Long Ran - Asian Scientist Magazine

AWARDS

2017 LOréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Rising Talent Award

How Mums Talk Plays A Role In Children’s Development of Theory Of Mind

Researchers have found that young children whose mothers discuss with them about people’s thoughts and feelings tend to be better at taking another’s perspective than other children of the same age.

IRRI: Insecticide Abuse In Rice Production Causes Planthopper Outbreaks

The International Rice Research Institute has called for a ban on certain insecticides in rice production as part of its new action plan to reduce planthopper damage to rice crops in Asia that costs millions of dollars.

Health

Pregnant Mums Asked To Stay Cool To Reduce Stillbirths And Shorter Pregnancies

Researchers have found a link between an increase in temperature and the incidence of stillbirth and shorter pregnancies.

In the Lab

Star Wars-Inspired Midichlorian Bacterium Offers Glimpse Into Origin Of Life

The Midichlora mitochondrii bacterium whose name was inspired by the Star Wars films has provided new clues into the evolution of our cells and how they came to possess energy-producing mitochondria.

Health

Debunked! Australians Aren’t Sleeping Less Due To iPads And iPhones

Researchers at the University of Sydney have debunked the widespread belief that technological devices such as computers and mobile phones are increasingly eating into our sleep.