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Psycholinguists build eye-tracking database on reading in Russian

Researchers have created a comprehensive eye-tracking database for reading in Russian, providing insights into how native speakers process texts. The study sheds light on the characteristics of individual languages and has significant implications for diagnosing and correcting speech disorders, as well as determining language proficiency.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateAug 30, 2018

Database analysis more reliable than animal testing for toxic chemicals

A study published in Toxicological Sciences suggests that computer algorithms can predict toxic properties of chemicals more accurately than standard animal tests. The researchers developed a large database of known chemicals and used machine-learning algorithms to create a map of chemical structures and their associated toxic properties.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateJul 11, 2018

Alcohol intake may be linked to premenstrual syndrome

A pooled analysis of published study data suggests that around 11% of PMS cases may be associated with alcohol intake globally. Heavy drinking is estimated to increase the risk by 79%, with potential biological explanations including altered sex steroid hormone levels and serotonin production.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 23, 2018

Applying network analysis to natural history

A team of researchers used network analysis techniques to study the fossil records of marine life, revealing patterns in Earth's natural history. The analysis showed that major events like mass extinctions had significant ecological impacts, with some effects previously underestimated or overestimated.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Can estimates from forensic handwriting experts be trusted in court?

A new study found that forensic handwriting experts are marginally better than novices at estimating the frequency of specific features in handwriting samples, but with large overall error rates. The researchers advise courts to take a cautious approach when using experience-based likelihood ratios as evidence.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateApr 18, 2018

Using crowdsourced data, scientists build massive family tree that tells tales of humanity

Researchers created a massive crowd-sourced family tree analyzing 86 million public profiles from Geni.com, uncovering trends in migration patterns and genetic relatedness. The study found females migrate more than males, and couples born between 1800-1850 showed increased marital distances despite higher genetic relatedness.

Acne linked with increased risk of depression

Researchers found a significant link between acne and major depression, with a 63% higher risk within the first year of diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of monitoring mood symptoms in patients with acne and initiating prompt treatment for depression.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateFeb 7, 2018

A visual database of human plasma compounds

Researchers at Tohoku University have created a visual database of metabolites from over 5,000 Japanese volunteers, offering valuable insights into how specific compounds relate to each other. The jMorp database contains information on 306 metabolites and 256 common proteins, with graphical correlation tools to facilitate further study.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 22, 2017

Time between world-changing volcanic super-eruptions less than previously thought

A team from the University of Bristol analyzed geological records to find that volcanic super-eruptions occur much more frequently than previously estimated, with a new average time between events of around 17 thousand years. This re-evaluation raises concerns about the potential impact on global weather patterns and human civilization.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 29, 2017

New database catalogues plants that soak up contamination

The Global Hyperaccumulator Database contains data on 721 species of plants capable of absorbing high amounts of metal compounds. The database aims to facilitate the identification and utilization of these hyperaccumulators for environmental cleanup, particularly in mining-affected areas.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 21, 2017