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Science News Archive June 2014 - Page 21


Page 21 of 33

White bread helps boost some of the gut's 'good' microbes

A study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that white bread promotes the growth of Lactobacillus, a group of beneficial gut bacteria. The researchers also discovered that considering the whole diet, not just individual ingredients, is critical for maintaining a good balance of gut microbes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 11, 2014

How fire ant architects connect to build balls

Fire ants form complex networks of connections between their bodies and limbs, aligning their bodies perpendicularly and pushing against each other to reduce density. The ants actively control spacing and orientation within self-assemblages, using their legs to grip neighbours and increase buoyancy.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 11, 2014

Tree ant family tree reveals ant swimming evolution

Tropical ants have developed swimming abilities to navigate flooded forests, with over 50% of species exhibiting this trait. The ants' swimming techniques, such as using one leg to propel themselves forward and the other for stability, were analyzed in a study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 11, 2014

Map of universe questioned; dwarf galaxies don't fit standard model

A new study questions the accepted model of galaxy formation, suggesting that dwarf galaxies may have formed from another galaxy through a tidal interaction. The research criticizes three recent papers that found satellite galaxies to support the standard model, instead finding 'serious issues' with their methods.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 11, 2014

Nearby satellite galaxies don't fit standard model

Recent study finds satellite dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way and Andromeda do not behave as predicted by the standard model of galaxy formation. The galaxies are instead found in huge disks, moving in the same direction, like planets in our solar system. This mismatch raises concerns about the accuracy of the standard model of cosmology.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 11, 2014

Breakthrough study sheds new light on best medication for children with seizures

A recent clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that lorazepam and diazepam are equally effective in treating seizures in children. The study, led by Dr. Prashant V. Mahajan, compared outcomes in 273 seizure patients and found no significant differences between the two medications.

Famine fear won't sway minds on GM crops

A study found that consumers were no more likely to support genetically modified crops for disease resistance when presented with stories of the Irish Potato Famine. Preconceived views about the risks and benefits of agricultural genetic engineering played a significant role in shaping consumer opinions. The research suggests that gene...

SourceCornell University·JournalAppetite·DateJun 11, 2014

Making new species without sex

Scientists at Max Planck Institute have successfully generated new plant species through grafting, allowing for the transfer of entire genetic material between two species. The resulting plants exhibit improved growth rates and increased fitness compared to their parent species.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2014

Forest loss starves fish

Research reveals that debris from forests supplements the diets of microscopic zooplankton and fish that feed on them, leading to larger and stronger fish. The study found that areas with more forest cover have fatter fish, while those with less forest cover have smaller and weaker fish.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2014

Expert CLABSI guidance adds real world implementation strategies

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America releases practical recommendations to help acute care hospitals prioritize prevention efforts and reduce central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The guidance includes evidence-based strategies such as engaging healthcare personnel, educating staff, and standardizing c...

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 11, 2014

Guarding against 'Carmageddon' cyberattacks

Researchers at Vanderbilt University are developing tools to identify and counter cyber attacks on smart transportation systems, which could mitigate the impact of a potential 'Carmageddon' attack. The goal is to create algorithms that can automatically detect intrusions and take effective steps to counteract them.

Gigantic explosions buried in dust

Scientists have used ALMA to detect radio emission from molecular gas in two dark LGRB hosts, revealing a dust-rich environment with low molecular gas levels. This supports the hypothesis that dust absorbs afterglow radiation, causing dark gamma-ray bursts.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2014

A common hypertension treatment may reduce PTSD symptoms

Researchers at Emory University discovered that individuals diagnosed with PTSD treated with ARBs or ACE inhibitors exhibited fewer PTSD-like symptoms. The study found that the medication losartan enhanced fear memory extinction, a process disrupted in individuals with PTSD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 11, 2014