Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2014 - Page 26


Page 26 of 31

Photon hunting in the twilight zone

A study found that bioluminescent sharks possess higher rod densities in their eyes compared to non-bioluminescent sharks. This adaptation allows them to capture and process bioluminescent light more efficiently, which is crucial for communication, prey detection, and camouflage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 6, 2014

Exposure to inflammatory bowel disease drugs could increase leukemia risk

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that thiopurine therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may increase the risk of myeloid disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia. The study analyzed data from over 19,000 IBD patients and found a seven-fold increased risk among those taking thiopurines.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 6, 2014

Brain tumors fly under the body's radar like stealth jets, new U-M research suggests

Brain tumors use a stealth approach to evade the body's defense forces by coating their cells with extra amounts of galectin-1, a protein that evades detection by the early-warning immune system. Blocking this protein could potentially help patients by enabling the innate immune system to recognize and attack early-stage cancer growth.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 6, 2014

Healthy diet set early in life

A new study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that promoting a healthy diet from infancy can prevent childhood obesity and chronic disease. The research described food preferences developed at 12-16 months, persisting into adulthood.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateAug 6, 2014

A new way to model cancer

Researchers have found an alternative way to model cancer using CRISPR, a gene-editing system that can introduce cancer-causing mutations into the livers of adult mice. This method enables scientists to screen these mutations much more quickly than traditional breeding methods.

Older adults have morning brains!

A study published in Psychology and Aging found that older adults who were tested in the morning performed better on demanding cognitive tasks and showed greater activation of attentional control regions in their brains. This suggests that scheduling mentally challenging tasks for the morning can be beneficial for older adults.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateAug 6, 2014

Farm manager plays leading role in postharvest loss

A study in Mato Grosso, Brazil found that farm managers who are aware of factors contributing to postharvest loss actually experience less grain loss. The main causes of loss include harvest speed, lack of truck maintenance, bad weather, and poor road conditions. Despite identifying these issues, many farmers do not prioritize loss red...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Management·DateAug 6, 2014

Nutrition an issue for Indigenous Australians

A study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that nutrition was not given enough priority in national Aboriginal health policy between 2000 and 2012. The research identified a significant gap in life expectancy, with Indigenous Australians living 11.5 years less than non-Aboriginal Australians.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateAug 6, 2014

Wiki ranking

Researchers develop AI-powered system to score Wikipedia entries based on quality, outperforming human users. The algorithm uses Bayesian statistics and multivariate Gaussian distribution modeling to analyze content and rank articles accordingly.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Information Quality·DateAug 6, 2014

Link between vitamin D and dementia risk confirmed

A recent study published in the medical journal Neurology has confirmed a substantial link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The research found that participants with severe vitamin D deficiency were more than twice as likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNeurology·DateAug 6, 2014