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Friday, May 16, 2014

ScienceDaily: Strange Science News

ScienceDaily: Strange Science News


Negative stereotypes can cancel each other out on resumes

Posted: 15 May 2014 12:41 PM PDT

Stereotypes of gay men as effeminate and weak and black men as threatening and aggressive can hurt members of those groups when white people evaluate them in employment, education, criminal justice and other contexts. But the negative attributes of the two stereotypes can cancel one another out for gay black men in the employment context, according to research.

Silly Putty material inspires better batteries: Silicon dioxide used to make lithium-ion batteries that last three times longer

Posted: 15 May 2014 11:28 AM PDT

Using a material found in Silly Putty and surgical tubing, a group of researchers have developed a new way to make lithium-ion batteries that will last three times longer between charges compared to the current industry standard.

First 'heavy mouse' leads to first lab-grown tissue mapped from atomic life

Posted: 15 May 2014 11:28 AM PDT

The molecular 'fingerprint' for tissue taken from the first isotope-enriched mouse has huge potential for scientific breakthroughs, as well as improved medical implants. Earliest research based on the data has already revealed that a molecule thought to exist for repairing DNA may also in fact trigger bone formation.

How octopuses don't tie themselves in knots

Posted: 15 May 2014 09:32 AM PDT

An octopus's arms are covered in hundreds of suckers that will stick to just about anything, with one important exception. Those suckers generally won't grab onto the octopus itself; otherwise, the impressively flexible animals would quickly find themselves all tangled up. Researchers observed the behavior of amputated octopus arms, which remain very active for an hour after separation. Those observations showed that the arms never grabbed octopus skin, though they would grab a skinned octopus arm.

Addressing 'mischievous responders' would increase validity of adolescent research

Posted: 15 May 2014 06:51 AM PDT

"Mischievous responders" play the game of intentionally providing inaccurate answers on anonymous surveys, a widespread problem that can mislead research findings. However, new data analysis procedures may help minimize the impact of these "jokester youths." By providing misleading responses that the responders think are funny, these people, even in small numbers, can lead researchers to wildly incorrect conclusions. In turn, the conclusions can lead to ineffective policymaking and may perpetuate negative stereotypes about marginalized groups.

Invisible wireless networks brought to life as stunning 'spectres'

Posted: 15 May 2014 06:09 AM PDT

Invisible wireless networks are transformed into beautiful beams of color in a series of photographs. The images show the 'spectres' of wireless networks sweeping, swirling and swooping around a ghostly figure. They were produced as part of a project which aims to bring the invisible world around us to life.

High-speed solar winds increase lightning strikes on Earth

Posted: 14 May 2014 05:57 PM PDT

Scientists have discovered new evidence to suggest that lightning on Earth is triggered not only by cosmic rays from space, but also by energetic particles from the sun. Researchers found a link between increased thunderstorm activity on Earth and streams of high-energy particles accelerated by the solar wind, offering compelling evidence that particles from space help trigger lightning bolts.

Virtual pet leads to increase physical activity for kids, research says

Posted: 14 May 2014 12:33 PM PDT

Placing children into a mixed reality -- part virtual environment and part real world -- has great potential for increasing their physical activity and decreasing their risk of obesity, according to researchers. Children were split into two groups but only one group was allowed to train, exercise and play with an obese, virtual dog. Researchers found the group of children allowed to interact with the virtual pet averaged 1.09 hours of additional physical activity per day when compared to the group without the pet.

How cone snail venom minimizes pain

Posted: 14 May 2014 11:23 AM PDT

The venom from marine cone snails, used to immobilize prey, contains numerous peptides called conotoxins, some of which can act as painkillers in mammals. Researchers provide new insight into the mechanisms by which one conotoxin, Vc1.1, inhibits pain.

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