Articles tagged with Hair
The bladderwort's trap snaps shut faster than the blink of an eye, catching prey with powerful suction. Recent research reveals structural adaptations to different environments, allowing plants to lure and catch various prey types.
A new study by Prof. Spike W. S. Lee and colleagues reveals that moral purity is both universal and culturally variable. In a face culture like East Asia, facial purification has a powerful moral effect, freeing individuals from guilt-driven prosocial behavior.
Researchers uncover the genetic mechanism behind the Dun pattern, a unique coat color variant that provides camouflage in wild horses. The study reveals a single gene, TBX3, determines Dun versus non-Dun color, with implications for understanding horse domestication and skin/hair development.
A study found that women account for 13% of department leader positions, while moustachioed men account for 19%. The researchers suggest policies like family benefits and flexible scheduling to increase women in leadership without discriminating against men with facial hair.
A study published in Journal of Experimental Biology found that hair allows animals to both get dirty and remain dirt-free. The research team found that a honeybee has nearly 10 billion hairs, while the human head has just 100,000, making their true surface area 100 times greater than their skin surface area.
Researchers discovered five new species of long-haired wasps in India, belonging to a previously unknown genus. The wasps' unique features include long hair-like structures along the margins of their wings.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have discovered a repair and renewal mechanism in protein movement within hair cells of the inner ear. The study found that constant movement and replacement of proteins serve a maintenance and even repair function, potentially reversing hearing loss.
This week in BMJ Case Reports highlights the risks of accidental overdosing on herbal medicines, severe iron deficiency associated with heavy head lice infestation, and a rare complication involving a hair pin pierced through a child's kidney.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a technique to produce 3D-printed hair-like strands, fibers, and bristles using a common low-cost printer. The process involves applying molten plastic and then moving the print head sideways to create tapered strands.
A Rice University study found that customer feedback helps spur employee creativity and improves customer satisfaction by enabling employees to think outside the box and solve problems in novel ways. The research suggests that service organizations can benefit from strategically marketing to customers to encourage them to empower their...
A team of researchers found a fossilized mammal from the Cretaceous period that may have suffered from a fungal infection affecting its fur. The Spinolestes had fused hairs resembling hedgehog spines and reinforced spine structures, indicating a unique adaptation to its environment.
Engineers from UK SME Sofmat Ltd and University of Bradford create a virtually invisible 3D barcode that can be read using laser scanners, making it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. The technology has been verified in laboratory tests and is already generating interest from industries prone to counterfeiting.
A new study exploring the relationship between facial hair and health will survey sources from 1700 to 1918, including medical texts and personal diaries. The project aims to understand how beard grooming evolved over time and its connection to masculinity and hygiene.
Purdue researchers are working to learn precisely how much heat to apply and how frequently to use heat treatment for a given hair type without destroying it. The team has developed a prototype system that simulates a flat iron passing over hair, using an infrared microscope to study the behavior of heat on different hair types.
Scientists use new technology to determine grizzly bears' protein intake and mercury levels by analyzing a single hair sample. The technique has potential applications in determining the recovery of threatened bears and their habitat needs.
A team of scientists in Germany and Switzerland have identified the fungus Exidiopsis effusa as the cause of hair ice. The researchers found that the fungus enables the ice to form thin hairs, which are stabilized by a recrystallisation inhibitor provided by the fungus.
A new study demonstrates that non-invasive DNA sampling from hair can yield entire genome data, expanding the field of conservation genomics. This technique opens up new avenues for inquiry in adapting to changing environments.
Researchers discovered that Saharan silver ants use a coat of uniquely shaped hairs to control electromagnetic waves over an extremely broad range, enabling passive radiative cooling. The hair coating enhances optical reflection and radiative heat dissipation, keeping the ants' body temperature below their critical thermal maximum.
A study found that enhanced profile pictures of women increase their perceived attractiveness and trustworthiness for male viewers. However, the same effect does not apply to men, who find beautified profiles less trustworthy yet more attractive. This mixed result has implications for online dating and the risks associated with catfish...
A team of scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna developed a method to analyze horse tail hair to determine its ecological significance. By aligning hair segments to time using satellite information, they found that tail hair growth rates vary greatly between species and even within individuals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University discovered that bat wings have highly sensitive touch sensors that respond to airflow changes, allowing for precise flight control. This finding can inform the development of more agile air vehicles.
