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Wiley


Tracking prions

A team of researchers found that infectious prions have highly flexible loops, absent in non-infectious forms, which differ significantly in their molecular structure. The study suggests that the molecular structure is a key factor in determining a protein's infectiousness.

SourceWiley·DateJun 17, 2008

Fair trade

Researchers have found a way to effectively recycle toxic chlorinated compounds using a lanthanum chloride catalyst. The new reaction enables the exchange of chlorine atoms for hydrogen atoms, producing desired products without byproducts.

SourceWiley·DateJun 16, 2008

Gender affects reaction to HIV-prevention materials

Women were more likely than men to approach gender-matched brochures and retain information from them. The study found significant gender differences in exposure to the intervention, including women reading more brochures and retaining more information.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·DateJun 10, 2008

Terrorism risk determines homeland security spending

A new study published in Policy Studies Journal reveals that terrorism risk is a positive determinant of Homeland Security funding. The research analyzed DHS funding patterns from 2004 to 2006 and found no evidence of political influence on grant distribution.

SourceWiley·JournalPolicy Studies Journal·DateJun 5, 2008

Admiring celebrities can help improve self-esteem

A study published in Personal Relationships found that people with low self-esteem can use parasocial relationships with celebrities to view themselves more positively. These relationships, which involve admiration without actual contact, offer a low-risk alternative to real relationships and can help reduce self-discrepancies.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateJun 5, 2008

Talking to cells

Researchers at the University of Nottingham created artificial polymer vesicles that can communicate with bacterial cells using sugar groups. These vesicles transfer information to the cells in the form of dye molecules, opening possibilities for targeted drug delivery and treatment.

SourceWiley·DateJun 5, 2008

Motivation of small business managers affects firm growth

A new study published in Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice reveals that the motivation of small business managers has a long-term effect on firm growth. The study found that motivation is a relevant predictor of firm growth, with managers' motivations varying and affecting the growth achieved.

SourceWiley·JournalEntrepreneurship Theory and Practice·DateJun 5, 2008

A wafer of polyethylene

Researchers have created ultrathin polymer films made of nanocrystals using a novel production technique. The method, led by Stefan Mecking, produces films with a thickness of 50 nm using individual prefabricated nanocrystal building blocks.

SourceWiley·DateJun 3, 2008

People more likely to overestimate their credit quality

A study by Vanessa Gail Perry found that those who overestimated their credit ratings had lower incomes, less formal education, and were less likely to own their homes. People more likely to overestimate their credit quality tend to be minority consumers with less financial experience.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateJun 2, 2008

Self-assembled viruses

Researchers have developed artificial viruses that can transport genes and drugs into cancer cells, eliminating immune responses and potential side effects. The viruses are self-assembled using a ribbon-like protein structure, allowing for precise control over their size and shape.

SourceWiley·DateMay 30, 2008

Green firms rewarded by financial markets

A study published in Strategic Management Journal reveals that financial markets reward green firms due to their perceived lower risk, resulting in reduced total cost of capital. Additionally, individual investors favor greener firms, leading to increased ownership and lower equity capital costs.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateMay 29, 2008

Government use of school league tables completely unjustified

New research published in 'Significance' magazine finds that UK school league tables are based on flawed methodology, leading to inaccurate judgments of a school's quality. The study suggests that the tables do not provide sufficient evidence to support institutional choice or accountability.

SourceWiley·JournalSignificance·DateMay 28, 2008

Protein fibrils as alternative plastics?

Amyloid fibrils, bundles of ordered protein filaments, display remarkable mechanical properties and have potential as nanomaterials. They can be tailored and biocompatible, making them suitable for surfaces in medical technology and drug delivery systems.

SourceWiley·DateMay 28, 2008

Obesity and unhealthy lifestyles linked to more complex urinary problems

A population-based study of over 5,000 men and women found that obesity and unhealthy lifestyles are associated with a larger number of urinary problems. Women who have had hysterectomies and men who have undergone prostate or bladder surgery also face an elevated risk. The study highlights the importance of considering social economic...

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateMay 15, 2008

Put the trees in the ground

A possible solution to the global carbon dioxide problem involves planting forests that can absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, then removing it by burial. This approach has been proposed as a realistic method to tackle the issue.

