Concentration spans drop when online ads pop up

Researchers found that online ads decrease brain activity in frontal/prefrontal cortical areas, indicating a drop in concentration levels. The presence of ads also affects the frontal/prefrontal asymmetry index, with some subjects experiencing increased and others decreased activity.

SourceSpringer·JournalCognitive Processing·DateJun 12, 2017

Zig-zagging device focuses high-energy radiation emissions

Physicists have developed a way to control high-energy particle emissions in an undulator device, which could potentially be used as a source of radiation for cancer treatment or nuclear waste processing. The new device produces a much higher level of radiation than traditional ones.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 12, 2017

Autonomous machines edge towards greater independence

Researchers have developed a method for autonomous learning in self-taught systems, allowing them to evolve and adapt over time. This approach, which incorporates delayed dynamics and feedback loops, has been successfully applied to neural networks and phase oscillators, yielding robust performance with minimal external control.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 8, 2017

Does your name match your face?

A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that people's names are associated with specific face shapes, influencing voting decisions. Candidates with congruent names received an average of 10 more percentage points in their elections than those with incongruent names.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJun 8, 2017