Researchers discovered that microfibers in plant hairs change shape to collect and release water, a phenomenon that may inspire technology to mimic. This unique feature could help develop an apparatus capable of collecting water from the air in arid regions.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals high levels of false caregiver smoking reports or second-hand exposure in multi-unit housing among premature children with lung disease. The researchers used hair samples to measure nicotine levels and found significant exposure among children whose caregivers claim not to smoke at home.
Scientists have developed a new method to analyze hair samples at crime scenes, using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect minute amounts of illicit drugs and explosives. This technique can quickly confirm whether hair is dyed and what brand of colorant was used.
A team of bioarchaeologists and archaeologists used isotopic analysis to study the diets of 14 individuals from Paracas Necropolis in Peru, dating back almost 2,000 years. The findings suggest that ancient Peruvians primarily consumed marine products and C4 and C3 plants during their final months of life.
Researchers found that pubic hairs harbor distinct microbial communities, which can distinguish between males, females, and individual people. These findings suggest that microbial 'signatures' from pubic hairs could be used as a new way to link offenders to victims in sexual assault cases.
International research confirms King Richard III's identity to 99.999% accuracy using DNA and genealogical study. The study also reveals his likely appearance, including almost certainly blue eyes and probably blond hair, as seen in the Arched-Frame Portrait.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has found a significant link between hair keratin mutations and an increased risk of dental decay. Individuals with mutations in hair keratin genes are prone to cavities, with abnormal tooth enamel structures contributing to weakness.
A new species of tarantula from Brazil was named Bumba lennoni in tribute to John Lennon. The species has defensive urticating hairs on its abdomen, and its genus name is inspired by a Brazilian folk tradition.
Engineers at MIT and Columbia University developed a method to predict cable coil patterns using laboratory experiments, computer-graphics technology, and theoretical analyses. The research aims to help design better deployment strategies for fiber-optic cables and prevent transmission glitches and data loss.
Researchers developed a new search algorithm that enables robots to find and navigate to tagged household objects using ultra-high frequency radio-frequency identification (UHF RFID) tags. The system allows the robot to play a 'hot-or-cold?' game to determine its direction, reducing complexity and increasing accuracy.
Researchers discovered that geckos can turn their toe hairs' stickiness on and off, allowing for speed and energy-efficient climbing. This mechanism is crucial for geckos' survival and enables potential applications in synthetic dry-adhesives for extreme environments.
Geckos can run up walls, cling to ceilings, and defy gravity due to their unique toe hairs called seta that turn sticky and non-sticky instantly. This 'smart' adhesion system allows geckos to achieve remarkable speeds and support massive weights.
Researchers at Disney Research Zurich and the University of Zaragoza have developed a method to capture an individual's hairstyle in 3D-printed figurines, improving realism and individuality. The system uses color images to compute coarse geometry and stylize hair while preserving defining features.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed Neolithic deer hair from the Tyrolean Iceman's clothing to shed light on red deer lineage. The results indicate that Alpine Copper Age red deer falls within the western European lineage, contrasting with current populations in the Italian Alps which belong to the eastern lineage.
The pygmy shrew population in Ireland is under threat from the rapid expansion of the greater white-toothed shrew species. The invasive species has spread across the landscape at a rate of over five kilometers per year, leading to concerns that it may displace the native pygmy shrews and even lead to their local extinction.
A recent study from Mayo Clinic warns of the dangers of home oxygen therapy combined with facial hair, particularly around sparks. Researchers found that mustaches can act as kindling for nasal oxygen tubes, leading to severe burns.
Breast cancer patients often do not meet national physical activity guidelines after diagnosis, with African-American women being less likely to do so. A study found that only 35% of survivors met guidelines post-diagnosis, with a significant decrease in activity six months after diagnosis.
A recent study found that frequent use of permanent dyes and perming treatments may expose hairdressers to banned aromatic amines, linked to increased cancer risk. The researchers recommend protective measures such as wearing gloves to minimize skin exposure.
A study using infant hair from rhesus monkeys found higher levels of cortisone and estrone in babies born to young mothers, suggesting a link between prenatal hormones and development. The findings raise questions about the impact on gender differences and chronic disease risk.
The 'human hairless' gene plays a crucial role in regulating hair growth, with mutations contributing to atrichia with papular lesions. Researchers discovered the gene's histone demethylase function, offering hope for developing new approaches to treat skin disorders and rare forms of hair loss.
