Social contagion research explores how ant colonies regulate group behaviors
In the world of social creatures, from humans to ants, the spread of behaviors through a group—known as social contagion—is a well-documented phenomenon. This process, driven by social imitation and pressure, causes individuals to adopt behaviors.....»»
Azo-menthol: New molecule can regulate ion channels using light
Located in the cell membrane, TRPM8 ion channels are known as receptors that recognize cold and respond to menthol, the cooling agent in peppermint. In addition, these channels influence pain perception and play a key role in numerous diseases. This.....»»
Mobile payments used to be less "painful" than using cash. That might be changing
The act of handing over hard-earned cash has long been associated with pain. And historically, research has also found that consumers tended to spend less using cash rather than a payment card......»»
How bad will it get? Political scientists have a pessimism bias, study finds
The past decade has seen historic challenges for U.S. democracy and an intense focus by scholars on events that seem to signal democratic decline. But new research released Dec. 17 finds that a bias toward pessimism among U.S. political scientists of.....»»
Rules against insider trading also boost innovation, research finds
Strong enforcement of insider trading laws doesn't just protect investors—it encourages businesses to be more innovative, according to our new peer-reviewed research......»»
Study examines ex-ultra-Orthodox use of social media to cope with their new path in life
Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) who decide to leave the community and disaffiliate are at a stressful crossroads in their life. Many leave close-knit communities for an initially lonely path in a world they may not be very familiar with......»»
Spiderweb protocluster captured by Webb shows supermassive black holes can halt star formation
An international research team has used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to observe massive galaxies discovered by the Subaru Telescope in a corner of the early universe known as the Spiderweb protocluster. The JWST results confirm what had been.....»»
Research reveals how bad bacteria trigger painful gut contractions
After a meal of questionable seafood or a few sips of contaminated water, bad bacteria can send your digestive tract into overdrive. Your intestines spasm and contract, efficiently expelling everything in the gut—poop and bacteria alike......»»
Study explores effects of particle emissions from offshore wind farms on blue mussels
After several years of service under harsh weather conditions, the rotor blades of offshore wind parks are subjected to degradation and surface erosion, releasing sizeable quantities of particle emissions into the environment......»»
Research reveals mental health"s impact on parole rearrest likelihood
Individuals who have a mental illness are more likely to be rearrested after being released from prison than those without a mental illness, according to a new study by a University at Buffalo School of Social Work researcher......»»
Animal welfare group says bacterial infection killed Sonia the elephant in Pakistan
Pakistani veterinary surgeons found that a bacterial infection killed an elephant at a safari park in the city of Karachi earlier this month, a veterinarian with a global animal welfare organization said Wednesday......»»
Coral reef nightlife becomes more predatory with artificial light
Artificial light can wake sleeping fish and attract predators, changing nighttime coral reef communities, according to new research using novel underwater infrared cameras......»»
World"s only bonobo sanctuary aids orphaned apes in developing social skills
Apes orphaned by the illegal trade in bushmeat and pets can overcome trauma and develop social abilities like those of their mother-reared peers......»»
The social cost of carbon: Study finds current estimates omit key effects
The social cost of carbon—an important figure that global policymakers use to analyze the benefits of climate and energy policies—is too low, according to a study led by the University of California, Davis......»»
Brain cells mature faster in space but stay healthy: ISS study
Microgravity is known to alter the muscles, bones, the immune system and cognition, but little is known about its specific impact on the brain. To discover how brain cells respond to microgravity, Scripps Research scientists, in collaboration with th.....»»
Wind alters snow crystals, impacting climate models
Wind tunnel experiments conducted by the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF show how snow crystals change in the wind. The findings could force climate researchers to adjust their models—particularly in the polar regions, where snow.....»»
Study claims all observables in nature can be measured with a single constant: The second
A group of Brazilian researchers has presented an innovative proposal to resolve a decades-old debate among theoretical physicists: How many fundamental constants are needed to describe the observable universe? Here, the term "fundamental constants".....»»
Low glycemic index rice seen as promising solution to mitigate Asia"s diabetes crisis
A new paper recently published by scientists explores the potential of low glycemic index (Low GI) rice to combat the growing diabetes epidemic, particularly in Asia......»»
Household slavery: "An overlooked method of enslaving people"
When discussing enslavement, attention often focuses on Africans forcibly shipped to South America. Researcher Timo McGregor's new Veni research sheds light on a lesser-known method, whereby indigenous populations were enslaved through the households.....»»
The physics of random stacking: Perspectives on stability and chaos
Pile up blocks until the tower collapses. But why does the tower always end up collapsing? Is it possible that it can be built ad infinitum? A study published in the International Journal of Solids and Structures explores the fascinating and complex.....»»
Submarines for space exploration
Submarines are emerging as a unique research platform to study human adaption to extreme environments—from ocean depths to outer space......»»