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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 41


Page 41 of 376

Family ties that bind: Having the right surname sets you up for life

A study by Gregory Clark and Neil Cummins found that social status is consistently passed down among families over multiple generations, even more strongly than height. The researchers tracked social mobility from 1170 to 2012 using rare English surnames and found little change in social mobility since pre-industrial times.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateNov 17, 2014

The dirty side of soap

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that triclosan causes liver fibrosis and cancer in laboratory mice through molecular mechanisms relevant in humans. Long-term exposure to the chemical may lead to liver toxicity, particularly when combined with other compounds.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Viruses impaired if their targets have diverse genes

A new study published in the British journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B suggests that increased genetic diversity can limit the spread and severity of viral infections in livestock and endangered species. Researchers found that viruses replicated more slowly and caused less severe disease when transmitted through genetically di...

Reprogramming cells, long term

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully reprogrammed adult cells into insulin-producing beta cells in mice, showing promise for treating both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study's long-term findings suggest that the newly created cells remain functional over a period of approximately half the animal's normal lifespan.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 17, 2014

Adjusting Earth's thermostat, with caution

Researchers from Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences propose a controlled experiment to test the risks and benefits of solar radiation management, aiming to reduce uncertainty in climate engineering. The 'stratospheric perturbation experiment' would involve a tiny amount of material to measure key aspects of atmospheric ...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateNov 17, 2014

Antibiotics get a 'time-out'

A McGill University Health Centre study found that adopting structured antibiotic time-outs led to decreased antibiotic costs and a small decline in Clostridium difficile infections. The time-out program, which involved regular re-evaluation of treatment strategies, resulted in improved prescribing practices among physicians.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 17, 2014

Heart muscle inflammation and swelling peak twice after heart attack

A new study by Mount Sinai Heart and CNIC in Spain reveals two waves of heart muscle inflammation after a heart attack, contradicting previous consensus. The researchers discovered the first wave occurs immediately after the attack and subsides, followed by a second wave that arises a week later.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 17, 2014

Fruit flies learn from others

Research shows that fruit fly females combine personal preferences with social information when choosing egg-laying sites. While most follow the group's cue, some females ignore social influence and stick to their own preference. This complex decision-making process is influenced by environment, genetics, and social context.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 17, 2014

Why lizards have bird breath

Scientists at the University of Utah have found that iguanas, not known for high-capacity aerobic fitness, have bird-like breathing patterns in their lungs. This discovery bolsters the case that unidirectional airflow evolved long before the first birds, suggesting a common ancestor among lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Novel basic science tip sheet

Researchers found that a diet rich in plant-based flavonoids can help regulate the body's immune system response to fine particles in polluted air, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, a low-cost vaccine targeting PCSK9 has been shown to safely lower bad cholesterol levels in animal studies.