Researchers analyzed chemical isotopes in hair and bone samples to track changes in Yosemite bears' diets over the past century. Management strategies implemented since 1999 successfully limited human food availability, but problems persist, with bears returning to dumpsters despite increased visitor numbers.
New research shows ordinary hair conditioner outperforms special nit-removal products in removing head lice eggs. The study found that ordinary conditioners were equally effective in loosening the glue-like substance holding the eggs in place, making them easier to remove.
Research reveals stick insects have developed a way to generate massive friction when walking upright through a hierarchy of grip with the slightest pressure, allowing them to grip but not stick. The insect's hairy friction pads employ three main tricks to increase contact area under pressure, creating a scale or hierarchy of grip.
Researchers at MIT and Université Pierre et Marie Curie provide the first detailed model for the 3-D shape of a strand of curly hair, with applications in computer animation and engineering. The model characterizes all degrees of curliness and describes how properties change along the arc length.
Researchers develop method to create long, twisting fibers that assemble themselves at the microscale, growing complex shapes and exhibiting unique properties. The new technique uses epoxy and can be instantly reversible, making it a promising technology for applications like batteries, photovoltaic cells, and sensors.
Researchers have established a new biomarker for stress in wild animals, using hair cortisol concentration (HCC) to monitor polar bears affected by global climate change. The technique has been successfully applied to analyze cortisol levels in polar bear hair samples from the past century.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have created a new form of thin-film technology, enabling the fabrication of extremely flexible and functional electronics. These components can be applied to textiles or worn on the skin to create 'smart' objects, monitoring various bodily functions.
A new study found that obese children have higher stress hormone levels than normal-weight peers, with elevated cortisol concentrations detected in hair samples from age 8. The observational case-control study analyzed hair samples from 20 obese and 20 normal weight children to measure long-term cortisol levels.
Researchers studied cockroach behavior to develop faster robots, finding that mechanical changes can overcome nervous system limitations. Cockroach antennae bend in response to rough surfaces, allowing for stable navigation during high-speed maneuvers.
Researchers have found that the closest relatives of papaya are three herbaceous species and a small tree with stinging hairs from Mexico to Guatemala. The study clarifies species boundaries and reveals the biogeographic history of the papaya family.
A study found that lawsuits related to procedures when non-physicians operate the laser are increasing, particularly outside traditional medical settings. Non-physician operators, including nurse practitioners and medical assistants, were involved in 75.5% of hair removal lawsuits from 2004 to 2012.
Researchers have discovered a link between grass species from Africa and America through DNA analysis, revealing unique traits such as 'clavicorniculate' hairs. The four species are now classified in the same genus, Disakisperma, shedding new light on plant taxonomy.
According to a new hypothesis, black holes may have distinct features, dubbed 'hair', which are influenced by the surrounding matter. This concept contradicts the traditional 'bald' model proposed by Roy Kerr in 1963.
A study from Linköping University found that Greek students reported poorer health and higher stress hormone cortisol levels than Swedish counterparts, despite lower perceived stress. The research suggests the social crisis in Greece is having biological effects on its residents.
A University of Tennessee study challenges the mere exposure effect by exposing students to repeatedly viewed 'bad' and 'good' artworks. The researchers found that repeated exposure did not increase liking for the poorly regarded pieces, while appreciation for the well-regarded works remained steady.
Researchers developed a new model to simulate cloth accurately in animated movies and video games, addressing existing limitations. The model uses a novel approach to simulate light interaction with cloth, treating fabric as a mesh of interwoven microcylinders.
The discovery of Megaconus mammaliaformis sheds light on the evolution of modern mammals, revealing a 165-million-year-old proto-mammal with hair and fur. The fossil, found in Inner Mongolia, China, provides evidence that key biological functions related to skin and integument evolved before the rise of modern mammals.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology created a miniature version of the Mona Lisa using nanotechnology, with an image 30 microns in width. The team used ThermoChemical NanoLithography (TCNL) to create variations in molecular concentrations on the nanoscale.
A team from Vienna has discovered that measuring cortisol in dog hair may be a simple and painless way to diagnose Cushing's disease. The study found significantly higher levels of cortisol, corticosterone, and cortisone in the hair of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism compared to healthy controls.