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Former athletes finish first in race for top jobs

A new study by Cornell University reveals that past participation in competitive team sports confers occupationally advantageous traits that persist across a person's life. Former varsity athletes are expected to be more self-confident and demonstrate leadership skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Leadership & Organizational Studies·DateJun 17, 2014

Emotional contagion sweeps Facebook, finds new study

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that emotional contagion occurs when people are exposed to positive or negative emotions expressed by their friends on Facebook. The study showed that reducing exposure to negative content in news feeds led to an increase in positive words used by users, and vice versa.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2014

Flexible battery, no lithium required

Rice University researchers have created a thin-film battery that combines the best qualities of high-energy batteries and supercapacitors, retaining over 76% of its energy capacity after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. The flexible device has potential for wearable electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 28, 2014

3-D model links facial features and DNA

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new method to link genetic markers with facial features, allowing for the extraction of individual gene effects on facial shape. This breakthrough could lead to improved forensic analysis and better understanding of human genetics.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 20, 2014

Price Family Foundation funds research collaboration between Albert Einstein College of Medicine and University of Oklahoma

The Price Family Foundation has awarded a $3 million grant to Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the University of Oklahoma to investigate the structural biology of anaerobic microorganisms, with a focus on combating C. difficile infections. The joint project aims to find better treatments for these life-threatening infections.

Light and sound fire scientists' imaginations

Researchers have discovered new abilities to manipulate light and sound using structured polymers, which could lead to breakthroughs in computing, sensing technology, and soundproofing. The findings suggest the potential for creating thin soundproofing materials that can guide rather than absorb sound.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 12, 2013

Scientists scale terahertz peaks in nanotubes

In a breakthrough discovery, Rice University researchers found that free electrons in metallic and doped carbon nanotubes create plasmons at terahertz frequencies, enabling the potential for advanced optoelectronic devices. This finding clarifies the origin of the previously observed terahertz peak in nanotubes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 9, 2013

Honors for HFSP

Five Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) grantees were awarded Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine and Chemistry for their groundbreaking work. This achievement underscores the value of supporting innovative research projects and fosters collaboration among scientists.

Tennessee high school students publish in top science journal

Two Tennessee high school students, Dalton Chaffee and Hayes Griffin, published their research on mate choice in the journal Evolution, shedding new light on how mate selection is influenced by sexual imprinting. The study revealed that females' ability to identify preferred mates affects the evolution of sexual imprinting.

Illinois researchers advance understanding of schistosome reproduction

Researchers at the University of Illinois have characterized stem cells in larval schistosomes, which may help control the parasite's life cycle and potentially lead to its eradication. The study discovered molecular signatures similar to those found in free-living flatworms, allowing schistosome larvae to rapidly reproduce.

Practice at 'guesstimating' can speed up math ability

Research at Duke University found that practice in estimating and comparing quantities can improve math abilities, particularly for symbolic math skills. The study tested adult volunteers before and after training sessions, showing significant improvement in math test scores compared to a control group.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 7, 2013