SourceWiley·JournalChemSusChem·DateMay 13, 2008

Beyond nutrition -- plants deliver

The Plant Journal special issue explores how plants can convert their fixed carbon into fuels and other useful products. This provides a renewable and affordable source of carbon to sustain future economic development without negatively impacting the environment.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMay 12, 2008

Both boys and girls negatively affected by sexual harassment

Girls were harassed more frequently than boys, but both sexes suffered negative effects from a school climate that tolerates girl's harassment. The study found a link between the climate and feelings of safety, withdrawal from school, and lowered self-esteem in both girls and boys.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateMay 12, 2008

Borrowers who complete homeownership education programs make better refinancing decisions

A study published in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management found that borrowers who complete homeownership education and counseling programs are more informed about when to refinance. The effectiveness of these programs varies by type, with intensive classroom-based instruction showing significant impacts on borrowing behavior.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateMay 12, 2008

Study identifies molecular response of cartilage to injury

A microarray screening study revealed significant gene expression changes in adult human joint cartilage after injury. The study identified the Wnt-16 signaling pathway as a key player in the molecular response, which may be relevant to osteoarthritis progression.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMay 8, 2008

Modern ceramics help advance technology

Researchers explored the critical role of piezoelectric materials in advancing technology, leading to breakthroughs in cell phone technology and ultrahigh resolution ink-jet printing heads. The study highlights the potential applications of PZT thin film materials for various devices, including motion sensors and optical mirrors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateMay 8, 2008

Power from formic acid

Researchers from Rostock have developed a feasible process for the on-demand release of hydrogen, generating it at room temperature from formic acid. The use of formic acid allows the advantages of established hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell technology to be combined with those of liquid fuels.

SourceWiley·DateMay 7, 2008

Obesity can increase dementia risk by up to 80 percent

Research found obesity increases dementia risk by 80%, while being underweight also poses a significant threat. The study, published in Obesity Reviews, analyzed data from over 37,000 people and estimated that 12% of dementia risk can be attributed to obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity Reviews·DateMay 7, 2008

Lab in a drop

Researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip PCR test that combines sample preparation with PCR on a single chip, reducing analysis time from hours to minutes.

SourceWiley·DateMay 6, 2008

Ecologists tease out private lives of plants and their pollinators

A study published in Functional Ecology reveals that plants producing high-quality pollen have closer relationships with pollinators, which is crucial for the survival of certain bumblebee species. The research found that plants relying on insects for pollination produce pollen with 65% more protein than those not reliant on insects.

SourceWiley·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateMay 5, 2008

Children affected by parents' behavior following trauma

A study suggests that effective parenting practices following trauma can mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and child adjustment. Positive parenting behaviors such as skill encouragement, monitoring, and interpersonal problem-solving can support healthy child development and promote resilience after trauma.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateMay 2, 2008

Bees disease -- 1 step closer to finding a cure

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of infection for American Foulbrood, the deadliest bee disease, allowing for potential prevention and control measures to be developed. The study provides a better understanding of pathogen-host interactions, crucial for combating infectious diseases in honeybees.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateMay 2, 2008

Not just for the monkeys: New publication shows evolution is everywhere

A new scientific journal uses evolutionary biology to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, food safety, and infectious diseases. The journal features articles that discuss topics ranging from adapting to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide to predicting the extinction of certain populations due to human-mediated stresses.

SourceWiley·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateApr 30, 2008

For good or ill Ireland gains another mammal species

A recent discovery of the greater white-toothed shrew in Ireland raises concerns about ecological impact and control. The introduction is believed to have occurred recently, with seven individuals trapped in four locations in Tipperary, marking a rare event for the country.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateApr 28, 2008

Variety is the spice of life: too many males, too little time ...

In polyandrous female Australian painted dragon lizards, sperm from different males compete to fertilize eggs. Females prefer mating with mixed-color pairs of males, suggesting a strategy to ensure genetic diversity. This unique behavior may contribute to the persistence of both male types in the population.

SourceWiley·JournalEthology·DateApr 23, 2008

Commercialization of air traffic control greatly improves performance

A recent study by Glen McDougall reveals that commercialization of air traffic control organizations has greatly improved performance with respect to cost, safety, and technical modernization. The reforms have resulted in reduced costs, improved service quality, and modernized workplace technologies.

SourceWiley·JournalCanadian Public Administration·DateApr 22, 2008